2015 in radio

The following is a list of events that affectedradio broadcastingin2015.Events listed include radio program debuts, finales, cancellations, station launches, closures and format changes, as well as information about controversies.

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Notable events

January

Date	Event
1	KTKT/Tucsonflips from Spanish Sports to Spanish Adult Hits, simulcasting its recently signed-on FM translator sister station.
	KKGQ/Wichita, Kansas,which began stunting in December 2014 after being purchased by local group Envision fromJournal Broadcast Groupas part of their merger with theE.W. Scripps Company,officially flipped to its permanentRhythmic Hot ACformat on this date, returning the format that aired on the same frequency from 2004-2007.
	WZPW/Peoriachanges its moniker from "Power 92.3" to "Peoria's 92.3," but keeps its Rhythmic Top 40 format intact.
	WKCI-FM/New Haven's HD2 subchannel and FM translator debuts with a Classic Rock format, billed as "Rock 102."
	WDVW/Jackson, Tennesseeflips from Christian AC to Classic hits, changing its call letters toWHPPto match its "Hippie Radio 105.3" handle.
2	WROD & W284AV/Daytona Beach, Floridaflips from Oldies to Classic Rock.
	KKLS & K284BA/Rapid Citydrops Gold-based AC for Classic Hits.
	After 22 years with the Oldies format using theOldiezbrand,WODZ-FMRome, New Yorkshifts to Classic Hits under the new brand "96.1 the Eagle," givingUtica-Romeits first Classic Hits station in 9 years.
	WFNL-FM/Raleighreturns to the air with a Country format.
3	Jacksonvillesister stationsWSOS-FMandWMUVboth drop their Classic Rock and Classic Country formats. Both outlets began simulcasting Christian ACWTRJ-FM,who will move its format to the two signals.
5	WHFS-FM/Tampa-St. Petersburgbegan a 24-hour continuous looping ofBubba the Love Sponge's program, and will serve as the flagship station and anchoring a morning slot. On February 2, the station changes call letters to WBRN-FM and launches a Rock-leaning Variety Hits format billed as "Bubba 98.7," which features music selected by Bubba himself and members of his morning show taking air shifts.
	WZAX/Rocky Mount, North Carolina,which droppedRhythmic Oldiesin November 2014, flips to Classic Rock.
	KMBZandKMBZ-FM/Kansas Citysplits up their News/Talk simulcasts. The AM will focus on Conservative Talk and rebrand as "Talk 980," while the FM will focus on local News and Talk programming.
	WKSA/Norfolk, which dropped its Urban AC format and began stunting with "Missy FM," featuring music from local nativeMissy Elliott(who is also doing the voice overs and imaging) on December 26, 2014, flipped to Classic Hip-Hop and relaunched its previous "92.1 The Beat" moniker that it ditched 13 years earlier.
	After four months with Oldies,WVLZ/Knoxvillereturns to Sports.
	WNUA/Chicagoflips from Regional Mexican "El Patron" to Country branded as "Big 95.5".
	KTWN-FM/Minneapolis-St. Paulshifts from adult album alternative to alternative as "Go 96.3".
	Colorado Public RadioacquiresESPN RadioaffiliateKDSP/Denver.The station will be converted to non-commercial status and become a simulcast of AM sisterKVOQ's "Open Air" Adult Album Alternative format on January 27. The ESPN Radio format will continue to air on sister stationKJAC/Fort Collins.
	Salem Communicationsrebrands seven of its Conservative Talkers,WGUL/Tampa,WGKA/Atlanta,WLSS/Sarasota, Florida,WGTK/Louisville,KZNT/Colorado Springs, Colorado,KLFE/Seattle,andKCBQ/San Diego,to "The Answer" brand, bringing the number of Salem-owned outlets using the moniker to 27 stations.
6	Impact Media announces the acquisition of the 101.9 signal that is currently occupied by Regional MexicanKDBI/Boisefrom JLD Media, who back in December 2014 acquired CountryKQBL/Mountain Homefrom Impact. As part of the arrangement, KDBI and KQBL will swap formats in February.
7	KWXS/Bend, Oregontransitions from Rhythmic Top 40 to Top 40/CHR as "107.7 The Beat."
	KABC/Los Angelesmakes a shift from Conservative Talk to a general interest Talk presentation as it replaced most of its political-driven shows with programs emphasizing lifestyles and local interests.
	Saga Communications andA.C. Nielsen Co.reaches a deal that buries the hatchet between the two companies, which began back in 2012 when Nielsen's predecessorArbitronsued Saga over using their data without permission at Saga'sMilwaukeeproperties. As part of the settlement, Saga will allow its stations to be listed inNielsen Audio's PPM ratings effective with the January 2014 book.
	A formatic shakeup takes place inQuincy, Illinois,asKZZKshifts from Active Rock to Classic Rock, which they are picking up from sister stationWQCY,who flipped to AC.
9	Albuquerquepicks up its first R&B/Hip-Hop outlet, asK265CA,the FM translator ofKZRR-HD2,adopts "The Beat" branding.
	KHYL/Sacramentotrades in its Rhythmic Contemporary format for Classic Hip-Hop.
	CBS Sports RadioaffiliateKGA/Spokanebegins simulcasting programming fromESPN RadioaffiliateKIRO/710:Seattleduring the daytime hours with the exception of evenings and weekends.
	WQTX/Lansing, Michigandrops Country and returns to its previous Sports format that it carried from 2004 to 2006.
12	WZMR/Altamont, New Yorkflips fromAdult Album Alternativeafter two years to Sports as "Win 104.9," picking up theCBS Sports Radioaffiliation fromWPTR,who will affiliate withNBC Sports Radio.This brings the number of Sports outlets in theAlbany-Schenectady-Troymarket to four, joining WPTR,Fox Sports RadioaffiliateWOFXandESPN RadioaffiliateWTMM-FM.
	Cumulus Media begins syndication of theNash IconCountry format through co-owned Westwood One to non-Cumulus-owned outlets, with the signing of its first affiliate, former AlternativeWRYD/Ocean City, Maryland.
	After leaving a message that "Bob"was" leaving town, "" selling the station, "and" selling off the 80s library "to sister stationKKLZ,KVGS/Las Vegasbrings the Adult Top 40 format and "Star" brand back to the market eight years after it was dropped by its sister stationat 102.7.
15	Although they were awaiting approval from theUnited States Department of Justice(which would clear them of any anti-trust laws or issues that would hold up the sale),Entercompostponed a Time Brokerage Agreement on the 14 stations that they are acquiring from theLincoln Financial Groupuntil an issue involving one of the Lincoln Financial stations that Entercom is spinning off to comply with FCC rules because of market ownership limits,KKFN/Denver,to the Pikes Peaks Trust (who in turn will spin off the Sports outlet to a third party), is resolved. Entercom has refiled new paperwork for the sale, which is expected to be approved by theFCC.
16	KBSO/Corpus Christitransitions from Country to Texas-focused Country music as "94.7 The Rig."
19	Salem Communications rebrands two of its Christian Talk stations,WMCA/New York CityandKKMS/Minneapolis-St. Paul, as "The Mission."
20	After stunting with a looping of the Brass Bonanza song that was used as the theme song for the formerNHLteam TheHartford Whalers,WDRC-FM/Hartford flipped from Classic Hits to Classic Rock as "102.9 The Whale," filling the void left byWCCC-FMin 2014.
26	Classic Hip-HopWRWM/Indianapolisdrops the "i94" moniker and rebrands as "93.9 The Beat" to better reflect its current format.
	WLFW/Evansvilleshifts from Country to Classic Country as "93.5 The Duke."
30	St. Louispicks up its third Top 40 outlet, asKIHTflips from Classic Hits to Mainstream CHR as "Now 96.3."
	CJKR-FM/Winnipegshifts from Active Rock as "Power 97" to Classic Rock/Classic Hits as "Big 97.5."
	The Mark Levin Showsigns a five-year contract extension withWestwood One.
	After spending only three months with a Classic Hits format,WGHL/Louisvillebecomes the latest outlet to make the flip to Classic Hip-Hop as "Old School 105.1."

