Radio program watchers saw a notable flip this week when Emmis announced 101.9 RXP, a format that replaces Smooth Jazz CD101.9.
The old format will be heard now on the station’s HD2 channel.
Meanwhile, the sounds of mellow instrumentals are replaced by “The New York Rock Experience.”
The company says this new adult rock approach combines new music, classic rock, alternative and local rock. It promises artists “like Franz Ferdinand, Bruce Springsteen, Nirvana, Coldplay, U2, Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews, The Police, Beck, Radiohead, The Who, Oasis, Arcade Fire, Social Distortion and REM — a playlist not determined by era, but rather by the acoustic quality of each song.”
PD Blake Lawrence said in the announcement that air personalities “will play a direct part in choosing the music.” Local rock artists, Emmis said, will be a part of the playlist.
Consultants on the format change included Mike Henry of Paragon Media Strategies and John Bradley and Dave Rahn of SBR Creative Media.
