Is Hot 97 NYC still hip hop?

[andone]

For one, this is 2010 and listeners have moved on to other things, like the iPod and internet radio for their real Hip-Hop/R&B fix, same with Dance. As much as I like to see KPWR actually go R&B, that won't happen in their lifetime

I was saying that facetiously in response to the “where pop-hop lives” comment. I think Power 106 is perfect where they are right now: a good mix of hip-hop, hip-hop flavored R&B, and other rhythmic sounds without the Disney pop, country crossovers, and shock-pop diva of the moment. They can still claim to be “where hip-hip lives” given the quantity and diversity of the hip-hop they play. They have enough hits for the PPM world. They can satisfy listeners seeking hip-hop or R&B or dance. And I think it’s good timing to shift away from going too pop given the cyclical nature of pop.

The “hits and hip-hop” tag might not be too bad.

I’d never trust Power with an R&B format. I don’t think they’d get it right.

Clear Channel should flip Hot 92.3 to an actual hip-hop station, I've heard other CC hip-hop stations and they actually sound great.

I think Power suffices for that. Hot 92.3 should actually go Urban/Urban AC, with an LA twist obviously. IOW, they should be slightly more current while dropping the 60s/70s gold for more 80s/90s/00s. Kind of a hits-based 90s KKBT, current KBLX/KDAY/KHHT hybrid. Keeping in mind their core listeners grew up on KKBT, KPWR, KUTE, KACE, KDAY, etc. Retain most current listeners (if you’re listening to the station now what would really make you leave), grab some of KTWV, KDAY and KJLH listeners and bring some back to radio from iPods. It’s tricky but doable.