Activity Stream

From Radio Insight: The effects of last month’s layoffs at Beasley Media Group have led to lineup changes at their Jersey Shore properties. At Rock “95.9 The Rat” WRAT Point Pleasant Robyn Lane exited as APD/MD/midday host after 28 years at the station. Lane joined the station when it flipped to Rock in 1996 after previously working at WBAB Long Island. Replacing her in middays is Barbara Farragher who moves from sister Classic Hits 100.1 WJRZ Manahawkin and is now using the on-air name ‘Barbara Dean’. Farragher had been with WJRZ since 2008. Replacing Farragher in middays at WJRZ is weekend host Joanne Cruise. Cruise previously spent two decades in middays at Townsquare Media AC 92.7 WOBM-FM Toms River from 1991 to 2011, which also included time in New York hosting weekends at “106.7 Lite-FM” WLTW, “Mix 105” WMXV, and “Y107” WYNY. She also hosted middays at Christian AC “Star 99.1” WAWZ Zarepath NJ and weekends/fill-ins at Press Communications Classic Rock “107.1 The Boss” WWZY Long Branch. Also exiting WRAT last month were evening host Andy Chase and weekend hosts Christopher The Minister and Hurley. more

From Radio Online: Triton Digital has released its August 2024 (July 29-September 1), U.S. Podcast Ranker. iHeart Audience Network earned the #1 spot again on the Top Sales Networks Report for the month of August, with 69.3 million Average Weekly Downloads and 19.2 million Average Weekly Users. More...

From Radio Online: Virtual News Center is adding five new stations to its list of affiliates with the additions of KCGQ, KGKS, KEZS and KGIR. The stations serve Cape Girardeau, MO. River Radio owns KSIM/KZIM (Newsradio 960) and added Virtual News Center to the rest of its cluster. Karen Johnson will anchor daily newscasts for More...

From Radio Insight: Intentional Life Media’s “Family Life Radio” has appointed Chuck Tyler as Program Director. Tyler most recently was Director of Programming for Salem Media Group’s Los Angeles cluster where he helped develop and launch the company’s Christian AC “Fish” brand at 95.9 KFSH-FM in 2000. He spent 25 years at Salem until exiting in September 2023 and has most recently been running his consultance BEN Media. Prior to joining Salem, Tyler programmed and worked on-air at secular stations including KXL-FM Portland, WVEZ and WWKY Louisville, WLAC-FM Nashville, WBZZ Pittsburgh, WZGO Philadelphia and KFI Los Angeles. Tyler will take over the day-to-day programming reins of Family Life Radio from FLR Chief Broadcast Engagement Officer and morning host Mike Kankelfritz, who commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Chuck to Family Life Radio! Chuck has an amazing track record and the vision to help grow this thriving ministry to inspire more people to live intentionally for Christ.” Tyler said, “I am grateful for God’s perfect timing as I join Family Life Radio, where I?m excited to return to my passion in a role that aligns perfectly with my skills while contributing to equipping listeners to live an intentional life in Christ.” He will start with Family Life at their Tucson headquarters on September 30. more

From Radio Insight: Cumulus Media Classic Rock 92.5 KQRS Minneapolis is on the hunt for its next Program Director. A Cumulus job posting says, “It doesn?t matter what format you are programming now and long as you have the creative abilities that make talent come alive. Can orchestrate an amazing morning show. Have the vision that will put all events and promotions in the history books. Understands what?s between the songs really matters. Strong leadership and organizational skills. So, if you thrive on innovation, and motivation, can lead a team of creatives to fine tune their storytelling abilities and create compelling listening experiences” go to Cumulus’ Jobs portal to apply. The new hire would succeed outgoing Cumulus Media VP/Classic Rock and KQRS PD Wade Linder. Linder returned to KQRS in June 2023 after spending nine years in Chicago with time programming Classic Rock ?97.9 The Loop? WLUP and then Classic Hits 94.7 WLS-FM. He started at KQRS in 1990 rising to APD/MD before moving to sister “93.7 The Edge” KEGE in 1994 as MD and Imaging Director. He then rose to PD at 93.7 when it flipped to Rock “93X” in 1997 remaining until moving to Chicago. He has served as VP/Classic Rock since October 2020. more

