MediaCo Holding Inc. is expanding its iconic New York radio stations—WQHT “Hot 97” (Hip-Hop) and WBLS (Adult R&B)—to HD2 digital multicast signals in four major markets: Los Angeles, Riverside-San Bernardino, Dallas, and Houston, starting December 1.
The publicly traded owner of Estella Media, which acquired the brands from Emmis, announced the national push Thursday, aligning the stations with existing FMs in those California and Texas cities to reach multicultural audiences nationwide.
CEO Albert Rodriguez called the move “a major step” in connecting urban music and culture, stating: “HOT 97 and WBLS are cultural movements. Bringing these brands to Dot 2 audio... allows us to deepen our connection with audiences who have influenced and amplified urban music and culture for decades.”
EVP of Content & Growth Kudjo Sogadzi added that HD2 (“Dot 2”) channels offer “nonstop access to two of the most trusted and influential brands in music.”
MediaCo did not disclose the specific affiliate stations in the announcement.