February

Date	Event
2	TheColumbia Basinregion ofWashingtonandOregonpicks its fourth Top 40/CHR, asKWVN-FM:Pendleton/Walla Walladrops Variety Hits to become "107.7 Hot FM." (Iincidentally it is the second station in the area to use the "Hot" moniker, as it is also used at Rhythmic Top 40KOLW/Basin City,which covers the Richland-Pasco-Kennewick area).
3	After a nearly 20-year run, 18 of them as morning host,Kurt "Big Boy" Alexanderexits Rhythmic Top 40KPWR/Los Angeles after negotiations between the two parties broke down, leading KPWR ownerEmmis Communicationsto file a lawsuit to keep him from taking a $3.5 million offer fromiHeartMedia,who three days earlier registered a domain and social media accounts for Rhythmic Oldies rivalKHHT,who announced that they will flip back to R&B/Hip-Hop as "Real 92.3" on February 6. The move brings the format back to the market for the first time since 2006, whenRadio Onedropped the urban format at100.3 FM KKBT,which initially started at 92.3 FM in 1989 before moving to 100.3 FM in 2000 as part of a format/frequency swap with iheart's predecessor Clear Channel and Radio One resulting from Clear Channel and AMFM, Inc.'s merger.
11	San Antoniopicks up its first Alternative outlet, asAlpha Mediadebuts an FM translator at 103.3 and atKTFM-HD2,billed as "103.3 The App."
12	After five years as a Rhythmic Top 40,KQIE/Riverside-San Bernardinoflipped to Rhythmic AC as "Old School 104.7," filling the void in the Inland Empire after the departures of KHHT/Los Angeles six days earlier andKDEY-FM's return to a simulcast ofKDAY/Redondo Beachin 2010.
13	Canadian broadcastersCorus RadioandRogers Mediaups the ante with the rebranding of their AC and Adult Top 40 outlets. Rogers expanded the "Kiss" branding toWinnipeg'sCKY-FM,which was topped an hour later by Corus's relaunching of crosstown rivalCJGV-FM(and sister stationsCKNG-FM/Edmonton,CING-FM/Hamilton,CKRU-FM/Peterborough,CFHK-FM/London,CKWS-FM/Kingston,andCFLG-FM/Cornwall) to the "Fresh FM" moniker. In addition to the changes, Corus also shifts CKWS-FM's sister stationCFMK-FMfrom Classic Rock to Mainstream Rock.
20	oWOW Radio,an Internet radio station broadcasting anadult album alternativeformat, launches inCleveland,Ohio. ProgrammerJohn Gorman,best known for years at rock stationWMMS/Cleveland, serves as chief content officer.
23	RivalVancouverTop 40/CHR stationsCFBT-FMandCFUN-FM (and its Chilliwack and Abbottsford simulcasts)both rebrand their stations. CFUN drops "Sonic" for "Kiss FM", while CFBT-FM will drop "The Beat" on March 5 and bring back the "Virgin Radio"branding that was used at formerBell MediaAdult Top 40 stationCKZZ-FMuntil March 2014.Meanwhile, across theGeorgia StraitinVictoria,TheJackformat make its exit fromCHTT-FM,which flips to Top 40/CHR as "Kiss 103.1."
26	Educational Media Foundationannounces the acquisition of Classic HitsKMCQ/Seattle, which will become aK-Loveoutlet after the sale closes.
27	After eight years with Adult Hits,WGTZ/Daytonflipped to AC as "Soft Rock 92.9", bringing the format back to the market after three years.
	WKIM/Memphisdrops their struggling Conservative Talk format for Classic Hip-Hop as "98.9 The Vibe." The flip puts them in direct competition withWIVG,who flipped to the same format in December 2014.
	Jon Colwell joinsWLZD-LPwithFlashback Fridays,his first radio show sinceFlashback In 60 Minuteswas pulled fromWKCB-FMin November 2012.
28	2MCR/Campbelltown, New South Wales' weekly programSaturday Night Livewill celebrate its 100th podcast with a special edition with a world record attempt for a record number of animal noises within a two-hour radio broadcast.