From Radio Insight: Bekha Berger, Kim Zandy, Jay BuffCumulus Media CHR “92 Pro-FM” WPRO-FM Providence RI has announced the return of Kim Zandy to the station’s morning show alongside current hosts Bekah Berger and Jay Buff. Zandy previously co-hosted ?Giovanni in the Morning? with Daniel ?Giovanni? Centofanti from 1999 until her exit in June 2023. She was then succeeded by Berger, who moved over from sister Hip Hop ?Hot 106? WWKX after seven years in mornings there. Buff was promoted from producer to co-host following Giovanni’s retirement in May. He has been morning show producer at WPRO-FM since 2011. Cumulus Providence/New London Regional Vice President/Market Manager Holly Paras said, “It is a phenomenal moment to welcome Kim back to 92 PRO-FM and to bring our listeners more of what they love in Mornings. We are very pleased to add additional live talent to an already successful show.? Zandy commented, ?I am so lucky and excited to join Bekah and Jay in Mornings. They did all the hard work to get the show to #1 and I get to come in and have a great time! It is amazing to be back home on 92 PRO-FM Mornings!? Buff and Berger added, ?We are thrilled to warmly welcome back Kim Zandy to the 92 PRO-FM family. Her vibrant personality and deep connection to the community make her the perfect addition to Mornings, and we look forward to creating amazing moments together with our listeners in Southern New England and beyond.? more

From Radio Insight: As Country Top 40 looks to the future of country music, TM Studios delivers a forward-sounding jingle package that brands the show with a memorable melody and extraordinary talent and production. Fitz, Host of Country Top 40 says,“Building on the foundation that Bob Kingsley created on the Country Top 40 it was time to put my fresh coat of paint on the show as we aim to appeal to a broader audience and look to the to the future of country music, I knew we needed a new jingle sound to help identify the Countdown and build excitement and momentum. I had to call TM Studios. They practice what they preach, and they over-delivered the IT factor with so many options. When I received the package, it felt like Christmas morning.” Dave Bethell ? Creative Director and COO of TM Studios adds, “As country music is going through changes that are attracting new and younger fans, our aim for CT40 was to capture elements of this shift, while retaining the traditions and instruments that make country music great. We recruited fresh vocalists, authentic country musicians, even huge recording artists and reality TV stars – recorded live in Nashville, Dallas, and Los Angeles.* Jingles continue to find their way back on the air at the biggest radio stations and audio brands, as execs and programmers set aside their personal biases and realize the effectiveness of music branding. According to several studies, jingles are the sledgehammer in the brand distinction assets toolbox.* Just ask the listeners, as they happily sing back the unique memorable Country Top 40 jingles. Reach TM Studios at hello@tmstudios.com more

From Radio Online: "Country Top 40 with Fitz" is getting a new forward-sounding jingle package from TM Studios that brands the show with a memorable melody along with talent and production. According to several studies, jingles can be the "sledgehammer" in the brand distinction assets toolbox. Fitz, host of Country Top 40 More...

From Radio Insight: Nielsen begins its releases of the August 2024 diary surveys today. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for for Baton Rouge, Louisville, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, and Puerto Rico. Other markets coming this week include: On Thursday, September 12: Monthly ratings for Birmingham, Buffalo/Niagara Falls, Fort Myers, Greenville/Spartanburg, Richmond, Rochester, and Tucson On Friday, September 13: Monthly ratings for Albany/Schenectady/Troy, Allentown/Bethlehem, Dayton, Fresno, Grand Rapids, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. more

From Radio Insight: Beasley Media Group’s “Country 102.5” WKLB-FM Waltham/Boston is beginning the search for a new afternoon host. The station is seeking candidates with three or more years experience who are “creative, hardworking, focused, and driven to win” with “a passion for country music and have the ability to connect with an audience through content that resonates with their lifestyle”. Full details are available on this posting. Afternoons on WKLB have been held by part-timers since Jackson Blue’s exit in May. The remainder of its current lineup comes from outside the market with the WXTU Philadelphia based Andie Summers Show replacing Ayla Brown, Jonathan Wier and Jim Clerkin and WXTU’s Nicole Michalik replacing the retiring Carolyn Kruse last month. The syndicated Backstage Country is heard in evenings. more

From Radio Online: Saga Communications and its board of directors have declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share. The dividend will be paid on October 18, 2024, to shareholders of record on September 25. The aggregate amount of the payment to be made in connection with the quarterly More...

