Will FM radio wplj be a rock station in late 2007 or 2008 and when will it happen i know there be rummors of a format change for wplj FM and i would like to know ir wplj FM will go rock for late 2007?

Answer 1

WPLJ 95.5fm (New York) is not planning on changing into a rock station. They are leaning more towards a mainstream top40/CHR (Contemporary Hit Radio) approach, while still shying away from rap/hiphop. Over the last several months, WPLJ's ratings have been slipping. There has also been alot of complaints from listeners that the playlist is to tight. They have only 15 currents on the playlist. WPLJ is classified as a Hot AC format. They play more uptempo & current music (than standard Adult Contemporary radio stations would), as well as 80's & 90's music.

In the last several months, Wplj has added artists like Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, and Jonas brothers, in addition to artist like Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox20, and Nickleback that they have always played. They are sounding more like their main competitor Z100. Z100 plays all of the above mentioned artists, along with a heavy dose of rap/hiphop artists. WPLJ still wants to expand their playlist to attract more listeners, while avoiding scaring off long-time listeners by not playing rap. They have also started to phase out 80's music, and added more 90's cuts.

This change has been noticed among listeners, and reported in Billboard magazine. This changed has generally received positive feedback from the listeners and those in the record industry. Only time will tell if this will have a good outcome in the ratings.