March

Date	Event
2	Springfield, MissourioutletsKBFLandKBFL-FM(both licensed toBuffalo) will make changes, with the AM dropping Smooth Jazz and take the Adult Standards format from the FM, who in turn will flip to a hybrid Southern Country/Rock format as "99.9 The Outlaw".
	'80s-centric AC WILV/Chicago shifts to current-based AC as "She 100.3" and changes calls toWSHE-FM.
	KOSO/Modesto, Californiadrops the "Radio 92.9" handle and brings back the former "B93" moniker it dropped back in 2012
4	WQSH/Albany drops Adult Top 40 for Christmas music, a stunt that lasts one week before the station reverts to adult hits as “Rewind 105.7” on March 12.
5	KJZN/FresnodropsCBS Sports Radiofor Classic Hip-Hop
6	Erie, Pennsylvaniapicks up its first Classic Hip-Hop outlet (and its first Urban or Rhythmic-formatted station) in the market as the HD2 subchannel and FM translator ofWXKCdrops Top 40/CHR to become "104.3 The Vibe."
7	WOMG/Columbia, South Carolinaadjusts its Country direction fromNash FM to Nash Iconin order to attract 25-plus listeners.
11	With the acquisitions of former Radio Disney outletsWDDZ/Pittsburgh,WDYZ/Orlando andWDWD/Atlanta, Salem announces that the three stations will flip formats after the sale is approved by the FCC.
15	Just one day before it was supposed to debut, Red Zebra Broadcasting canceled plans to launchThe Man Cavemorning show onESPN RadioaffiliateWTEM/Washington, D.C.and its simulcasting sister stations due to hired host Jason Reid's criticism of theWashington Redskinsduring his tenure atThe Washington Post,prompting unknown sources who work for the NFL franchise to have it pulled before the March 16 premiere; both the Redskins and Red Zebra are owned byDaniel Snyder,who has been under fire over the team's name, which critics, groups and media entities see as racist. After receiving a lot of pressure from the media, Red Zebra changed course and announced that it would debutThe Man Caveon March 30 instead.
16	WVIC/Lansing, Michiganflips from Alternative to Classic Country, adopting parent company Midwest Communications' "The Duke" branding. At the same time, Classic Hits sisterWLMIhas begun a transition to AC.Midwest also expands "The Duke" branding inGreen Bay,asWZDRgoes from a simulcast of Classic HitsWYDRto a simulcast ofWGEE-FM.
	iHeartMedia's SportsKLAC/Los Angeles rebrands as "AM 570 LA Sports," using the logo and color of theLos Angeles Dodgers,who became co-owners of the station in a partnership deal.
17	Alpha Mediaexpands intoLubbock, Texaswith the purchase of Wilks Broadcasting's four-station cluster.
	Salem announces that it has entered a LMA deal with Crain Communications that will take over the programming of Conservative TalkKHTE-FM/Little Rock,which will rebrand as "The Answer."
19	Educational Media Foundation announces the purchase ofKXMG/New Orleans,who became a K-Love station on March 16 after its former owner dropped the Regional Mexican format after four years.
20	After six years as a Classic Rocker,KBRU/Oklahoma Citytransitions to Active Rock.
23	A pair of Cumulus Media Country outlets,WNSH/New York City andKSCS/Dallas-Ft. Worth, attract the attention of music trades as they tweak their current formats to include non-Country artists in an effort to attract listeners away from their contemporary music rivals and to boost their ratings.

April

Date	Event
1	Jim Quinnis scheduled to return to radio for the first time since the cancellation ofThe War Room with Quinn and Rosein November 2013. The new show,Quinn in the Morning,will originate atWYSL/Avon, New York,with the terms of syndication still being negotiated.
	New owners Delmarva Broadcasting flippedWJKS/Wilmington, Delawarefrom R&B/Hip-Hop (after an 18-year run) to a simulcast of News/TalkWDEL.Its callsign was then changed to WDEL-FM on the next day, removing any instances of its former "Kiss" branding and format.
	WLDB/Milwaukeetransitions from AC to Adult Top 40 as "93.3 Trending Radio."
	Top 40/CHRKIIS-FM/Los Angeles is named the top billing radio station in the United States by BIA/Kelsey.
10	Top 40/CHRWRDW-FM/Philadelphiarebrands from "Wired 96.5" to "96.5 AMP Radio," putting it in line with parent ownerCBS Radio's "AMP" branding.
15	Fox Sports Radioaffiliate KREL/Colorado Springsswitched formats to what is billed as the first full-time Talk station in the United States devoted to the issue ofMarijuana,and changes its call letters toKHIGto match its moniker "K-HIGH 1580." The station would later flip formats again on May 15, when it was LMA'd and became a simulcast ofKFEZafter the owner of KHIG died on April 24 and per his request to sell off his properties upon his death.
16	After nearly 15 months with lite AC,CKUE-FMWindsor, Ontarioabandons that format and the Lite FM branding and flipped to Variety hits as "Cool FM".
17	After four years as a Mainstream Top 40,KPLV/Las Vegasreturned to Rhythmic Top 40 with a Dance lean and along with it, revived the "93.1 The Party" moniker and branding.
20	KBBY-FM/Oxnard-Venturashifts from Adult Top 40 to AC.
	After eight years as a Rhythmic AC,WYEZ/Myrtle Beach, South Carolinaflips to AC as "94.5 The Tide." The move also results in the station becoming the eighth outlet to drop the "Movin'"branding.
23	WKLH/Milwaukeeadjusts its Classic Rock presentation to focus on '80s music and rebrands as "Milwaukee's Hometown Rock."

May

Date	Event
4	CHRY-FM/Torontoflips from a Community-focused format to Urban Alternative (a mix of R&B, Electronica, Soca, Reggae, Remixes and Hip-Hop), a first of its kind in North America.
	The FCC issues a Declaratory Ruling approving Pandora's argument to allow it to purchase Adult Top 40KXMZ/Rapid City, South Dakotafrom Connoisseur Media after nearly two years of holdups. However, Pandora must obtain prior Commission approval for the following which they must submit within 90 days before the approval is granted: They must aggregate foreign equity and/or foreign voting interests in Pandora Media exceeding 49.99 percent, any change in the Pandora Media Board of Directors that would result in a majority of foreign members, or any individual foreign investor or “group” acquiring a greater than five percent voting or equity interest (or ten percent for certain institutional investors), and modify its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, or other appropriate organizational documents.
	KMJE&KMJE-FM/Sacramentodrops Spanish Adult Hits for Spanish Top 40 as "Vive 92.1," utilizing the airstaff that exited rivalKLMGon the same day as the launch
14	WROZ/Lancastertransitions from AC to Adult Top 40 as "Fun 101.3"
15	WAY-FM Network acquires Christian RockKVRK/Dallas-Ft. Worth from Research Education Foundation. The station will flip to WAY-FM's Christian AC network after the sale closes.
	CHAY-FM,Barrierebrands to "93.1 Fresh Radio" becoming the eighth Corus radio station to adopt the "Fresh Radio" moniker. The station's format remains Hot AC.
18	Alpha Media acquiresMorris Communications' 36 radio stations, expanding its portfolio to Alaska, Washington, California, Kansas, and Texas.
19	After failing to come to terms of a new deal, Entercom Conservative TalkWRKOannounces that it is droppingRush Limbaughfrom the lineup (this is the second time in the station's history that his show was dropped; the first was when rivalWXKSstole the program away in 2010 but returned in 2012 after WXKS flipped formats). They are the second outlet in the top 50 market to drop his program, followingWIBC/Indianapolis' announcement in April that it will no longer air his show in July.
	The FCC levies a $1,000,000 fine on iHeart Media for triggering an Emergency Alert System test during an October 26, 2014 broadcast of the syndicatedBobby Bones Show,which came from aYouTubeclipthat was posted on November 9, 2011.The test caused stations that carried his show, including flagship stationWSIX-FM/Nashville,to send out alerts, which attracted the attention ofFEMA,who immediately sent out a statement that the test can only be done by radio and television stations.
22	After three years as a Top 40/CHR,KSZR/Tucsonflips to Classic Hip-Hop as "97.5 The Vibe," which also coincides with the launch of Cumulus Media's syndicated Classic Hip-Hop format.
	After 17 months as an Alternative,WVBZ/Greensboroflips to Active Rock with an emphasis on targeting male listeners.
29	The thirdABU Radio Song Festivalis held, atYangon,Myanmar,organised by theAsia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.
	iHeart Media adds two more stations to its portfolio with the purchase ofRadio DisneyoutletsKWDZ/Salt Lake CityandWRDZ-FM/Indianapolis.
	After seven years of Variety Hits, WLWK/Milwaukeeflips to Country and revives theWKTIcalls and "94.5 KTI" brand that was used for its previous Top 40/CHR and Adult Top 40 formats from 1974 to 2008. The Scripps-owned station joins an increasing field of Country outlets in the Milwaukee market as they take onWMIL-FM,WMBZandWMKQ.However, just six hours after the flip, WMKQ immediately dropped its Country format and picked up WKTI's displaced Variety Hits direction and "The Lake" branding.But on June 2, 2015, it was reported that Scripps did not authorize Magnum to use "The Lake" format and branding, since Scripps still owns the branding and began using it on its HD3 sub channel, which led Scripps to take legal action against Magnum, who confirmed that they were contacted by Scripps' lawyers, but so far there has been no comment from Scripps confirming this claim.
31	CFRK-FM/Fredericton, New Brunswickdrops Top 40/CHR for Country, giving the market its first FM Country outlet in 15 years as well as a new competitor for rival stationCKHJ,which also happens to be the remaining AM station left in the market.

