10
Ok,
Here is why I find this interesting. When I came to San Diego in the 80s, nobody wanted to use the phrase "Hit Music." KS-103 was long gone. The only outlets for Top 40 were B-100, Q106, and Y-95 (and maybe 91X or Hot 92.5 but those were fringe). Really, none of those stations were mainstream. It was as if you had to choose one style of music or another. There was no station you could just turn on and hear the hits.
That changed in 1990 when Z90 dropped Rock and started playing the same kind of Top 40 dance music that Q106 played. And that's where the challenge began. Soon after, Q106 went to a more KIIS FM format, even getting Magic Matt to come over from KIIS.
Then they brought J&J over and they became more Adult Top 40. Meanwhile, Z90 again strayed away and became a fringe format, going more Urban, the direction that Q106 had been going. Q106 always reported as Mainstream CHR, and always had to feel of a CHR, regardless of rotation shifts.
It was YEARS before 933 came on with a true Mainstream format, eventually swallowing Q106's Top 40 appeal. But now, there has been a period of 10 years or more where 933 has kept CHR firmly planted in San Diego. So here comes Z90 once again, challenging the established CHR. This would be the first real head to head Top 40 battle in San Diego since the early 80s, or even 70s. Plus the addition of Q96 to the south, though again, I'm not sure they have much of an impact.
Anyone who still thinks Sophie will become the Top 40 challenger to 933? With Z90 jumping in, I would have to disagree.
