IN Radio: WEOA Evansville Flips To Hip-Hop

WEOA 1400 AM / W253BF 98.5 FM,  which previously had an urban adult contemporary format, has changed to hip-hop and R&B.

WEOA will have hip-hop and R&B music every day, around the clock, but its special programs such as Leadership Connection on Saturday mornings and church broadcasts on Sunday mornings will continue as normal.

“This opens up a broader listening audience,” said Darin Lander, general manager. “We just felt like Evansville is ready for that change.”

Hip-hop music has become highly influential in popular culture, and songs are even making their way into commercials, Lander said. The new format took effect Monday morning.

Other local stations have done some hip-hop programming, but the format “has never been here 24/7,” Lander said. “We’re the only ones doing it now and the first ones taking this step to go all the way.”

W253BF 98.5 FM (120 watts)

WEOA is locally owned by BLS Entertainment.