June

Date	Event
1	Fox Sports Radiowill return to theSpokanemarket after being dropped in April byKZFSwhen it flipped to Christian Contemporary, as Classic CountryKJRBbecomes the new affiliate.
	Just one month after KHIG/Colorado Springs flipped formats,KDCO & K231BQ/Denver drops the Sports format for a Marijuana-themed Rock presentation, billed as "Smokin' 94.1." They are the second outlet in Denver (and the third inColorado,where medicinal marijuana is legal) to air a "Pot Rock" -type format, which was last tried briefly atKFCOin November 2012.
2	Entravisionexpands its Spanish Top 40 "Super Estrella"brand to three more co-owned stations: Regional MexicanKRRN/Las Vegas, Spanish ACKMXA/Denver, and Spanish AC simulcastsKCVR&KCVR-FM/Stockton-Modesto, California.In addition to the flip, Entravision also expands its Los Angeles-basedLM Showto the company's nine stations, including its Spanish Adult Hits "Jose" outlets.
7	More than 61 people were arrested and 10New Jersey State Policetroopers were injured after a fight over tickets and crowd capacity overshadowsWQHT/New York City's annual "Hot 97 Summer Jam" that was already in progress and being held atMetLife StadiuminEast Rutherford, New Jersey.The sold-out event also caused confusion among the ticket goers who were denied entry, which added to the rioted melee.The following day (June 8), WQHT addresses the issue on its morning show and plans to refund the customers who could not get into the event, while theAmerican Civil Liberties Union's New Jersey chapter called for the state Attorney General's office to investigate if any violations were reported.
23	TheChicago White Soxannounced that effective with 2016 season that its broadcasts will move fromWSCRtoWLSin a six-year deal. The move would pave the way forCBS Radioto move itsChicago Cubsbroadcasts fromWBBMto WSCR as per clause agreement should the White Sox switch stations.On July 16, the co-ownedNBA'sChicago Bullswas added to the deal, where it will move fromWMVPto WLS for the 2016-17 season.
24	Classical South Florida, a subsidiary ofAmerican Public Media,announced a board meeting to vote on a deal to sell its Classical outlets in Miami (WKCP), West Palm Beach (WPBI and News/Talk W270AD) and Fort Myers (WNPS) to EMF (who would convert them to K-LOVE stations), while looking for a new suitor to help retain their formats after the sale.
25	Three on-air hosts atKLZ/Denver, Randy Corporon, Ken Clark, and Kris Cook, turn in their resignations (a 30-day notice) after they became furious over a decision made by station management to pull an interview with former Colorado CongressmanTom Tancredothat was made on Corporon's morning show on June 18 because of a request by General Manager Don Crawford, Jr. to halt Tancredo's appearances until he could meet with him about Tancredo's involvement in a scandal surrounding theColorado Republican Partyand its chairman Steve House, who claims that Tancredo, who had backed House for the chairmanship, wants him to resign over claims of being a womanizer and unfit to be a leader, which House has denied.
29	WKOX/Everett-Boston, Massachusettsdrops Spanish variety for network talk fromPremiere NetworksandFox Sports Radio.The move revives a branding and lineup previously heard on sister stationWXKS 1200from 2010 to 2012.
30	Chris Thileis named the next host ofA Prairie Home Companion.Thile will rotate hosting duties for most of the show's 2015–16 season with founderGarrison Keillorbefore taking over full-time in 2016; with the change will come a change in focus as music becomes more prominent and the show's ruralold-time radiotrappings are de-emphasized.

July

Date	Event
10	The Official ChartonBBC Radio 1moves to Friday afternoons at 4pm duringGreg James's show to coincide with the global change of new music releases from Sundays to Fridays.It is the first time in 28 years that The Official Chart has taken place on a day other than a Sunday.
	The global change in the move of new releases on Friday also affects the changes inBillboard,resulting in theHot 100chart to adjust the real-time monitoring of songs receiving airplay at radio stations in the United States by synching up to that Monday to Sunday period after formerly encompassing each Wednesday to Tuesday due to the Hot 100 now following a Friday to Thursday cycle.
14	As part of a $5 million (USD) settlement it made with the United States Department of Justice,Entercomagrees to swap four of its Denver properties,KYGO-FM,KOSI,KKFN,andKEPN,toBonneville Internationalin exchange for Bonneville'sKSWD/Los Angeles. The swap brings Entercom to Los Angeles for the first time, while Bonneville marks its maiden entry into the Denver market. The swaps become official July 17.
15	KFLY/Eugene, Oregonfires their entire airstaff. The station flips from Active Rock to Triple-A on July 30.
17	After 12 years airingRadio Disney,WRDZ-FM/Indianapolis,with new owner (iHeartMedia) and now calledWUBG,flips toCountry.
24	ESPNofficially terminatesColin Cowherdafter he made negative comments about Dominican Republic baseball players on his radio program, which was condemned by Major League Baseball and the players association. Ironically, Cowherd was expected to leave ESPN at the end of the year, but decided to expedite the departure immediately. His last show will air July 31.

