Merlin Brings Alternative Back To New York, Adult Hits To Chicago

Format Flips In New York, Chicago

The big staff meetings simultaneously held at MERLIN News WEMP/NEW YORK and News WIQI/CHICAGO have certainly revealed big news: WEMP has immediately flipped to Alternative NEW ROCK 101.9, while WIQI has flipped to Adult Hits i101.

"Effective immediately, Alternative is back on the air in NEW YORK as NEW ROCK 101.9 and Adult Hits are on the air in CHICAGO as i101," MERLIN MEDIA CEO RANDY MICHAELS stated. "It was a difficult decision to make, but after a year of minimal audience engagement, coupled with the format’s inherent expense, I felt it was time to make a change. I’d like to thank the people who poured their heart and soul into the effort and I wish them all the best."

"After a year without Alternative in New York, I expect to see the audience rapidly embrace New Rock 101.9," WEMP/WIQI," Interim OM JIM RICHARDS said. "The market is wide open, and the listeners are passionate for this type of music. CHICAGO’s current competitive market matrix creates an incredible opportunity for Adult Hits and i101 is the ideal weapon for the battle."

WEMP's first hour went something like this:

BEASTIE BOYS/No Sleep Til Brooklyn
ALEX CLARE/Too Close
FOO FIGHTERS/Walk
THIRD EYE BLIND/Graduate
PHOENIX/1901
OF MONSTERS AND MEN/Little Talks
OFFSPRING/Self Esteem
BLACK KEYS/Tighten Up
PEARL JAM/Daughter
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE/Guerilla Radio

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