Westwood One Adds Third Classic Hits Format

CUMULUS MEDIA’s Westwood One, America’s largest audio network and the leader in satellite-delivered 24-hour radio formats, is now offering a third version of the popular Classic Hits format, for stations that desire a gold-based pop radio format with more 60s music. Classic Hits Gold complements the company’s modern Classic Hits format, which has evolved to be a core `80s format with some `90s, and its Classic Hits Rock, which features rock classics.

Music defines this new version of one of the biggest format categories. Classic Hits Gold will feature proven hit music from the mid/late-60s through the early/mid-80s, from artists like The Eagles, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates, Queen, The Beatles, and Chicago.

Like the other Classic Hits formats from Westwood One, Classic Hits Gold will be hosted by top-quality personalities with a contemporary presentation. Distributed on the patented STORQ platform, it allows for complete clock and break flexibility, and can be localized with content from the affiliate. Regularly scheduled features and theme weekends will increase the local sales potential for this mainstay format. Classic Hits Gold will not be branded on-air, so stations will retain their desired image, slogans and live shows, and local identifiers will be supplied by the network image voice.

“The Classic Hits format has evolved, and with our flexible production platform we can offer it flavored however our customers desire,” commented Kirk Stirland, President of Programming at Westwood One. “Now, with three versions, we can provide a station with programming for whatever their local strategic position might be.”

Complete information on Classic Hits Gold, and all Westwood One formats is available at www.westwoodone.com, and through Eric Sundstrom, Vice President of Affiliate Sales, at esundstrom@westwoodone.com or (505) 510-2373.