From Radio Online: As part of RAB's ongoing Radio Works initiative, the next presentation in the series, "Radio Works for Legal," will help sellers and managers understand how they can pitch, service and retain clients in an important advertising category to radio. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, September 18. More...

From Radio Insight: Cumulus Media CHR “105.3 Hot-FM” WHTS-FM Coopersburg/Grand Rapids MI has added Jordan Lass as Assistant Program Director and afternoon host. Lass most recently was Brand Manager and afternoon host at Midwest Communications Hot AC “Hits 96.5” WZOX Kalamazoo until exiting last October. He began his career in Port Huron MI holding roles at CHR 96.9 WBTI and “Rock 105.5” WHLS from 2016-19 before a brief ten month stint in the dual role of Jordan Lass departs as PD/afternoon host at iHeartMedia CHR ?Hot 95.7? KOSY-FM Cedar Rapids and afternoon host at Alternative ?Alt 106.3? KDXA Des Moines until being part of the company’s January 2020 cuts. He joined Midwest Kalamazoo in March 2020 first as morning show producer and midday host at Country “Win 98.5” WNWN and rose to APD/afternoon host until his move to WZOX when it launched in March 2021. He then became Brand Manager there from September 2021 until his exit. Jackie Green, who moved from mornings to afternoons in January, will continue to host weekends at WHTS and remains in middays at sister Classic Rock “97 LAV” WLAV-FM. more

From Radio Insight: Rocky Mountain Public Media has promoted Ayana Contreras to Vice President of Radio for Jazz 89.3 KUVO Denver/89.7 K209ED Breckenridge and Urban Alternative “104.7 The Drop” K284CI/KUVO-HD2 Denver. Contreras joined RMPM in November 2023 as Assistant General Manager of Radio, Program Director of “The Drop” and host of “Soulful Strut” on KUVO following a long run at Chicago Public Media where was Content Director of “Vocalo” 91.1 W216CL /WBEZ-HD2 Chicago and 89.5 WBEW Chesterton IN. She originally joined Chicago Public Media in 2006 as host of “Global Overnight” before moving to Vocalo in 2009 where she rose through the ranks from a host and producer. The organization stated that Contreras is poised to usher both stations into a new era of music discovery with updated music formats, performance series, and live shows that give musicians amplified spaces to share their artistry while connecting with both legacy and new audiences. She succeeds the retiring Tina Cartagena, who had been with Rocky Mountain Public Media since 1985 and served as Senior Vice President of Radio and New Media since 2018. Contreras commented, “Community, culture and music are bedrocks of a thriving society, and I?m elated to help KUVO continue its long history of community-based cultural engagement, and to help grow THE DROP?s burgeoning legacy of providing music discovery and supporting local artistry.” Rocky Mountain Public Media President/CEO Amanda Mountain said, “Ayana is a pioneer in urban alternative public radio, and we are thrilled to welcome her into this new role. Her extensive expertise and vision will be instrumental as we expand our community impact and reach new audiences under her dynamic leadership.? KUVO Founder and Board Member Emeritus Flo Hern?ndez-Ramos added, “Ayana?s leadership will build on the strong foundations laid at both KUVO and THE DROP, elevating them to even greater heights. We are thrilled about what the future holds under her vision. She is the natural successor to the historic path forged by former VP of Radio, Tina Cartagena.? more

From Radio Insight: Following the closing of its $75,000 purchase of Classic Hits ?The Shore? 1420 WASR/97.1 W246DI Wolfeboro NH from Winnipesaukee Radio Station and the completion of the translator’s move further north, Dirk Nadon?s Lakes Media LLC flipped the station to a simulcast of “Mountain Country 97.3” WCGY-FM Jefferson NH. The combined signals are now branding as just “Mountain Country 97” serving the Northern New Hampshire areas around Mount Washington. The station will likely add another signal as Lakes Media agreed to purchase 96.1 W241AJ Laconia from New Hampshire Gospel Radio last month and specified that it would rebroadcast WASR. more

From Radio Online: Key Networks has been selected as the ad sales representation partner for VSiN, The Sports Betting Network. Key Networks will connect brands and agencies with VSiN's audio content, featuring the latest in sports wagering news, analysis and data from broadcasters and betting experts. VSiN current;y provides More...

