17 (from WTBX 93.9 Hibbing, MN)

February 11, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: WDBZ (105.1 The Buzz) – New York – 2/9/97 – Josh Bennett

≪ Previous: WIOQ (Q102) – Philadelphia – 2/26/97 – Billy Hammond

On January 27, 2017, following a nearly 30-year run, Open House Party founder John Garabedian hosted his final show. Featured here is a montage of approximately the first 70 minutes of the program, recorded from Hot AC/Modern AC hybrid WTBX 93.9 in Hibbing, MN. Segments from the remainder of the broadcast will be posted on a future date.

Please visit Wikipedia for more information on Open House Party.

The post Open House Party * John Garabedian’s Final Show (Part 1) * 1/27/17 (from WTBX 93.9 Hibbing, MN) appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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WDBZ (105.1 The Buzz) – New York – 2/9/97 – Josh Bennett

February 14, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: KKFR (Power 92) – Phoenix – early 1993 – Dave Ryan

≪ Previous: Open House Party * John Garabedian’s Final Show (Part 1) * 1/27/17 (from WTBX 93.9 Hibbing, MN)

This is a montage of the short-lived Modern AC format on 105.1 FM New York, branded as “The Buzz”, about halfway through its life. Quoting from the Formatchange.com post highlighting the station’s debut a few months prior:

“105.1 The Buzz debuted as an 80’s leaning Modern AC, attempting to fill a niche in between K-Rock and WPLJ along with gaining listeners disenfranchised by Z100 and WNEW dropping out of the Alternative Rock genre. However, the station may have been too hip and new for its own good. Changing conditions in the marketplace failed to allow The Buzz to reach its first birthday.”

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KKFR (Power 92) – Phoenix – early 1993 – Dave Ryan

February 17, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: WBNJ (B105.5, The Buzz) – Atlantic City, NJ – 2/19/99

≪ Previous: WDBZ (105.1 The Buzz) – New York – 2/9/97 – Josh Bennett

This is a brief montage of the “Power Morning Zoo” as heard on KKFR (Power 92), which was the dominant CHR station in Phoenix for most of the 1990’s. The star of the show was Dave Ryan, who had joined Power 92 recently, after being at Adult CHR KZZP through its final days. Ryan departed KKFR in March 1993 and landed at legendary Mainstream CHR KDWB/Minneapolis – and as of February 2017, he remains their morning show host.

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WBNJ (B105.5, The Buzz) – Atlantic City, NJ – 2/19/99

February 21, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: KDGS (Power 93) * Wichita, KS * 2/15/00 * Ricardo Cherry

≪ Previous: KKFR (Power 92) – Phoenix – early 1993 – Dave Ryan

In the Spring of 1998, 107.3 WZZP teased Southern New Jersey with a Rhythmic CHR format. With no promotion or publicity, this brand new signal garnered a 2 share (12+) in its first ratings book. Seeing the hole for something between Urban AC WTTH and Adult leaning CHR WAYV, Margate Communications rolled the dice with hopes of being different. Pulling the plug on recently acquired satellite Modern Rocker WDOX, Margate moved the southern half of the Urban AC “Touch” simulcast from 105.5 to WDOX’s 93.1 slot. Rimshotting greater Atlantic City area from Cape May Court House, WBNJ (which quickly became WZBZ) debuted with a Dance CHR format designed to target WAYV, while still protecting WTTH. Within a year, WZBZ moved to 99.3 in Pleasantville, while retaining the 105.5 simulcast as WGBZ, giving the station full signal coverage in the market.

This aircheck is representative of the station’s first 90 minutes on the air. The actual sign-on and first song are posted on our sister site, Formatchange.com — the remainder is featured here.