August

Date	Event
1	CFCW/Camrose, Albertamoves from 790 kHz up the dial to 840 kHz.
3	KZZE/Medford, Oregonflips from Rock to AAA as "106.3 The Valley", with a callsign change to KYVL to follow.
4	TheSanta Fe, New Mexicoradio market sees a pair of FM outlets swap frequencies, owners, and a format flip. Hutton Broadcasting moves Spanish Adult HitsKLBUfrom 102.9 to 94.7 in a swapping deal with American General Media, who in turn moves their simulcast of Regional MexicanKLVO/Belen-Albuquerqueto the 102.9 signal and takes the new callsKSFE.After the swap was completed, KLBU flipped to Rhythmic Hot AC as "Jam'n 94.7."
	Alpha Mediaexpands its radio portfolio with the acquisition of the 116 stations owned by Digity. Owner Dean Goodman had wanted to keep the stations rather than selling them, but the investors opted to divest their stake in the company, thus resulting in the sale.
7	Active RockKAAZ-FM/Salt Lake City, currently at 106.5, will debut on a new frequency at 106.7 MHz. The move is part of a frequency realignment involving FM signals in the Salt Lake City market.
11	KVIT/Phoenix moves its Dance format from 90.7 to a newly launched signal at 88.7, which signs on asKPNG.
12	KHLR/Little Rock drops Rhythmic AC for Country, giving rivalsKSSNandKMJXnew competition in the Arkansas Capitol City.
14	The trimulcasts ofMinneapolis-St. PaulSports TalkersWGVX/WRXP/WGVZflips to Classic Hip-Hop as "105 The Vibe," which puts it into direct competition withKTCZ-HD3 & K273BH,who launched their format in June.
	Radio One breaks up the simulcast ofCharlotteGospel outletsWPZSandWQNC,with WPZS (at 92.7) swapping calls with WQNC (at 100.9), then flips the 92.7 portion to a stunting of "Drake 92.7," playing non-stop music from Canadian rapper/actorDrake(and sparking rumored tweets that he bought the station, which he cannot do legally because he was born inCanadaeven though his father is American). The station flipped back to R&B/Hip-Hop after the stunting as "92.7 The Block," which was WQNC's previous format from 2001 to 2004 (as WCHH), when it shifted to Adult R&B.
21	The Alternative format enters two markets, withWAXY-FM/Miami dropping the Sports simulcasts of itsAM sisterto become "104.3 the Shark," bringing the format back to South Florida after a 10-year absence,While in theQuad Citiesthe HD2 sub channel ofWLLR-FMis launched as "Alt 104.5."
24	Bell Media Radio's network of francophone contemporary hit radio stations in the Canadian province ofQuebecrebrands itself fromNRJtoÉnergie.
25	After eight months with Rhythmic oldies,WZTI/Milwaukeeflips to Oldies.
27	WMTI/New Orleansbecomes the second Cumulus Media Sports outlet to flip formats, as it brings the Alternative format back to the market for the first time since sister stationWRKNflipped to Country in 2013 (and to the same 106.1 frequency, when it was "Zephyr 106.1" from 1992 to 1997) as "106.1 The Underground," and has applied for the WZRH calls that was used during its first incarnation.
28	KHLT-FM/Wichita returns to Regional Mexican under its former owner after a two-year stint with AC and a new owner.
	CFMK-FM/Kingston, Ontariodrops Mainstream Rock for Classic Rock/Classic Hits as "Big 96.3."

September

Date	Event
1	All remaining stations broadcasting on 87.7 MHz (technically low-power TV stations operating primarily audio programming on analog channel 6) were originally required to cease operations.However, the FCC has announced that the cutoff date has been postponed indefinitely.
	A major frequency shakeup takes place inPueblo, Coloradowhich seesKFVR-FM's Country format moving toKJQY,dropping its AC format and paving the way for KFVR to flip to Classic Hip-Hop,KFEZdropping Shopping forESPN Radio,andKCBRshifting from Variety Hits to adopting the same identical oldies direction as itsColorado SpringssisterKWRP.
2	CJWV-FMinPeterborough, Ontarioflips to oldies branded as "Oldies 96.7"
3	CKHZ-FM/Halifax, Nova Scotiaabruptly flips format from Adult Top 40 to Country, giving the market its second country outlet as they take on new rival stationCHFX-FM.
4	After five years as a news/talk simulcast of itsAM sister,CBS Radio flipsKXNT-FM/Las VegastoRhythmic Hot ACas "Q100.5." Billing itself as "Today's Rhythm & All The Best Old School," the station is positioned between sister stationsKMXBandKLUC-FM(which shifted back towards Rhythmic Top 40 after spending nearly two years in Mainstream Top 40) in targeting a 25-49 audience while trying to upstage another upstart that also debuted the same day,KPLV-HD2 & K280DD,who launched a R&B/Hip-Hop format billed as "Real 103.9" to serve as a flanker for KPLV and to draw listeners away from KLUC andKVEG.In addition KXNT will also have competition against another Rhythmic AC outlet,KOAS-FM.The first song KXNT played as "Q100.5" was "This Is How We Do It"byMontell Jordan.
	Cumulus Media pulls the plug on both AlternativeKHTBand Variety HitsKENZSalt Lake City, with KHTB simulcasting KENZ, which will pave the way for KENZ's return to Modern Rock after two years as "ALT 101.9", while KHTB will become the latest station to adopt the Classic Hip-Hop "Vibe" format and branding.
	After only a year with Classic Rock,WROO/Greenville, South Carolinarepositions its direction to 80s/90s Rock as "Real Rock 104.9."
	The Alternative format returned toBirminghamafter nine years asWQEN-HD3 & W235BSdrops Classic Rock to become "Alt 94.9."
	CHUP-FM/Calgaryshifts from Adult Hits to AC as "Soft Rock 97.7," filling the void left by Adult Top 40 stationCHFM-FMin December 2013.
	The Rhythmic AC format exitsCorpus Christi,asKKBAflips to Mainstream Rock as "Rock 92.7."
7	CKOC/Hamilton, Ontarioflips from classic hits/oldies to sports talk as the station begins a joint agreement withTSN Radioand theHamilton Tiger-Cats.The format change, announced months in advance, coincides with the Tiger-Cats' playing theLabour Day Classic.
11	WXJZ/Gainesvilledropped its Dance format after three years and began stunting with songs with patriotic themes. The station would return to its previous identity as "Smooth 100.9," this time as a Soft AC.
14	Gray Televisionannounces that it will acquireSchurz Communicationsin a $442.5 million deal that will see Gray expand its portfolio to 49 television stations in 28 states, and also expand to Gray's first entry into radio with the addition of Schurz's radio properties inSouth BendandLafayette, Indiana,andRapid City, South Dakota.However, on November 2, Gray announced that it would spin off the radio stations to separate companies: The South Bend cluster toMid-West Family Broadcasting,the Lafayette properties to Neuhoff Communications, and the Rapid City outlets to HomeSlice Media Group.
15	Salem Media acquires the five remaining Radio Disney stations inSt. Louis,St. Petersburg-Tampa,Denver,Minneapolis-St. Paul,andPortland, Oregon.The sale marks the departure from terrestrial radio forThe Walt Disney Company's teen-focused Top 40 radio network (except forKDIS/Los Angeles, which continues with the format). Salem in turn will spin off the properties to comply with FCC ownership rules.The last of the 5, KDIZ ended the Radio Disney format on December 16, 2015.
16	Boston picks up its fourth Conservative Talker as Business TalkWBIXrelaunches as "AM 1260 The Buzz."
17	TheUniversity of VirginiainCharlottesvilleannounces the flip of the market's only R&B/Hip-Hop outlet (and its commercially student-run station),WUVA,to Country, utilizingNash Iconprogramming.
18	Yakima, Washingtonpicks up a Rhythmic oldies outlet, as the FM simulcast of News/TalkKITbecomes "Mega 99.3" and switched calls toKMGW.
21	KDWZ/Duluth-Superior's five-year run as a Top 40/CHR will come to an end as parent ownerMidwest Communicationsflips the station to Classic Country and adopts "The Duke" brand. The flip also leaves the Twin Ports again without a Top 40 outlet.
24	Northern Lights Broadcasting adds another FM outlet in Minneapolis-St. Paul, as they acquireKNOFfrom Praise FM in a deal that will see the Christian contemporary format moving to KTWN's HD2 sub channel along with a five-year deal to sponsor a "Faith Night" during theMinnesota Twinsbaseball season and to useTarget Fieldfor Praise FM's annual concerts in 2016 and 2017. Northern Lights will flip the new acquisition to a new format after the sale closes.
25	Nielsen Audiolaunches an investigation into allegations of fraudulent and inappropriate conduct/contact between Active RockWBRN-FM/Tampa-St.Petersburg morning manBubba The Love Spongeand at least one PPM household. The radio host and station management has agreed to co-operate to resolve the issue.
	WENN/Birmingham, Alabamabegins stunting withChristmas music,becoming the first station in the United States to adopt the format permanently for the 2015 season.
28	Compass Media sellsKPRI/Encinitas-San Diegoto EMF, who immediately takes over under a LMA. The station's 22-year run with adult album alternative will come to an end in January 2016, when KPRI becomes a K-LOVE affiliate.
	TheToronto Maple Leafsannounced that it is no longer sending its radio hosts to do away games, with the announcers doing the play by play off television from the team's home market, a move that has sparked outrage from the fans of theNHLfranchise.
29	Univision'sAlbuquerqueoutlets, Rhythmic ACKKRGand Regional MexicanKJFA,trades frequencies, with KKRG going from 101.3 to 105.1, while KJFA going the opposite direction. Both outlets will retain their current formats.

