History of Top 40 Radio in NYC

[MVB13]

Correct. In 1988, NBC sold off its radio division. Emmis purchased NBC's 2 New York stations, WNBC and WYNY. Then Emmis sold 1050 AM to Spanish Broadcasting Company and 103.5 FM to Westwood One. Emmis then moved the 1050 format (The Fan) to 660 and Hot 103 to 97.1 (as Hot 97). I don't recall if there were dollars involved, but Westwood One put WYNY's calls, County format and staff on 103.5.

Someone should bring back WYNY. I used to love that station as a kid. I had a T shirt from them I think my family all had one. I was only 5 when they flipped. Surprisingly we could receive it in West Milford with WNNJ on 103.7 from Newton on the adjacent frequency as a distant signal. When did 103.5 improve it's signal?
I do wish KTU would go EDM/Dance as they they were in the mid 90's.

 

[BruceNYC]

You cannot turn back the clock. WYNY had its day at 97.1 and 103.5 on the dial. There is a station in Milford, PA using the WYNY calls (Lite 106.9). They are branded as Lite 106.9.

 

[dcowboy7]

Yea WYNY was never a real CHR cause there were certain top 20 songs they wouldnt play.

 

[Marcos_C]

By the end of 1984, there were four CHR stations in NYC. To compete with WHTZ and WPLJ, the original WKTU (92.3) switched from disco/dance to CHR in the middle of 1984, but its ratings continued to decline. In October of that year, WAPP (103.5) switched from AOR to CHR; however, that change was a failure, and no amount of adjusting the format helped. On July 13, 1985, WKTU kicked off its new AOR format with coverage of Live Aid and changed its call sign to WXRK (K-Rock). In 1986, WAPP became a rhythmic CHR station and changed its call sign to WQHT (Hot 103). In 1988, that station swapped frequencies with WYNY and became Hot 97.

 

[MVB13]

You cannot turn back the clock. WYNY had its day at 97.1 and 103.5 on the dial. There is a station in Milford, PA using the WYNY calls (Lite 106.9). They are branded as Lite 106.9.

The calls are WYNY AM. 106.9 is a translator.

 

[CTListener]

The calls are WYNY AM. 106.9 is a translator.

"AM" as a suffix is never an official part of a station's call letters. The AM station in question would be WYNY, period. The translator would have the usual alphanumeric call. If no one else is using WYNY-FM, it conceivably could come back to New York. But such nostalgia is usually limited to the imaginations of radio geeks.

 

[TheBigA]

While on the subject of Z100, there's a new documentary about the station that will be shown next month. This is the press release:

A PENGUARDIA PRODUCTIONS, ELVIS DURAN GROUP, WORKHOUSE MEDIA AND HQ CREATIVE PRODUCTION

WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK

DIRECTED, WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY: Mitchell Stuart

PRODUCED BY: Trish Hunter Shannon, Elvis Duran, David Katz and John McConnell

CAST: Scott Shannon, Elvis Duran, Jon Bon Jovi, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Debbie Gibson, Joan Jett, Taylor Dayne, Tony Orlando, Joe Piscopo, “Magic” Matthew Alan, “Professor” Jonathan B. Bell, Frankie Blue, Anita Bonita, Ross Brittain, Pete Cosenza, Michael Ellis, Gavin DeGraw, Cathy Donovan, Gary Fisher, Frank Foti, Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton, David Hinckley, Donnie lenner, Jim Kerr, Steve Kingston, Ken Lane, Kenny Laguna, Jimi LaLumina, Tom Poleman, Geraldo Rivera, Trish Hunter Shannon, Patty Steele, Claire Stevens, Mitchell Stuart, John Sykes and Jim Wood.

WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK WILL BE RELEASED ON VOD AND CABLE IN THE UNITED STATES ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11.

VOD PLATFORMS INCLUDE: Apple/ iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, Vudu, Microsoft and more.

CABLE PLATFORMS INCLUDE: InDemand (Comcast, Spectrum, Charter, Cox, Frontier), DirectTV and more.

WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture, and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran.

Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music.

Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.

MITCHELL STUART is a multiple film festival and Emmy-Award winning filmmaker and storyteller of compelling documentaries, groundbreaking digital series and industry-disrupting brand campaigns. Whether following his heart to tell an inspirational, against all odds story about female freedom fighters in Africa, or honoring his lifelong passion for music and filmmaking, Mitchell tells authentic stories that move and engage an audience.

Known for riveting, thought-provoking visuals and for often composing original music for the soundtracks of his films, he has been honored with 15 NY Emmy-Award Nominations for his music and entertainment documentary series, the Emmy-Award Winning Road to MSG, featuring Jay Z, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago, Z100’s Jingle Ball concerts with Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, John Mayer, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and more. Dozens of film festivals throughout the world have honored him and his partner, Cheryl Halpern, winning awards for directing, best film, social justice, world peace and humanitarian efforts with their documentaries, Natsanat (Ethiopian for freedom), Fighting to be Free and Remembering Maurits Kiek.

Working closely with the Broadway community, Mitchell spearheaded the documentary-style Tony Award Campaign for Moulin Rouge the Musical resulting in 14 Tony Award nominations. He was also directed a uniquely cinematic short film on the return to Broadway of Phantom of the Opera, and Broadway’s partnership with the MTA, The Only Sure Way to Broadway.

A proud born and bred New Yorker, his natural drive for diving deeper into his research preparation has led to stellar work with a diverse and brilliant who’s who list of musicians and newsmakers including The Who, Rod Stewart, Trevor Noah, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Jon Bon Jovi, Sting and The Foo Fighters in first concert celebrating the return of live music to Madison Square Garden post COVID-19.

Feature Documentary/ Rated:G / Running Time: 64 Minutes

 

[dcowboy7]

The Flamethrower !!

 

[MVB13]

While on the subject of Z100, there's a new documentary about the station that will be shown next month. This is the press release:

A PENGUARDIA PRODUCTIONS, ELVIS DURAN GROUP, WORKHOUSE MEDIA AND HQ CREATIVE PRODUCTION

WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK

DIRECTED, WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY: Mitchell Stuart

PRODUCED BY: Trish Hunter Shannon, Elvis Duran, David Katz and John McConnell

CAST: Scott Shannon, Elvis Duran, Jon Bon Jovi, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Debbie Gibson, Joan Jett, Taylor Dayne, Tony Orlando, Joe Piscopo, “Magic” Matthew Alan, “Professor” Jonathan B. Bell, Frankie Blue, Anita Bonita, Ross Brittain, Pete Cosenza, Michael Ellis, Gavin DeGraw, Cathy Donovan, Gary Fisher, Frank Foti, Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton, David Hinckley, Donnie lenner, Jim Kerr, Steve Kingston, Ken Lane, Kenny Laguna, Jimi LaLumina, Tom Poleman, Geraldo Rivera, Trish Hunter Shannon, Patty Steele, Claire Stevens, Mitchell Stuart, John Sykes and Jim Wood.

WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK WILL BE RELEASED ON VOD AND CABLE IN THE UNITED STATES ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11.

VOD PLATFORMS INCLUDE: Apple/ iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, Vudu, Microsoft and more.

CABLE PLATFORMS INCLUDE: InDemand (Comcast, Spectrum, Charter, Cox, Frontier), DirectTV and more.

WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture, and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran.

Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music.

Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.

MITCHELL STUART is a multiple film festival and Emmy-Award winning filmmaker and storyteller of compelling documentaries, groundbreaking digital series and industry-disrupting brand campaigns. Whether following his heart to tell an inspirational, against all odds story about female freedom fighters in Africa, or honoring his lifelong passion for music and filmmaking, Mitchell tells authentic stories that move and engage an audience.