From Radio Online: Audacy Podcasts inks a strategic partnership with storytelling nonprofit The Moth to handle sales and distribution for the organization's podcast, including video, social and sponsorships for live events. To date, The Moth's podcasts have been brought to listeners in partnership with PRX. PRX will continue More...

From Radio Insight: Key Networks has been selected as ad sales rep for Sports Betting network VSiN. Key Networks will “connect brands and agencies with VSiN?s popular audio content, featuring the latest in sports wagering news, analysis, and data from award-winning broadcasters and betting experts – and to the avid sports fans, betting enthusiasts, and consumers who passionately engage with VSiN content 24/7.” VSiN CEO Bill Adee said, ?As we head into our busiest season, we?re focused on rapidly expanding advertising and distribution partnerships, while continuing to deliver the most credible sports betting content available anywhere. The team at Key Networks is familiar with our groundbreaking network and innovative solutions for advertisers who want to reach our highly-desirable audience. We look forward to tapping their deep audio knowledge, experience and relationships to help accelerate our growth.? Key Networks COO Dennis Green commented, “Key Networks is excited to announce an ad sales partnership with VSiN which is a brand synonymous with providing the best programming content in the sports betting arena. VSiN continues to build this brand with great talent and an executive team that is widely respected in the world of sports. Key Networks prides itself on bringing the biggest and best brands to the marketplace and with VSiN we continue that practice.? Key President of Sales Ron Russo added, “As we venture through the intersection of sports and culture, the team here at Key couldn?t be more excited to add this legendary sports betting network to our lineup as we continue to offer our advertisers compelling and creative marketing solutions.? More details about the partnership are at https://www.keynetworks.com/vsin/. more

From Radio Insight: Amaturo Sonoma Media CHR “Hot 101.7” KHTH Santa Rosa CA has tabbed ‘Nicki G’ Rivas as its new morning host. It marks a return for Nicki to Santa Rosa as she previously hosted middays on Sinclair CHR “Y100.9” KSXY from 2011 to 2016. Rivas began her career as an intern at Audacy CHR “107.9 The End” KUDL and hosted weekends there from 2015-19, while holding sales and then production roles at that cluster from 2016-19. She takes the slot that had been held by Jeff Woodworth until his exit this summer. more

From Radio Online: Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW), in conjunction with Beasley Media Group, will hold an upcoming Digital Sales Webinar. The event will feature three industry leaders and innovators in the digital space: Beasley Media Group Chief Revenue Officer Tina Murley, Audacy SVP of Digital Media Sales and More...

