Lotus launched Variety Hits “100.1 We-FM” at 10:00am this morning.
With new KWEE call letters pending, the station is offering a broader than usual style of Variety Hits with a more distinctive pop lean that makes it almost a pop version of a AAA. The station is stressing their brand as being a community effort with the “We” name .
The first five songs on the new “100.1 We-FM” were Pink “Get The Party Started”, Montell Jordan “This Is How We Do It”, Dua Lipa “Don’t Start Now”, Ricky Martin “Livin La Vida Loca” and Salt N Pepa “Push It”.
Update 8:20pm: As expected AAA “The X 100.1” KTHX-FM Dayton/Reno NV signed off at 5:15pm today with the Sundays “Here’s Where The Story Ends”. After a sound effect of a person walking out of the studio and slamming the door shut, a couple minutes of dead air was followed by a sweeper stating “100.1 is on hold” as the station began playing instrumental jazz similar to what is used by many businesses as their on-hold music.
KTHX-FM will debut its new identity on Thursday, September 30 at 10:00am.
Original Report 9am: Lotus Communications AAA “The X 100.1” KTHX-FM Dayton/Reno NV is teasing it will head into retirement this evening after 31 years in the market.
The AAA brand and KTHX calls debuted on 101.7 in 1990 before moving to 94.7 in 1994 and finally 100.1 in 1997. The Reno News & Review reports that the brand will be retired at 5:15pm this evening prior to a new format launching on Thursday, September 30 at 10:00am.
Lotus Reno General Mike Murray told the News & Review, “I’ve been through a format change in the past and it feels like you are losing a member of you family I think that there’s going to be quite a few people that will have similar feelings, and of course we understand. It’s a difficult transition here, too.”
In explaining the rationale for the change, Murray explained, “When people are looking for deeper cuts or longer versions of songs, they are typically finding them. They are digging out their own music library or they are going to stream some of that stuff,” He continued, “We’re looking to attract a new audience that can appreciate a wide variety of music, maybe a little newer.”