WLDE Fort Wayne changes from Fun to Classic Hits

[Juan Bodley]

Seems like Fort Wayne is growing a fine crop of rock & classics stations, up to now I count 4...
Last week WLDE changed from their "Fun" format (just about anything from the 60s, 70s, and 80s - more 70s & 80s,) to "Classic Hits." While it's not a full on rock format, they're going for the acts that have been getting airplay on Big 92.3 and 96.3 WXKE, even some that still play on 98.9 The Bear.

I'm just wondering why they did it...the answer I'd give is they're pairing off against Big 92.3...

 

[CTListener]

Seems like Fort Wayne is growing a fine crop of rock & classics stations, up to now I count 4..

As befits an aging city that's 20 percent-plus over 55, 75 percent non-Hispanic white (and only about 6 percent Hispanic overall). Don't look for an explosion of rhythmic formats there any time soon.

 

[Juan Bodley]

You're right on that.
But the non-streaming, non-Spotify or "digital only" crowd listens to other formats in FW it's likely Hot 107.9 or maybe 97.3.
I don't personally listen, but I do know a few of my social media friends like the dancing over the headbanging. Everywhere I turn the word is "rock is dying,' "rock radio isn't what it was," that usual junk. Some of the up-and-coming bands like Greta Van Fleet may change that, if they keep putting out the good music. In this market it just seems like a lot of rock/classic rock stations fighting for the ears that "supposedly" aren't there.
But then again, I don't always take what I read as absolute truth. So watch for the next round of format change and see how long it takes I guess will be the tell...

 

[tsherck]

Being up here in Dekalb County For Rock and Roll i usually tune in to 96.3 or Alt 102.3 and we’re lucky to have WAWK 94.3/95.5 lots of verity in my opinion. The Bear Just beats me to death.

Also at Sharks there’s a few staff changes:

Angie Nash moves to mornings with Jim and Carrie from 5:30-9 and Afternoons 3-7 at WAJI
Jim and Carrie now splits the midday daypart with Jim 9-noon and Carrie noon-3pm
Captain Chris loses an hour and is now 3pm-6pm
Mark Evans drops to part time doing weekends.

Zack Skyler moves to Alt 99.5/102.3 to handle Afternoons 3-7
Nights are now jockless at all 3 stations.

 

[ThatVoice22]

Also at Sharks there’s a few staff changes

For us former Fort Wayners, what is the reference to "Sharks?"

 

[Corky Marlowe]

For us former Fort Wayners, what is the reference to "Sharks?"

Took me a second when I first read it, but I think it's a pun on the name of WLDE's owner, Sarkes-Tarzian.