The post WBNJ (B105.5, The Buzz) – Atlantic City, NJ – 2/19/99 appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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KDGS (Power 93) * Wichita, KS * 2/15/00 * Ricardo Cherry

February 24, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: CING (Energy 108) – Toronto – 2/28/97

≪ Previous: WBNJ (B105.5, The Buzz) – Atlantic City, NJ – 2/19/99

This is a sample of KDGS from its days as an Urban-leaning Rhythmic CHR at its longtime home on 93.9 FM. It moved to 93.5 FM in 2014. Please visit Wikipedia for more information on the history of this station.

The post KDGS (Power 93) * Wichita, KS * 2/15/00 * Ricardo Cherry appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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CING (Energy 108) – Toronto – 2/28/97

February 28, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: WJBQ (Q 97.9) – Portland, ME – 3/4/99 – Jeff Parsons

≪ Previous: KDGS (Power 93) * Wichita, KS * 2/15/00 * Ricardo Cherry

For several years in the early to mid 1990’s, Toronto’s Energy 108 offered a cutting-edge Dance music format, making it a favorite among Dance radio enthusiasts. However, by 1997, the station’s ownership changed hands, and the format eventually evolved to Mainstream CHR. This brief aircheck (seemingly one of the few in existence) was presumably recorded close to the beginning of that transition. It features snippets of the station’s “Top 50 Countdown” and “All Retro Dance Edition” programs.

More information can be found at Wikipedia.

The post CING (Energy 108) – Toronto – 2/28/97 appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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WJBQ (Q 97.9) – Portland, ME – 3/4/99 – Jeff Parsons

March 3, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: KHTS (Channel 933) – San Diego – March ’97 – Boomer

≪ Previous: CING (Energy 108) – Toronto – 2/28/97

“Here at the Q, we’ve got two words for you…hit music!” Q 97.9 (pronounced “Q 97 Dot 9”) was one of the best small market CHRs I’ve ever heard – the production values in particular are outstanding on this aircheck.

The post WJBQ (Q 97.9) – Portland, ME – 3/4/99 – Jeff Parsons appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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KHTS (Channel 933) – San Diego – March ’97 – Boomer

March 7, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: WNNX (99X) – Atlanta – March & September ’95 – Yvonne Monet

≪ Previous: WJBQ (Q 97.9) – Portland, ME – 3/4/99 – Jeff Parsons

In September 1996, Channel 933 debuted with a gold-friendly Dance CHR format, as demonstrated in this aircheck from October of that year and this one from November. However, within a few months, the station became much more current-based, replacing much of the classic dance with contemporary R&B and pop.

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WNNX (99X) – Atlanta – March & September ’95 – Yvonne Monet

March 10, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: WPOW (Power 96) – Miami – Slammin’ Felix Sama & DJ Laz – 3/13/97

≪ Previous: KHTS (Channel 933) – San Diego – March ’97 – Boomer

For a good portion of its history, the radio format “Alternative” has been synonymous with “Modern Rock”. However, there was a time when the format encompassed other styles of music that were also considered an “alternative” to the mainstream – as demonstrated on this aircheck. It’s a brief montage of the hosting and production elements surrounding “The Beat Factory”, a progressive dance music show heard Saturday nights on the original incarnation of 99X in Atlanta.

The post WNNX (99X) – Atlanta – March & September ’95 – Yvonne Monet appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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WPOW (Power 96) – Miami – Slammin’ Felix Sama & DJ Laz – 3/13/97

March 13, 2017, 2:10 pm

≫ Next: WLUP (The Loop 97.9) – Chicago – 2/17/97 – Tim Virgin

≪ Previous: WNNX (99X) – Atlanta – March & September ’95 – Yvonne Monet

Miami’s Power 96 is one of America’s heritage Rhythmic CHRs. During the 1990’s, it offered an approach custom-tailored to its unique market – a rarity in an increasingly homogenized and corporate-dominated radio environment.

This montage of the station features both mixshow and regular programming.