October

Date	Event
2	After three years as Rhythmic Oldies,KJHM/Denver shifts its direction to a Rhythmic Hot AC approach with more emphasis on current Rhythmic pop product and recurrents from the 1990s and 2000s, using the new moniker and slogan "Jammin' 101.5, The Next Generation."
	Just one month after transitioning from Rhythmic Top 40 to satellite-fed Urban AC,KBHT/Waco, Texasis officially relaunched as "Magic 104.9," utilizing a local Urban AC presentation.Ten days later on October 14, its HD3 sub channel (which previously simulcastedESPN Radiofrom AM sisterKRZI) flipped to Rhythmic Hot AC as "Jammin' 104.5"
5	Cumulus Media pulls the plug on Conservative TalkKWQW/Des Moines,as it flips to Classic Hip-Hop as "98.3 The Vibe."The flip adds to an ongoing series of constant frequency shakeups and translator launches in the Iowa State Capitol, which saw Saga Communications'KRNTflip toESPN Radioand move its Adult Standards format toKAZR-HD2 & K283CCon September 10,which was followed by the debut of Classic Country sisterKSTZ-HD2 & K299CCon September 23.
7	Just one day after former U.S. Olympic softball starJessica Mendozabecame the first woman to serve as color analyst for aMajor League Baseballpostseason game as a member of the broadcast team forESPN's coverage of theAmerican League Wild Card Game,which sees theHouston Astrosshut out theNew York Yankees,3-0, atYankee Stadium,Mike Bell, the afternoon co-host atCBS Radio'sAtlantaSports outletWZGC,is immediately suspended for three days after he made a series ofTwitterrants in which he slammed ESPN for not hiring a sportscaster with professional baseball credentials to do the play by play and questioned Mendoza's qualifications to actually do a baseball telecast,which was also condemned by theAtlanta Falcons,who happens to be WZGC's flagship station.
	Cumulus Media expands the Classic Hip-Hop "The Vibe" branding toReno,as ACKNEVbecomes the latest convert.
	CFMJ/Torontobecomes the first station inCanadato launch aHD Radiosubchannel, as it debuts a HD2 simulcast of its News/Talk format on its Adult Top 40 sisterCING-FM/Hamilton.
12	Kroenke Sports Enterprises, owned byAltitude Sports and EntertainmentfounderStan Kroenke,acquiresWilks Broadcasting's Denver properties, CountryKWOF,Adult Top 40KIMN,and OldiesKXKL-FM.When the sale is approved by the FCC, KSE is expected to flip one of the three outlets to Sports, which could see theDenver Nuggets,Colorado Avalanche,andColorado Rapidsmoving from its current home in Denver, which isKKFN.
16	Cumulus Media firesWYAY/Atlanta morning host Steve McCoy upon learning that an interview that McCoy claimed to had made with businessman-turned-Presidential candidateDonald Trumpthat aired on his morning program on October 14 was recycled using older material from previous interviews, after members of Trump's staff confirmed to the management at the News/Talk outlet that no interview took place; McCoy has apologized for deceiving the station and its listeners.
	AfterCentenary CollegeinHackettstown, New Jerseysold its broadcasting license for WNTI-FM to theUniversity of Pennsylvania,programming from the Philadelphia stationWXPNprogramming began broadcasting in Northern New Jersey under the new call-lettersWXPJ.
19	After 25 years as a morning co-host to bothRick Deesand successorRyan Seacrestat Top 40/CHRKIIS-FM/Los Angeles, Ellen K took over the morning time slot at AC sister stationKOST-FM,succeeding Mark Wallengren, who spent 30 years in the morning position, has moved to afternoons.
20	Univision Radiomakes a series of cutbacks at their outlets. InSan Antonio,Xavier Garcia and Biggie Paul are let go as morning hosts after 12 years at Rhythmic Top 40KBBT(which also results in their morning show "Xavier's World" also dropped from sister stationKVVF-KVVZ/San Jose-San Francisco), while 23-year veteran Jonny Ramierez is let go from Tejano sisterKXTN-FM.In New York City, Spanish Top 40WXNY-FMpulls the plug on the morning show "El Manicomio" after 10 months in favor of going jockless in the time slot.
21	After two years with Conservative Talk,WNFZ/Knoxvillereturns to its previous Alternative format, reviving the "94Z" moniker.
30	After five months with Pot Rock and due to owner Marc Paskin's health issues,KBUD/Denver dropped the format from the FM translator at 94.1 (K231BQ), which was sold to iHeart Media and became a simulcast of News/TalkKOAandKBCO-HD3,withKPTT's translator in Boulder (K231AA) added to the simulcast. The move also sees KOA's former HD home at103.5and FM translator at 107.9 (K300CP) flip to Christmas Music until a new format is introduced. The AM will continue with the Pot Rock format until its sale to another party.

