Most unique/“non-conformist” CHRs?

[Tomgsinger]

I had a thread about this a while ago, but ever since I started to subscribe to SiriusXM (and fall in love with Hits 1 for their heavy rock lean and emphasis on new music), I’ve been wondering if there are terrestrial CHRs that take risks musically. Maybe not as much as Hits 1, but definitely not just a “cookie cutter” station that sounds like everyone else.

 

[Delete My Account]

I haven't heard it recently but 99.7 (now 94.7) KKCK in Marshall, Minnesota used to integrate a significant amount of alternative & rock into their CHR mix. Also, WMOM 102.7 in Ludington, MI (recently silent) was a CHR/ALT hybrid.

 

[facepalm]

WMOM/Ludington has morphed into Hot AC in recent years. The only CHR with any signal remotely reaching Ludington is WIXX/Green Bay.

The heritage CHR KKCK/Marshall should stayed on 100,000 watt blowtorch 99.7 FM that rimshots Sioux Falls. This was a highly successful station. Management retiring with new management coming in with personal preferences is why their frequency swapped with 94.7 FM. From my understanding, KKCK's frequency swap music went from a "Rock 40" alternative/rock leaning CHR aggressive with new music (a small market Midwestern sound with the alternative/modern rock/modern AC tracks mixed in) to a more traditional, conventional mainstream CHR (mimicking large and major markets), and most of their longtime "live and local" staff was let go in favor of voice-tracking, automation, and syndication. Even their new jingles mimic KDWB. The old KKCK at 99.7 FM never tried to copy bigger stations such as KDWB in music, presentation, contests, promotions, etc. KKCK on the new 94.7 FM is a total cookie cutter CHR now.

 

[facepalm]

KKCK also reached Brookings when it was on 99.7 FM

 

[macattack]

Doesn't WIXX itself pretty much pick up every Alternative song that tries to cross over (and even some that don't)?

 

[facepalm]

That sounds like how KKCK was when it was the on 100,000 watt 99.7 FM. They played everything Alternative (and even Active Rock) that other CHR's didn't play, while crossing over some months early (and playing Mika and Scissor Sisters). KKCK was as unconventional and non-traditional as a CHR could get, beyond just music, and they were known for full service programming, especially their winter weather and severe weather coverage (I remember their morning show airing obituaries). KKCK was one of the few CHR's programming to a different tune, like WIXX in Green Bay and WDJQ in Canton. The new management destroyed a heritage CHR with the frequency change and "Covid" layoffs. They now share music logs with sister station KDOG in Mankato. The only thing "live and local" remaining are high school sports. The trolls named "The Truthsayer" and "Radio Mistress" off the old Red and Nater radio message board years ago can FOAD.

 

[MVB13]

K 104 (104.7 FM) WSPK FM in the Hudson Valley is a prime example of a live and local station. It's signal is huge. They can be heard in Sussex County, NJ and Pike County, PA as well as northern parts of Passaic and Bergen Counties.