The post WPOW (Power 96) – Miami – Slammin’ Felix Sama & DJ Laz – 3/13/97 appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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WLUP (The Loop 97.9) – Chicago – 2/17/97 – Tim Virgin

March 14, 2017, 12:00 am

≫ Next: WMME (92 Moose FM) – Augusta, Maine – 3/16/99

≪ Previous: WPOW (Power 96) – Miami – Slammin’ Felix Sama & DJ Laz – 3/13/97

Recorded a little over 20 years ago, this is a sample of Chicago’s longtime Rocker. Based on information posted at Wikipedia, the station had recently dropped a hybrid talk/comedy/rock format — several sweepers heard here emphasize the station’s focus on the music. It seems that the station was evolving from Modern AC to Classic Rock at this time.

The post WLUP (The Loop 97.9) – Chicago – 2/17/97 – Tim Virgin appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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WMME (92 Moose FM) – Augusta, Maine – 3/16/99

March 17, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: WBBO (B98.5) – Monmouth/Ocean, NJ – 3/19/99 – Alan Fox

≪ Previous: WLUP (The Loop 97.9) – Chicago – 2/17/97 – Tim Virgin

92 Moose FM was (and may still be) a standard Adult-oriented CHR with a very nonstandard name.

The post WMME (92 Moose FM) – Augusta, Maine – 3/16/99 appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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WBBO (B98.5) – Monmouth/Ocean, NJ – 3/19/99 – Alan Fox

March 21, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: KZFM (Hot Z95) – Corpus Christi – 3/28/98

≪ Previous: WMME (92 Moose FM) – Augusta, Maine – 3/16/99

This is a sample of the original B98.5. Per Wikipedia, the station took on three other identities between February 2005 and September 2010, before returning to its previous approach.

The aircheck is hosted by Alan Fox, whose résumé includes a three-year run as Program/Research/Production Director at WBSS “Boss 97 FM” in Atlantic City, NJ.

The post WBBO (B98.5) – Monmouth/Ocean, NJ – 3/19/99 – Alan Fox appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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KZFM (Hot Z95) – Corpus Christi – 3/28/98

March 26, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Northern/Central Indiana CHR Composite – March 1993

≪ Previous: WBBO (B98.5) – Monmouth/Ocean, NJ – 3/19/99 – Alan Fox

“Hit Music For All Generations” – voiced by the late Brian James, this is a sample of one of America’s longest-running Rhythmic CHRs.

The post KZFM (Hot Z95) – Corpus Christi – 3/28/98 appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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Northern/Central Indiana CHR Composite – March 1993

March 29, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: KZRQ (Star 105 FM) – Albuquerque, NM – 3/31/97 – Terry Young

≪ Previous: KZFM (Hot Z95) – Corpus Christi – 3/28/98

From on or near St. Patrick’s Day 1993, this is a sampling of WNDU South Bend, WZWZ Kokomo, and WZPLIndianapolis. This is taken from my personal mix tape collection – recorded on a road trip from southwest Michigan to Indianapolis, and back.

Please note that the logos shown are not necessarily the ones that were being employed by the stations at the time this aircheck was recorded. This is definitely true for WZWZ, which resided on 92.7 FM and called itself “Z93”.

The post Northern/Central Indiana CHR Composite – March 1993 appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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KZRQ (Star 105 FM) – Albuquerque, NM – 3/31/97 – Terry Young

March 31, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: KOY-FM (Y95) – Phoenix – 4/2/92 – Bruce Kelly & Maggie Brock

≪ Previous: Northern/Central Indiana CHR Composite – March 1993

Star 105 was another station that seemingly wanted to clone the success achieved by New York’s WKTU, which launched as a Rhythmic AC the year prior and skyrocketed to the top of the ratings in one book.

This montage features one of my all time favorite personalities, Terry “Motormouth” Young.

KZRQ had an excellent high-energy presentation, similar to WDRQ in Detroit (which was another KTU clone.) I love the legal ID in particular – “KZRQ-FM Santa Fe/Albuquerque…and sometimes beyond.”