From Radio Insight: iHeartMedia, the No. 1 audio company in the United States with 9 out of 10 Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio every month, in partnership with bestselling author and podcaster Malcolm Gladwell?s Pushkin Industries, today released the findings from its second annual study, ?The New American Consumer 2.0.? The study, which found that nearly half of Americans (44 percent) feel ignored by*advertisers,*highlights the stark differences between a large group of Americans and the personal beliefs and values of the marketers that are trying to reach them with products and services*? and provides insights to help marketers avoid the pitfalls of their own biases to understand and better serve these key audience segments. According to the Fortune Global 500,*the world’s 500 largest companies posted near flat aggregated revenues in 2024. The research, conducted by Morning Consult, Advertiser Perceptions and Critical Mass Media, highlights how*a*disconnect between the average marketer?s life and*that of*the average consumer*can*sometimes impact marketers?*efforts to*effectively connect to and*reach all important consumer segments*in ways that help all consumers feel seen and heard. For example,*in one finding,*the research showed that consumers are much more likely to enjoy hunting, fishing and buying lottery tickets, while in contrast, pickleball and tennis top the list of activities marketers find cool. ?We marketers have more data at our fingertips than ever before, yet almost half of American consumers are feeling ignored,? said Gayle Troberman, CMO, iHeartMedia. ?As marketers, we have to be careful not to let our personal perception guide our marketing decisions. This study lays out where our perception matches the marketplace and where there are major differences — so we can use that information to make new and better decisions about maximizing the appeal of our products to all consumers, not just those who align with our own perceptions and values.? The study found 72 percent of consumers don?t want to buy products from brands that are ignoring them, and 75 percent would even be willing to pay a little more to support a brand that shares their values. ?As marketers, we need to be reminded that*we are not the target for most of our marketing campaigns,? added Troberman. ?There?s a big opportunity to improve marketing results with a more conscious focus on the real-life influences that the majority of consumers rely on — and*by more accurately reflecting our*customers?*real values, passions and priorities.? In another key finding, the study revealed*that consumers are increasingly feeling ?creeped out? by marketers? reliance on hyper-targeting, data and AI*—*with 67 percent saying they hate being ?targeted? by ads. Moreover, the study reveals that this level of ad targeting may not be working as intended: 7 out of 10 consumers claim*digital ads are irrelevant despite*targeting*— even as, according to Statista,*marketers plan to spend*9.5 billion*on personalization and hypertargeting campaigns in*2024. ?Today?s consumers are acutely aware of their social and economic environment and hold higher expectations for the brands that target them, sometimes relentlessly, based on the very traits that define their individuality,? said Gladwell. ?This study is crucial in revealing the underlying biases that often inadvertently shape marketing strategies.? Key findings from the report include:* 44 Percent of Americans Feel Ignored by Media and Most Advertisers; Consumers will Pay More for Brands that Support Their Values:*It?s not one demographic of consumers who feel this way: they span geographies (urban, suburban and rural), races and ethnicities.* Additionally, 72 percent of consumers state that they don?t want to buy products from advertisers that are ignoring them, and 75 percent are willing to pay more for brands that share their values. American Vs. Marketers Purchasing Thresholds are Starkly Different, with Americans Consulting Family and Friends and Saving Up for Purchases of $100.*The path to purchase is much longer for consumers vs. marketers. Consumers make purchase decisions after seeking approval, researching and saving, over weeks or even months, for purchases of $100. Marketers can make purchases – even those exceeding $1,000 – without permission from others, in a matter of hours or days. Marketers Love Personalization, but Consumers are Creeped Out:*67 percent of consumers hate being trailed by targeted ads.*Moreover, this hyper-targeting may not be working as intended: 7 out of 10 of these consumers say that these digital ads are irrelevant to them despite marketers? targeting efforts. Instead, 82 percent of consumers say they are influenced by their communities, friends, family and religious leaders ? notably not by professional influencers ? potentially revealing a new way to target audiences by messaging those around them who play important roles in their lives. Cool for One, Cringe for Another: The Polarizing Preferences: While consumers love to try their luck at*lotto, purchasing lottery tickets is something*marketers find cringe-worthy.*Conversely, while marketers enjoy many health and diet trends, consumers find cold plunges and vegan/vegetarian diets cringeworthy. Consumers Double Down on Religion and Law and Order, Marketers Focus Elsewhere:*Consumers place twice the emphasis marketers do on religion and law and order, despite both groups agreeing on the primary values of family, health and safety. Marketers’ Luxuries vs. Consumers’ Realities: The Great Divide: While marketers define luxury items as designer labels and accessories, consumers are more focused on luxury as practical indulgences like buying brand name paper towels and premium-grade meat. ?The key here is for us as marketers to check our own biases at the door. We see this all the time – for example, when marketers who live in big cities and don?t commute as often as the average American don?t necessarily understand the huge role that broadcast radio and podcasts play in people?s lives, particularly in the car,? said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeart Digital Audio Group. ?Consumers spend about one-third of their media time with audio, but marketers lag in matching that time with media spend — and often underestimate the real usage of broadcast radio, which makes up over two-thirds of all audio listening.? The findings were presented by Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia?s Digital Audio Group, and Malcom Gladwell at iHeartMedia?s AudioCon 2024 today, September 10 at 4 p.m.*ET in New York City at iHeartMedia?s HQ. Consumer Methodology: This poll was conducted between May 3 and May 5, 2024 among a national sample of 2,202 U.S. adults. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on gender, educational attainment, age, race, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/-2 percentage points. Marketer Methodology: This poll was conducted between May 7 to May 13, 2024 among a national sample of 237 Marketer and Agency contacts from The Advertiser Perceptions Ad Pros Community and trusted third-party partners as needed. Our Ad Pros Community represents the brands and agencies that are spending the most on advertising and marketing in the U.S. We continuously update, supplement, and refine the community based on movement in the market. With qualifications of, employed in the U.S., involved in media brand selection decisions, $1 million minimum ad spend next 12 months. Ignored Consumer Methodology: This poll was conducted May 30 to June 2, 2024, among a national sample of 1,651 U.S. adults between the ages of 18-64.* The interviews were conducted online and data was weighted to a target sample reflective of the gender, age, race and regional make-up of the U.S. according to the last Census. more

