Cox Radio’s Miami dance station, “Party 93.1 FM,” is a new HD2 station that will revive a past format.
The HD Radio multicast station began broadcasting at 93.1 HD2 Monday, March 24. The main channel is WHDR(FM), which flipped to rock three years ago.
Cox Radio Miami VP/GM Michael Disney said the HD2 channel “will deliver what its very passionate fans loved about the high-energy station: the best hit music from the genres of pop dance, club dance and dance classics from the ‘90s.”
Phil Michaels-Trueba designed the original format and is orchestrating the HD Radio version. “Party 93.1 was a great radio station, but because of its unconventional format, it was difficult to fit into the mold of the contemporary business model of commercial radio.” The expanded HD-R dial, he said, is a good home for it.
The on-air launch was accompanied by what Cox calls a “limited” Internet launch at PARTY931.com. Fans will be provided with information and an e-mail link that directs them to submitting feedback and comments. The station also set up a MySpace profile.
In South Florida, HD Radios are available at retail locations including Brandsmart USA, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Circuit City and Sound Advice. Cox offers a list of HD Radio products online.
Cox Radio Miami owns and operates several other stations that have HD2 channels offering different formats in addition to their HD1 channels.