Seattle REVOLUTION!! iHeartMedia Revamps Formats at Four Stations

• PD’s Eric Powers, Eric Tyler Depart

• Bender and Molly

• courtesy AllAccess.com      January 19, 2016

  iHEARTMEDIA/SEATTLE has realigned the programmning at four of its stations. Effective immediately, Top 40 KBKS flips to Hot AC station with the new slogan “More Music, More Variety,” while retaining the BENDER and MOLLY morning show; Top 40/Rhythmic KUBE evolves into Top 40 POWER 93.3 FM, “SEATTLE’s New Hit Music,” playing 10,000 songs commercial-free and launching CARLA MARIE & ANTHONY in mornings; KUBE’s Rhythmic brand moves to 104.9 FM as “TACOMA’s New Home for Hits & Hip-Hop,” with SUPA SAM in mornings

  Also, last week Hot AC KYNW listeners were transitioned to KBKS so it can now become Alternative ALT 102.9 FM, “SEATTLE/TACOMA’s Rock Alternative,” with HARMS in afternoon drive.

  “We have identified a clear path forward that retains these stations’ core listeners, while also attracting new ones.  These programming changes will build on the strengths of each brand and what differentiates them from one another,” iHEARTMEDIA/SEATTLE. Market Pres. KENT HAEHL said, “These changes aren’t traditional format changes; this is a pivot strategy to enable these brands to resonate quickly with both listeners and advertisers.”

• “This is a revolution for the SEATTLE market, and the success we’ve had with listeners to THE JET (KJR-FM) validates our strategy,” iHEARTMEDIA/West Division EVPP ANDREW JEFFRIES said. “Realigning our programming content, and boasting an influx of great talent under the leadership of radio veteran RICH DAVIS, we are bringing a fresh new approach to SEATTLE listening that will drive results.”“It’s no secret that SEATTLE is a competitive market and these changes align our brands in a way that capitalizes on each stations strengths and gives us the best opportunity to win while providing a fresh new experience for our audience,” iHEARTMEDIA SEATTLE VP/Programming RICH DAVIS said. “Our talent, including new POWER 93.3 morning team CARLA MARIE and ANTHONY, ALT. 102.9’s HARMS, along with 106.1’s BENDER and MOLLY and KUBE 104.9’s DJ SUPA SAM make this lineup not just a big win for our stations, but for our listeners in SEATTLE, too.”

  As far as ALL ACCESS can recall, this is the first move of this size in one market with so many stations involved in resetting listening habits in that market.

  As part of these changes, KUBE PD ERIC POWERS leaves the cluster after 24 years, starting in 1992.  He became KUBE’s PD in 1998.  Find him at (206) 849-3742, or er**********@gm***.com.

  And, longtime KBKS APD/MD/afternooner ERIC TYLER is out. Find him at (206) 604-3386 or bl*******@ya***.com.

– See more at: http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/149579/iheartmedia-seattle-revamps-formats-at-four-statio?ref=mail_bulletin#sthash.72Fi89yH.dpuf

The latest Seattle/Tacoma PPMs HERE