K-Rock’s switching to “Now Radio”

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Well, we knew it was coming soon when Opie and Anthony’s Twitter page said yesterday that K-Rock NYC has just informed them their services were no longer needed. So, our RBR First prediction that CBS will flip an NYC FM to CHR (2/17/09 RBR #32) will come true on 3/11.


In the same story, we had heard CBS Radio was flipping an LA station to CHR. The day after Adam Carolla was pulled, the company flipped Talker KLSX-FM to “Amp Radio” (2/19/09 RBR #34). Indeed, for K-Rock (WXRK-FM), PPM ratings have given the station a hit, dropping from a 2.0 in August ’08 to a 1.7 in December of last year. Meanwhile, crosstown CC Radio’s Z-100 has fluctuated from an impressive 5.7 to 6.0 from August through December.

So tomorrow at 5PM, New York area listeners and Top 40 music fans everywhere will have more choice to hear their favorite contemporary hit songs when “92.3 Now FM” launches.  Kanye West, Beyonce, Pink, Flo-Rida, Akon, Katy Perry, and Justin Timberlake will be among the core artists featured on the experiential CBS Radio station when it debuts on-air, online (www.923now.com), and on a variety of mobile devices.

92.3 Now will also be a digital and mobile destination where audience members and fans alike can stay socially connected through a variety of applications, interactive features and networking opportunities.

“For the first time in nearly 30 years, New York now has a choice for hit music,” said Dom Theodore, Vice President of Contemporary Hit Radio Programming, CBS Radio.  “With 92.3 Now FM we’re breaking the mold of the traditional radio station and creating a pure multi-media companion for today’s music fans.”  Theodore, who has launched several Top 40 stations across the country, will direct the programming for 92.3 Now FM.
 
The New York centric 92.3 Now FM website will be home to extensive entertainment news and artist coverage, including audio and video blogs created by the station’s network of bloggers – outside contributors from the area; music videos; fan forums and access to exclusive programs and events.  Audience members can also follow what’s happening at 92.3 Now FM via Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter, as well as interact with the station through text messaging, concerts, and live events.