November

Date	Event
1	KHKN/Little Rock drops Variety Hits for Christmas Music. The station flipped to Classic Hits as "Big 94.9" December 28.
2	Due to the overwhelming response of the Southern Rock/Country format in theSpringfieldandOzarks region,Meyer Communications moved "The Outlaw" fromKBFL-FMto sister stationKTXR,replacing KTXR's AC format. KBFL flipped to Adult Standards the same day.
	Kansas City picks up its second Alternative, asKCMO-FM HD2 & K273BZbecomes the first Cumulus Media outlet to drop theNash IconCountry brand to become "102.5 The Underground."
4	Wilks Broadcasting officially exits the broadcasting business, as they first sell offWLVQ/Columbusto Saga Communications, giving the latter its fifth FM property in the Ohio State Capitol.This would be followed by the sale of SportsWZOH-FMand CountryWHOK-FMto Radio One on November 11. Radio One immediately flipped WZOH to Adult R&B and moved the format fromWXMG.WXMG flipped to Classic Hip-Hop as "Boom 106.3" while WHOK-FM switched to Gospel as "Joy 107.1" on November 16.
11	After a four-month transition from Top 40/CHR (lasting two years, and low ratings), along with a dismissal of airstaffers and its PD, Cumulus announced thatWRQX/Washington, D.C.will revert to its "Mix 107.3" branding andHot ACformat on November 13 with the return of former morning host Jack Diamond.
12	TheUniversity of Washingtonannounced that it acquiring Jazz-formattedKPLU-FM/Tacoma-SeattlefromPacific Lutheran Universityfor $7 million, with an additional $1 million in underwriting fees. When the deal is approved by the FCC, KPLU's NPR programming will be dropped as the network's shows overlaps with News/TalkKUOW's schedule, allowing KPLU to go Jazz full-time.
19	In a surprise move, iHeartMedia's Active RockKLOU-HD2 & W279AQ/St. Louisswitched formats to Christmas music, bypassing the annual tradition of substituting for KLOU's main Classic Hits programming. The FM translator flipped to Christian Hits as "Up! 103.7" on December 28.
23	A shakeup affects the CumulusOklahoma Citycluster, withKQOBending a four-month run with Classic Rock (after having evolved out of Adult Hits) to start stunting with Christmas music; it relaunched with Classic Hits as "Fun 96.9" December 28. It also announced that it is also shuffling its morning shows, with Adult Top 40KYIS' Jack Elliott and Ron William moving to KQOB and Rhythmic Top 40KKWD's Joey and Heather replacing the duo at KYIS.On December 3, the changes became official, with KKWD moving afternoon host Mike Ipong to the morning slot.In addition, sisterW255CJinAtlantadropped the "Nash Icon" format on the same day forChristmas musicas "Warm 98.9", then stunted again with AC on December 26,followed by a series of hints of yet another flip to take place January 1, 2016.
25	Geraldo Riveraposted on hisFacebookpage that in the wake of the changes at Cumulus Media, his tenure as midday host at TalkWABC/New York City has come to an end. His final show aired on November 27.Rivera would file a lawsuit against Cumulus over his dismissal on December 11.
28	WSM/Nashville's live country music showThe Grand Ole Oprycelebrated its 90th anniversary with performances byBrad Paisley,Asleep at the Wheel,Old Crow Medicine Show,andDel McCoury Band.

December

Date	Event
2	Another FM frequency alignment in Salt Lake City is announced as Broadway Media makes a deal with Community Wireless, who will moveKPCW-FMdown from 91.9 to 91.7 and take ownership of the 107.9 signal that Broadway is donating to them after they moveKUDD's Top 40 format to 105.1, where it will replaceKAUU's Country format, and will see Rhythmic Top 40KUUUmove from 92.5 to 92.3 along with an upgraded coverage to cover the Salt Lake Valley metropolitan area.
3	Just 10 months after its launch,CHRF/Montrealdropped its bilingual LGBT format and started stunting with Christmas music. A new format is expected after the holidays.
4	WJCL-FM/Savannahbecame the first Cumulus-owned Country station to drop theNash FMbranding to return to its former branding, restoring the "Kix 96" moniker it dropped in September 2013.
7	Front Range Sports Networks sellsESPN RadioaffiliateKJAC/Timnath-Denverto Community Radio for Northern Colorado, who will convert the station to a non-commercial Adult Album Alternative format on February 29, 2016, allowing primary stationKUNC/Fort Collins, Coloradoto focus on News/Talk programming. After KJAC ends its programming on January 3, 2016, ESPN Radio will return to former Denver affiliateKEPNin a full-time status with sisterKKFNadding overnight programming (and droppingFox Sports Radiofrom the schedule) starting January 4, 2016.
	The entire airstaff ofWMXJ/Miami are released, leaving the Entercom Classic Hits outlet semi-jockless until January 2016, when the station will flip formats.
8	Diane Rehmannounces her retirement and the end ofher daily radio showonNPR,effective November 2016.
15	Howard Sternrenews his contract withSiriusXMfor five more years.
17	Entercom spins off another Denver property, as it sells OldiesKRWZto KSE Media Ventures. The Oldies format will move to Adult StandardsKEZWand relaunch as "Crusin' 1430" December 27.
18	A major shuffling takes place inLubbock, Texasas five stations swap signals and frequencies. TejanoKEJStrades places with SportsKTTU-FM,who in turn trade places with ACKLZK,who in turn trade places with Classic RockKLBB-FM,who in turn trade places with TejanoKXTQ-FM,who in turn move to KEJS' signal.
	WNEW-FM/Annapolis/Washington, D.C.ends its All News format, as CBS Radio leases the station out toBloomberg Newsand flips the station toBloomberg Radio.
22	KCXX/Riverside-San Bernardinoends its 20-year run with Alternative with a flip to Rhythmic Hot AC as "Hot 103.9" and new call letters KHTI.
24	Alpha Mediaspins off theMerced, Californiaduopoly of Rhythmic Top 40KHTNand CountryKUBBtoMapleton Communications,who in turn spins off Active RockKBREand Spanish ACKGAMto Radio Lazer to comply with FCC ownership limits.
26	KFMB-FM/San Diegodrops the Adult Top 40 format andJack FMbranding after 10 years, as it begins stunting with a wheel of formats. The new format will debut January 4, 2016.
27	After splitting from a simulcast of Adult Top 40WWZYto play Christmas music in November,WBHX/Monmouth County, New Jerseyflips to Classic Hits, putting it in competition withWJRZ.
28	Classic HitsWODC/Columbus, Ohioshifts to Adult hits as "93.3 The Bus."
	Rhythmic Top 40KAGM/Los Alamos-Albuquerquerebrands from "Power 106.7" to "Wild 106.7," this time shifting from a R&B/Hip-Hop lean to a broader Rhythmic Pop/Dance direction. This marks the third time that the "Wild" moniker have been used in the Albuquerque market, as it was used at sister stationsKDLWandKLVO.
	In theRio Grande Valley,KQXX-FMdrops Classic Rock and becomes a simulcast of Adult Top 40KHKZ.
	LongtimeRichmondACWTVR-FMdrops the "Lite" moniker and flips to Adult Top 40 as "Mix 98.1."
	LongtimeMobileACWMXCdrops the "Lite" moniker and rebrands as "Mix 99.9," but retains their format and lineup
	Former CountryWPLZ-HD2 & W295BI/Chattanoogaflips to Soft Oldies as "Big Easy 106.9," complementing Classic Hits sister WPLZ.
31	News/TalkWBOC-FM/Salisbury, Marylandflips to AC with a local presentation.