Infinite thanks to Program Director Dave Dart, who made me this aircheck (and many others), and gave them to me when met me for lunch while he was visiting Phoenix.

The post KZRQ (Star 105 FM) – Albuquerque, NM – 3/31/97 – Terry Young appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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KOY-FM (Y95) – Phoenix – 4/2/92 – Bruce Kelly & Maggie Brock

April 2, 2017, 12:05 pm

≫ Next: 105.9 Wild FM – Cebu, Philippines – 4/22/98 – Sky V & Jack the Pirate

≪ Previous: KZRQ (Star 105 FM) – Albuquerque, NM – 3/31/97 – Terry Young

In Phoenix, Bruce Kelly is one of the best-known radio personalities of all time. He made a name for himself hosting mornings at legendary CHR KZZP in the 80’s, before moving onto KOY-FM (Y95) and KKFR (Power 92), and then returning to KZZP in the late 90’s. This is a sample of “Kelly and Company”, featuring Bruce and co-host Maggie Brock, on Y95.

The post KOY-FM (Y95) – Phoenix – 4/2/92 – Bruce Kelly & Maggie Brock appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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105.9 Wild FM – Cebu, Philippines – 4/22/98 – Sky V & Jack the Pirate

April 5, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: CIDC (Hits 103.5) – Toronto – 4/20/98

≪ Previous: KOY-FM (Y95) – Phoenix – 4/2/92 – Bruce Kelly & Maggie Brock

This is one of a handful of non-US/Canadian airchecks in my collection. 105.9 Wild FM was a English-language CHR/Hot AC that included random dance mix shows (or at least that was the case on this tape.) The station used JAM’s “Hot KIIS” jingle package.

The post 105.9 Wild FM – Cebu, Philippines – 4/22/98 – Sky V & Jack the Pirate appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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CIDC (Hits 103.5) – Toronto – 4/20/98

April 10, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: WYXX (Party 103.1) – Morris, IL – 4/13/03

≪ Previous: 105.9 Wild FM – Cebu, Philippines – 4/22/98 – Sky V & Jack the Pirate

According to Wikipedia, CIDC (licensed to Orangeville, ON) has been programming some form of Rhythmic-oriented CHR since 1995. This is a sample of the station from April 1998, shortly after it had evolved from “Hot 103.5” to “Hits 103.5”. While the addition of R&B and pop tracks accompanied the name change, as heard on this aircheck, the station still offered Dance music programming at this time.

The post CIDC (Hits 103.5) – Toronto – 4/20/98 appeared first on FM Airchecks.

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WYXX (Party 103.1) – Morris, IL – 4/13/03

April 13, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: KZZP 104.7 – Phoenix – April 1991 – Jack Hammer

≪ Previous: CIDC (Hits 103.5) – Toronto – 4/20/98

Quoting & paraphrasing from this issue of the “Main Street Tattler” newsletter“, dated 1/17/03…

“As Big City Radio continues its national liquidation of all its stations, 103.1 WYXX/Morris is currently Big City’s last remaining signal. WYXX, which reaches the far south suburbs of Chicago and mostly rural areas, has sequed to a humorous dance hits format called “Party 103.1”, very similar to Big City’s former “Energy 92-7&5” which went to SBS in an LMA arrangement two weeks ago. Energy PD Chris Shebel (still working for Big City and WYXX until it is officially sold) is the station voice and programmer, and has created laughable liners with phrases like “No commercials ‘cause we’re for sale… Party 103.1” and “There’s nothing wrong with your cows. Cows milk better with Party 103.1… Mmmmoooo!”. Big City is reportedly looking for $3 to $5 million for WYXX, which may or may not go to NextMedia. For the time being, listeners in the station’s limited signal range can enjoy unusual antics and a brief reprise of the “dance hits” format.”

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