From Radio Insight: Bloomberg LP’s LMA of iHeartMedia’s 960 KNEW Oakland/103.7 KOSF-HD2 San Francisco will come to an end on September 30 without a renewal. The station is running sweepers directing listeners to Bloomberg’s app starting October 1. Bloomberg began operating KNEW under a ten year LMA in September 2014. Bloomberg will continue to be heard on their 1130 WBBR New York and 1450/106.1 WNBP Newburyport MA, Audacy’s 99.1 WDCH Bowie MD/Washington DC and 105.7 WJZ-HD2 Catonsville/Baltimore MD, and Beasley’s 92.9 WBOS Brookline/Boston MA following its move from 1330/106.1 WRCA earlier this month. more

From Radio Online: The Top U.S. and Global Publishers andamp; Networks and Top U.S. Podcast rankings for August are now available from Podtrac. Highlights of the July, 2024 rankings include: U.S. UMA was up for thirteen of the U.S. ranking participants in August over July, while eleven of the U.S. ranking participants were up on More...

From Radio Insight: Skyview Networks’ “B-Dub Radio” hosted by Bryan ‘B-Dub’ Washington has been added back to nights on Hubbard Radio Country 92.3 WIL-FM St. Louis. WIL-FM previously carried “B-Dub Radio” soon after its launch in weekdays in 2020 until the summer of 2022. Hubbard St. Louis Operations Manager/Program Director Tommy Mattern said, “B-Dub is an incredible talent, and we are extremely excited to have him back on 92.3 WIL”. Washington commented, “WIL is one of the best country stations in America, and I’m thrilled to be back on in St. Louis! Thanks to Tommy Mattern, Marty Brooks and Greg Strassell for being believers!? more

From Radio Online: B-Dub Radio, through its syndication partner Skyview Networks, returns Bryan "B-Dub" Washington to Hubbard Radio's WIL-FM in St. Louis, adding the station to its affiliate roster. Starting this week, B-Dub is bringing the Country music party to St. Louis. B-Dub Radio airs five hours daily, Monday through More...

From Radio Online: Audacy's initiative, "I'm Listening," continues with its ongoing mental health dialogue by advocating and elevating stories through its annual broadcast special on Wednesday, September 25, from 7-9pm local time. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention More...

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia, in collaboration with Malcolm Gladwell's Pushkin Industries, has released its second annual study, "The New American Consumer 2.0," shedding light on a growing disconnect between American consumers and the marketers trying to reach them. The study found that nearly More...

From Radio Online: CRB and CRS are now accepting applications for the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to honor the legacy of of late radio programmer Lisa McKay, who remains an inspiration to aspiring female leaders. The application window is open from now until More...

From Radio Online: The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has released a new Broadcast Station Self-Inspection Guide for AM radio stations, marking the third in a series of self-inspection guides. NAB unveiled guides for FM radio and television stations at the 2024 NAB Show in April. These tools are designed to help More...

