Radio, Radio: Philly Is Lacking In Smooth Today

radio, radio

Philly Is Lacking In Smooth Today

As part of Idolator's extensive coverage of the demise of "smooth jazz" radio, it's our duty to inform you that WJZZ in Philadelphia, owned by the Greater Media group, flipped away from the format yesterday. Replacing the relaxing sounds of Chris Botti and Dave Koz: another adult-contemporary station, this one branded as "A Younger Approach to Today's Soft Rock." Considering the last three songs played at the "New Now 97.5" were by the Backstreet Boys, Maroon 5, and the Eurythmics, it's a little difficult to understand how this bold new take on radio is different from the "Adult Hits" of WBEN, or the "Adult Contemporary" of WBEB. Does Philadelphia really have the room for three stations that have Sara Bareilles and Daughtry in heavy rotation? [NOW 97.5 homepage]

Read More:

10:30 AM on Tue Sep 9 2008
By Dan Gibson
254 views
7 comments

Comments

by Ned Raggett at 10:41 AM on 09/09/08
Reply by Email

*

"A Younger Approach to Today's Soft Rock."

That must have been one passionate marketing meeting.
by Maura Johnston at 11:16 AM on 09/09/08
Reply by Email

*

Gah, the last thing Philadelphia needs is another AC station. Surely some of you out there remember when the Jammin' Oldies station -- aka the frequency that housed the best format ever -- switched to white-bread mealy-mouthed crap?
by blackmailismylife at 11:37 AM on 09/09/08
Reply by Email

*

@Maura Johnston: Max 95.7 RIP. I wish someone would just revive WDRE for shits and giggles.
by 2ironic4u at 11:38 AM on 09/09/08
Reply by Email

*

@Maura Johnston: With most of those "crazy young kids" migrating away from traditional radio we're probably going to see more and more Mix/Lite FM stations popping up (look at the #1 rated station in NYC as an example). They're safe enough to play in department stores/doctor's offices and your mom won't mind having them on.
by goldsounds at 11:42 AM on 09/09/08
Reply by Email

*

@Maura Johnston: 98.1 WOGL is still alive and kicking.

97.5 started the format change with Wilson MFing Phillips. Edgy!
by goldsounds at 11:44 AM on 09/09/08
Reply by Email

*

@blackmailismylife: As a 13-year old I listened to that last WDRE broadcast and nearly cried I was so upset. Y100 always paled in comparison.
by VivaLaMainstream at 02:28 PM on 09/09/08
Reply by Email

*

I've lived in Philly for over a decade now, and since Y100 shifted to rap (we have 3 rap stations too), radio in Philadelphia has sucked. WMMR is the best station mostly because of Preston and Steve, and Radio 104.5 is OK but lacks any worthwhile personality.