The former heritage alternative-rocker WFNX-FM Boston was flipped on 12/19 to an all electronic dance/club format: “Evolution 101.7.” Clear Channel says it’s the first of its kind in the nation. CC bought WFNX earlier this year from Phoenix Media/Communications Group and changed the calls to Adult Hits WHBA “The Harbor,” perhaps as a way to fill the void from CBS Radio switching Oldies WODS-FM to CHR.
The new music format is dubbed “EDM,” short for electronic dance music.
“We’ve seen the impact of EDM in Boston through music downloads, sold-out concerts and passion for iHeartRadio’s new Evolution channel,” said Dylan Sprague, Vice President of Programming for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Boston. “We’re proud to bring Evolution 101.7, the company’s first EDM broadcast station, to Boston, and to team up with format-leading artists like Pete Tong. The music scene in Boston has a vibrant EDM community as well as a rich history of bringing new music to audiences in the area and around the country. We’re excited to continue the tradition by giving dance music a home on Boston’s airwaves.”
The station launched with an hour-long, specialty program hosted by British DJ Pete Tong, after which it started its regularly scheduled programming featuring dance tracks by artists including Fatboy Slim, Stellar, City Of Dreams, Diplo, Wolfgang Gartner, Congorock and more.
Clear Channel also owns WXKS-FM, WXKS-AM, WKOX-AM and WJMN-FM in Beantown.