From Radio Insight: As is often the case, Wednesday?s radio news brought two interestingly timed headlines.* Audacy?s Soft AC KSWD (The Sound) Seattle became Hot AC Emma 94.1. iHeart?s WMIA (Magic 93.9), which plays mostly English-language Soft AC with Spanish-language hosts, was up 4.8-5.9, its best share in more than 15 years, according to ratings expert Chris Huff. After years of doing multiple variants of AC, Magic 93.9 became a rare instant success last fall. The Sound was one of the stations, along with iHeart?s KISQ (The Breeze) San Francisco, that helped touch off a format boom among major owners and in large markets. For a few years, Soft AC transcended its ?too hard to sell? or ?only for Florida? images. Some of the format-rush stations left relatively quickly, including Audacy?s WDZH Detroit and iHeart?s WISX Philadelphia. Others, like Cox?s WFEZ (Easy 93) Miamievolved to more of a pop-based Classic Hits approach, still softer than much of the Bon Jovi/Survivor-driven format, but not quite Soft AC. CKRA (The Breeze) Edmonton, Alberta,and several Stingray sister stations have brightened lately. Others at the edge of the format, like KDRI (The Drive) Tucson, Ariz.,have taken shape more as ?60s/?70s Oldies. The Soft AC boom also found itself diluted from outside. Existing iHeart Mainstream AC stations such as WLTW (Lite FM) New Yorkadded some soft titles to cover their bases. Songs like ?Hard to Say I?m Sorry? by Chicago or ?Right Here Waiting? by Richard Marx got to stay in the format, although other early Soft AC signature titles, such as ?Nothing?s Gonna Change My Love for You? by Glenn Medeiros, are evanescing again. Mainstream AC?s 2010s edginess, driven by the rise of CHR, has softened, particularly as most current music has disappeared from the format. That could change with a few more Sabrina Carpenters and Chappel Roans, but there would have to be a consistent upturn in CHR?s fortunes at AC?s expense, something which hasn?t happened yet.* Classic Hits has also moved closer to both Mainstream and Soft AC?s territory. KOLA Riverside, Calif.,one of the format?s best-kept secrets for years, exerts more influence on the format now, with its continued push into 2K music. Even older Soft AC signatures like Stevie Wonder?s ?I Just Called to Say I Love You? have a bigger footprint at Classic Hits than they did during the Soft AC boom. Then there?s the ongoing brightening that seems to take place at Soft AC, which usually starts almost immediately when a station makes the first decision to test or play, say, ?Sunglasses at Night? or ?Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),? songs that are long defanged for their listeners. In the hour monitored below, Magic 93.9 has songs that both identify it as Soft AC (?That?s What Friends Are For?) and others like ?Smooth Criminal? that may be safe and familiar, but not relaxing. The last song on the old KSWD was ?No Scrubs.? Soft AC has always been a test of whether station owners and sales staffs really wanted to be there. At the end, The Sound was fifth in the market, 6-plus, and up 4.0-4.3. It continues to have significant success stories, including WLIT (Lite FM) Chicago,KBEB (The Breeze) Sacramento, and KISQ. Notably, those stations are owned by iHeart, which also operates the Classic Hits stations least afraid to play the early ?70s and, at Christmas time, the stations most willing to go heavily into Nat ?King? Cole and Bing Crosby era-artists. The success of KISQ, then KSWD, were examples of how owners were hesitant to respond to a format?s first success story, but easily spurred to action by the second or third. So far, even iHeart hasn?t rushed to recreate Magic 93.9 elsewhere, except for stations in Fort Myers, Fla., and an FM translator in Tucson. But that may change this week.* Here?s Magic 93.9 at 2 p.m., Sept. 4: Dionne Warwick & Friends, ?That?s What Friends Are For? Jimmy Cliff, ?I Can See Clearly Now? Juan Luis Guerra, ?Bachata Rosa??from 1990, although the Spanish-language music often tends to be newer than other titles Matthew Wilder, ?Break My Stride? Backstreet Boys, ?Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely? Culture Club, ?Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? Michael Jackson, ?Smooth Criminal? Mana, ?Mariposa Tracionera? Berlin, ?Take My Breath Away? Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle, ?A Whole New World? Pet Shop Boys, ?Always on My Mind? Men at Work, ?Down Under? Simply Red, ?If You Don?t Know Me by Now:* Here?s a recent listen to WLIT just before 11 a.m., July 19: Pink, ?Perfect? Prince, ?Kiss? Maroon 5, ?Daylight? Righteous Brothers, ?Unchained Melody? REO Speedwagon, ?Can?t Fight This Feeling? Fugees, ?Killing Me Softly? Madonna, ?Holiday? Bon Jovi, ?Wanted Dead or Alive? Christina Aguilera, ?Beautiful? Bill Withers, ?Lean on Me? John Mellencamp, ?Small Town? Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories, ?Stay (I Missed You)? Here?s Seattle?s The Sound just before 11 a.m., August 30, a few days before its change: Wilson Phillips, ?Hold On? Eurythmics, ?Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)? Lady Gaga, ?Poker Face? Crowded House, ?Don?t Dream It?s Over? Patrick Swayze, ?She?s Like the Wind? Beyonc?, ?Irreplaceable? Maroon 5, ?Sugar? John Mellencamp, ?Small Town? Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars, ?Uptown Funk? Backstreet Boys, ?I Want It That Way? Michael Jackson, ?The Way You Make Me Feel? Timbaland & OneRepublic, ?Apologize? Belinda Carlisle, ?Heaven Is a Place on Earth? Daryl Hall & John Oates, ?Maneater? more