Known for riveting, thought-provoking visuals and for often composing original music for the soundtracks of his films, he has been honored with 15 NY Emmy-Award Nominations for his music and entertainment documentary series, the Emmy-Award Winning Road to MSG, featuring Jay Z, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago, Z100’s Jingle Ball concerts with Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, John Mayer, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and more. Dozens of film festivals throughout the world have honored him and his partner, Cheryl Halpern, winning awards for directing, best film, social justice, world peace and humanitarian efforts with their documentaries, Natsanat (Ethiopian for freedom), Fighting to be Free and Remembering Maurits Kiek.

Working closely with the Broadway community, Mitchell spearheaded the documentary-style Tony Award Campaign for Moulin Rouge the Musical resulting in 14 Tony Award nominations. He was also directed a uniquely cinematic short film on the return to Broadway of Phantom of the Opera, and Broadway’s partnership with the MTA, The Only Sure Way to Broadway.

A proud born and bred New Yorker, his natural drive for diving deeper into his research preparation has led to stellar work with a diverse and brilliant who’s who list of musicians and newsmakers including The Who, Rod Stewart, Trevor Noah, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Jon Bon Jovi, Sting and The Foo Fighters in first concert celebrating the return of live music to Madison Square Garden post COVID-19.

Feature Documentary/ Rated:G / Running Time: 64 Minutes

I cannot wait!!!!

 

[davideduardo]

Yea WYNY was never a real CHR cause there were certain top 20 songs they wouldnt play.

There are several varieties of CHR, all of which are "real". All "CHR" means is that a station plays current pop/rhythmic/ rock hits. Some CHRs lean to rock, some are mainstream and others are rhythmic depending on the market and the competition. But all are "CHR".

Nielsen, and Arbitron before them, had only a smallish set of format definitions and CHR is one of them. But there is no This CHR, That CHR or Other CHR. All the variants have to fit in the limited array of formats Nielsen accepts. However, in discussions we can call them rhythmic CHR or mainstream or rock CHR however we want.

 

[RoddyFreeman]

WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture, and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran.

Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.

I listened to Z100 from day 1, and it was a really exciting time. Scott Shannon's creativity really shone. He injected a rogue element into the station, especially during the morning show. And he created the paradigm for virtually all of today's music stations, a morning show with a cast and long music sweeps after that.

Early on, Shannon turned the worst-to-first thing into a promotion, urging listeners to create and display signs. And he certainly put his money where his mouth was; Z100 was #1 in the fall, 1983 book.

That said, I think the launch of Z100 might have taken on just a bit of an urban legend in the mind of the documentary creators: "Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture." They were in a modern office building on Meadowlands Parkway. "The DJ's had to buy their own records." The station got so much ink before launching, and the trades said they got a gazillion applications for air shifts. I'm sure they received the same kind of attention from record companies. "Worst to first portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story." This was before consolidation, and Malrite was not as large as some NY station owners, such as NBC and CBS. But once the antenna was moved to ESB, Z100 had as good a signal as anyone and obviously could afford to hire top talent in all areas.

I'm really looking forward to the documentary.

 

[Marcos_C]

They were in a modern office building on Meadowlands Parkway.

In Secaucus.

 

[dcowboy7]

NFL Network was gonna move there but they went to culver city instead.
Now theyre in a building right next to the new LA stadium.
I think MLB Network is in secaucus along with jimmy hoffa.

 

[Marcos_C]

I think MLB Network is in secaucus[...].

Yes, One MLB Network Plaza.

 

[itsTheRolyPoly]

While on the subject of Z100, there's a new documentary about the station that will be shown next month. This is the press release:

A PENGUARDIA PRODUCTIONS, ELVIS DURAN GROUP, WORKHOUSE MEDIA AND HQ CREATIVE PRODUCTION

WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK

DIRECTED, WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY: Mitchell Stuart

PRODUCED BY: Trish Hunter Shannon, Elvis Duran, David Katz and John McConnell

CAST: Scott Shannon, Elvis Duran, Jon Bon Jovi, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Debbie Gibson, Joan Jett, Taylor Dayne, Tony Orlando, Joe Piscopo, “Magic” Matthew Alan, “Professor” Jonathan B. Bell, Frankie Blue, Anita Bonita, Ross Brittain, Pete Cosenza, Michael Ellis, Gavin DeGraw, Cathy Donovan, Gary Fisher, Frank Foti, Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton, David Hinckley, Donnie lenner, Jim Kerr, Steve Kingston, Ken Lane, Kenny Laguna, Jimi LaLumina, Tom Poleman, Geraldo Rivera, Trish Hunter Shannon, Patty Steele, Claire Stevens, Mitchell Stuart, John Sykes and Jim Wood.

WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK WILL BE RELEASED ON VOD AND CABLE IN THE UNITED STATES ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11.

VOD PLATFORMS INCLUDE: Apple/ iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, Vudu, Microsoft and more.

CABLE PLATFORMS INCLUDE: InDemand (Comcast, Spectrum, Charter, Cox, Frontier), DirectTV and more.

WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture, and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran.

Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music.

Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.

MITCHELL STUART is a multiple film festival and Emmy-Award winning filmmaker and storyteller of compelling documentaries, groundbreaking digital series and industry-disrupting brand campaigns. Whether following his heart to tell an inspirational, against all odds story about female freedom fighters in Africa, or honoring his lifelong passion for music and filmmaking, Mitchell tells authentic stories that move and engage an audience.

Known for riveting, thought-provoking visuals and for often composing original music for the soundtracks of his films, he has been honored with 15 NY Emmy-Award Nominations for his music and entertainment documentary series, the Emmy-Award Winning Road to MSG, featuring Jay Z, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago, Z100’s Jingle Ball concerts with Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, John Mayer, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and more. Dozens of film festivals throughout the world have honored him and his partner, Cheryl Halpern, winning awards for directing, best film, social justice, world peace and humanitarian efforts with their documentaries, Natsanat (Ethiopian for freedom), Fighting to be Free and Remembering Maurits Kiek.

Working closely with the Broadway community, Mitchell spearheaded the documentary-style Tony Award Campaign for Moulin Rouge the Musical resulting in 14 Tony Award nominations. He was also directed a uniquely cinematic short film on the return to Broadway of Phantom of the Opera, and Broadway’s partnership with the MTA, The Only Sure Way to Broadway.

A proud born and bred New Yorker, his natural drive for diving deeper into his research preparation has led to stellar work with a diverse and brilliant who’s who list of musicians and newsmakers including The Who, Rod Stewart, Trevor Noah, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Jon Bon Jovi, Sting and The Foo Fighters in first concert celebrating the return of live music to Madison Square Garden post COVID-19.

Feature Documentary/ Rated:G / Running Time: 64 Minutes

I can't wait for the Florida version of this story as well... *Worst to First: The True Story of 93.3... The Power Pig!* Haha. Detailing the true story of how WFLZ overtook WRBQ to become tops in Tampa and stayed that way and changed radio in Tampa Bay forever.

Hahahaha. Its one of my favorite radio stories ever.

 

[Don CT]

Yes, One MLB Network Plaza.

They are in the old MSNBC Studios.

 

[inorm99]

With Imus & Stern? Really?

Yes. They had Stern and Imus, but the music was AC

 

[Mykel the Radio Guy]

I have noticed Super Bass and Starships have been playing on KTU again recently. Their last playings of both were in 2019.

 

[MVB13]

I've noticed the lack of new music on CHRs a lot of 20 plus old songs. I wonder why? So many artists release new music especially established acts and they don't get airplay or barely any airplay.

 

[TheBigA]

I've noticed the lack of new music on CHRs a lot of 20 plus old songs. I wonder why? So many artists release new music especially established acts and they don't get airplay or barely any airplay.

I'm not sure what you mean. I just looked at the Z100 playlist, and they are playing every song in the CHR Top 30, and they're playing those songs as often as ten times a day. Bieber's new song Ghost just jumped from #11 to #1. Songs outside the Top 30 perhaps aren't testing well or the research isn't in yet. At the height of the pandemic, there was a focus on more familiar music, but it appears that's over.