Emmis Radio has switched the format of KIHT 96.3 FM from Classic Hits to Top 40, and will bring in some high-profile talent to man the mics at NOW 96.3.
"The deejays will be here in St. Louis, the music is researched here in St. Louis, and the contests will be in St. Louis only," said John Beck, Emmis' general manager in St. Louis.
"This will be radio like it should be, like it used to be," Beck told Stl.com.
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The switch — and Beck's pointed emphasis on local talent — means Emmis is looking for a showdown with iHeart Media's KSLZ 107.7 FM /Z-107, the No. 1 Top 40 station in this market.
"Their morning show is out of New York ... and Ryan Seacrest (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is out of L.A.," Beck said.
To boost the debut, Emmis has signed noted GSN Network game-show host and STL native Todd Newton to be the midday (10 a.m.- 2 p.m.) jock.
Curt Copeland, who spent nine years at KSLZ, will handle the morning drive (6-10 a.m.); Christine Pawluk heads south from Chicago afternoons and Nina Blanco evenings (6-10 p.m.).
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| KIHT 96.3 FM (80 Kw) 60dBu Coverage Area |
Programming the new effort is Tommy Mattern, who also is program director for Emmis' alternative-rock station, KPNT-FM 105.7 ("The Point").
I have loved K-Hits since the beginning - you lost me as a listener - I have removed your station from my radio! This is a very sad day for St. Louis Radio.
ReplyDeleteI hope that Rick and Todd will join me as I change stations to KLOU 103.3! What a really crappy move on the part of the station owners! If you want to make a CHR station, go do it on some empty airwaves; don't destroy the station many of us really enjoyed!
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