Infinity Broadcasting Launches “Free FM” as Part Of Stern Replacement Strategy

Infinity Broadcasting launched a new FM format called “Free FM” on its stations in four of the top five U.S. radio markets as part of its Howard Stern replacement strategy. Stern is leaving Infinity to go to Sirius Satellite Radio in January. Infinity still carries Stern’s program on 27 stations. His last live Infinity broadcast will be Dec. 16.
Infinity Chairman/CEO Joel Hollander said the new format features “personalities, whose distinct creativity, perspective, sense of humor, intellect and unpredictability do not fall under the guiding principals of any particular narrowcast theme or ideology.”
Along with its new Free FM format come new hosts in several markets.
“When we set out to find a replacement for Howard Stern we took the opportunity to cultivate a wide array of talent, from both in and out of the radio industry. Couple that with an impressive roster of emerging talent and formats and we have all the necessary elements for Infinity to continue as the major player in morning drive.”
David Lee Roth, the original frontman for the rock band Van Halen, and comedic radio and television personality Adam Carolla have been named as morning drive hosts in New York on WXRK(FM) and Los Angeles on KLSX(FM) beginning Jan. 3.
Additional markets to broadcast Roth include KLLI(FM), Dallas; WYSP(FM), Philadelphia; WBCN(FM), Boston; WRKZ(FM), Pittsburgh; WNCX(FM), Cleveland and WPBZ(FM), West Palm Beach, Fla. Carolla will also be heard on KIFR(FM), San Francisco (formerly KEAR-FM); KPLN(FM), San Diego; KZON(FM), Phoenix; KUFO(FM), Portland and KXTE(FM), Las Vegas.
Late night talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel will serve as creative consultant for “The Adam Carolla Show,” as well as advisor for Infinity.