Merlin Media’s current LMA with Emmis in New York City, WRXP, is stunting as a Hot AC. After 7/15 at 5pm, the station ended with “Long Live Rock” from The Who and began playing Hot AC songs reaching back into the 80s and 90s mixed with gossip, info and lifestyle vignettes seemingly aimed at women. Meanwhile, the former Indie/Alternative/Classic Alternative WRXP, which Emmis Interactive still manages, is streaming online, including via apps for iPhone and Android users.
RBR-TVBR observation: Could it be that simple? A flank attack at the city’s Hot ACs that mixes music, gossip and entertainment news? We already reported the Merlin’s media spin made CBS Radio in Chicago add an FM simulcast to its WBBM-AM. But even Merlin CEO Randy Michaels told us the station is not going all-News. So we doubt he would do all-News in NYC with all of the established 50-kW AM brands there. Hot Talk aimed at women may just be the way to go, as there are no Hot Talk FMs in NYC and the AC format does well in the city: Clear Channel’s WLTW is #1 in the latest Arbitrons and its Hot AC WKTU is #3. Citadel’s Hot AC WPLJ is down at #14.
