Taking aim at Emmis’ R&B/Urban Contemporary WBLS-FM in the market, Cumulus announced the launch of “Radio 103.9” featuring New York’s best mix of R&B with an urban adult format that extends the station’s signal to reach listeners across the New York metropolitan area, including 80% of the region’s African American population. The station launches on 7/7.
Cumulus’ AC WFAS-FM, licensed to Bronxville, NY (Westchester County), made the move to cover much more of NYC’s core population and Manhattan. It was at 600 Watts @ 667 feet. It moved 15 miles to the southwest towards Manhattan with 980 Watts @ 532 feet–via a CP.
The station formerly simulcast on WFAF (106.3 FM), located in Mount Kisco, New York, allowing WFAS to cover most of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Northern Westchester and Putnam Counties, as well as much of western Connecticut; in 2012, WFAF became WDVY, a simulcast of WDBY.
The station’s broadcast tower and facilities are located in Hartsdale, NY. WFAS received a CP to move their transmitter to the Norwood section of the Bronx.
“Radio 103.9” will include a heavy focus on community engagement, with the station’s on-air talent participating in local events and collaborating with leading community service organizations.
D.L. Hughley and Tom Joyner enjoying last night’s Radio 103.9 launch party at Sylvia’s in Harlem.
Cumulus celebrated the launch of “Radio 103.9” 6/25 at world famous Sylvia’s in the heart of Harlem. Guests included Tom Joyner and D.L. Hughley, as well as community leaders including Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth P. Thompson, New York Urban League President and CEO Arva Rice and Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association President Norman Seabrook. The event featured performances by Calvin Richardson and Eric Benet.
“Radio 103.9” joins the Cumulus New York cluster of popular stations including 77 WABC, 95.5 WPLJ and NASH FM 94.7, New York’s only Country music station. The station’s star-studded lineup includes the nationally syndicated morning drivetime program “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” and the afternoon drivetime program “The D.L. Hughley Show” that are both part of the Cumulus partnership with Reach Media.
The station’s local shows include “LaLoca” with host Sharon “La Loca” Montero, who joins “Radio 103.9” from Power 95.3 in Orlando, and “Hanging Downtown” with Marc Clarke, a host widely known for his three years hosting the popular “Hang Suite” on WHUR 96.3 in Washington, DC. The “Radio 103.9” lineup will be:
6am – 10am: “The Tom Joyner Morning Show”
10am – 3pm: “LaLoca”
3pm – 7pm: “The D.L. Hughley Show”
7pm – 12am: “Hanging Downtown”
“Women ages 35-44 who enjoy urban format music and stars from the last few decades through today are underserved in the Big Apple and we’re changing that now with an urban radio renaissance,” said Kim Bryant, Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus New York.
“New York is the greatest city in the world and the radio programmers and personalities that came before me are a part my philosophy on radio today,” said Ken Johnson, PD of “Radio 103.9. “The only thing greater than my love for New York radio is my respect for its listeners.”
See the before and after signal coverages:
