Merlin Media, who one year ago felt alternative music on the radio was dead by flipping two stations to news, has re-signed on its second major market alternative station in the past six weeks this time in New York City.
Since shoring up his staff at Q87/Chicago with the excellent addition of Walter Flakus as APD, Interim NYC Operations Manager Jim Richards now shifts his attention to New York City with New Rock 101.9. Richards says, “After a year without Alternative in New York, I expect to see the audience rapidly embrace New Rock 101.9 (call letters WEMP).
Check out Rock 101.9′s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/NewRock1019
As alternative radio fans at Alternative Contraband, it’s a little hard to not roll your eyes and ask what Merlin even thinking in the first place. Alternative music radio hasn’t always been easy for operators to understand, but the format is strengthening daily and on a big rebound ratings wise. So, at days end ya just embrace and enjoy it because the alternative format strengthens in a city that can help boost the formats’ profile.
What are your thoughts on alternative in New York City? Join the conversation here.
