Whoa.
The classic hip-hop and R&B terrestrial radio format has quite literally been sweeping the nation over the past few years. Markets big and small across the US have been swapping formats to great results and bigger ratings. In fact, it’s been an absolute head-scratcher that Chicago had yet to join the party. However, that all changed this morning as Entercom flipped the switch on classic hits channel WJMK FM 104.3, replacing it with the rebranded 104.3 Jams.
It’s been a long time coming. And for the time being, the station will air commercial free. Looking forward to seeing who they add as DJs and on-air talent — there’s a lot of people who I’d like to see and hear on the airwaves again.
On its first day as owner of CBS Radio, Entercom Communications has blown up classic hits WJMK FM 104.3, replacing the six-year-old K-Hits brand with a new format of classic hip-hop and R&B.
At 11 a.m. today the company launched “The New 104.3 JAMS – Chicago’s #1 for Throwbacks,” geared to an ethnically diverse audience of millennials with rhythmic music of the ’90s and early ’00s. Core artists include Jay Z, Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., TLC, 2pac, Nelly, Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child, Eminem, Aaliyah, Fugees, and Kanye West.
The station will air initially without commercials or announcers. In the coming weeks it’s expected to change call letters to WBMX, evoking the legendary urban contemporary station that aired in Chicago from 1973 to 1988. (The call letters currently are being used by an Entercom station in Boston.)
”The expertise and energy that Entercom brings into Chicago coupled with our all-star programmers will bring incredible new life to this storied frequency,” said Jimmy deCastro, new senior vice president and market manager of Entercom Chicago. “We will be dancing in the hallways with you, Chicago.”
I’m an ex radio personality WGCI, WCRX, WJPC. I would love to be a part of this tacobops@gmail.com