Debuts

Date	Event
January 1	ABC Radiorelaunched its network after breaking its ties and ownership from Westwood One, who under ownersCumulus Mediaacquired the network fromThe Walt Disney Company,who will again become the owners. It also revamped its radio programming services under a new deal with Skyview Networks (who will also handle advertising sales and satellite distribution) and continue to make its radio news programming (viaABC News Radioand its FM counterpartABC News Now) available when Cumulus' newly acquired Westwood One replaces it with its newCNN-powered news service. It also expanded to create new radio programming based on other ABC owned properties such asGood Morning America,Dancing With The Stars,andJimmy Kimmel Live.
February 27	Flashback Fridays with Jammin' Jondebuts onWLZD-LP,Jon Colwell's first show on the airwaves sinceFlashback In 60 Minuteswas pulled fromWKCB-FMin November 2012.
March 9	Fargo, North Dakotapicks up its first Rhythmic Top 40 outlet, asW245CM/Moorhead, Minnesota(the FM translator ofKLTA-HD2) signs on as "96.9 Hits FM."
May 1	K292GH, the FM translator and HD3 sub channel ofKDXT/Missoula, Montana,signs on with Rhythmic Top 40 as "106.3 The Heat."
May 19	Globalization Radio,a Rhythmic/Dance channel created byPitbulland named after his 2014 album "Globalization,"is launched onSirius XM Radio.
May 22	Cumulus Media will launch a Classic Hip-Hop network targeted towards a multi-ethnic audience.
June 5	WMBX/West Palm Beach's HD2 sub channel and FM translator would debut with a Rhythmic Top 40 format as "Beatz 96.3".
June 8	Apple Musiclaunches the subscription-only Beats1 Radio streaming service.
August 13	Sirius XM adds five new channels to its lineup: Velvet (current-based AC vocalists), Sirius XM Fly (Classic R&B/Hip-Hop from the 1990s and Y2K), Fox News Headlines 24/7 (non-stop news fromFox News Radio), Comedy Greats (Classic comedy from the past to today), and Radio Andy (featuring uncensored pop culture and entertainment fromAndy Cohen).
September 4	K280DD(the translator ofKPLV-HD2) makes its debut as "Real 103.9", becomingLas Vegas's first commercial FM R&B/Hip-Hop outlet, as on the same day as the launch of Rhythmic Hot AC rivalKXNT-FM,who dropped News/Talk the same day.
September 5	The panel showBecause Newsis launched onCBC Radio Onein Canada, broadcast from Toronto.
September 18	Just eight years after relocating fromBendtoWest Linn, Oregon(and to serve thePortlandarea),KWLZ-FMdebuts with a hybrid Classic Rock/Hits format, joining an increasing field that includes Classic RockersKGONandKFBW,and Classic HitsKLTH.
October 21	The HD2 sub channel and FM translator of Top 40/CHRWFBC-FM/Greenville, South Carolinasigns on with R&B/Hip-Hop as "96.3 The Block."
November 4	Radio Disneylaunched a second audio service, a youth-orientedcountry musicnetwork.

Closings

Date	Event
January 1	Sirius XM RadioandHarpo Productionsannounced that it has ceased operations onOprah Radioafter eight years. The channel, founded byOprah Winfrey,served as an outlet for empowerment and lifestyle geared towards women.
January 31	After a 50-year run with Beautiful/Easy Listening (as well as the only outlet in the United States that continued to program in the same format since its 1965 sign-on),KNXR/Rochester, Minnesotasigns off the air upon its change of ownership. The new owners plans to launch a new format on the 97.5 frequency after new studios are built.
March 27	Dennis Millerends his radio program after eight years due to personal commitments on various projects, withJonathan Brandmeierslated to replace Miller on theWestwood Onelineup.
July 8	Tony Brunoretires from radio after over 20 years as a sports talk host, much of that nationally syndicated.
July 25	Aboriginal Voices Radiowill cease operations on its five stations inCanadaafter the CRTC revoked their licenses “based on AVR’s repeated and serious non-compliance with its regulatory obligations over four consecutive license terms as well as the Commission’s complete lack of confidence in the licensee’s ability to broadcast in compliance with those obligations going forward and therefore meet the unique needs ofAboriginal people.”
August 31	Westwood One ceased operations on the Adult Hits “S.A.M.”(Simply About Music) format.
November 7	Newsweb Corporationshuts downWCFJ/Chicago Heights, Illinois,saying that thebrokered programmingstation was unprofitable. The license will be surrendered to theFederal Communications Commission.
November 16	With the announced acquisition by Pandora and Cumulus Media's writing down its 15% stake and ending its investment,Rdioceases operations.
December 12	Midnight In The DeserthostArt Bellannounces his fifth (at least) "retirement" from radio, which comes just four months after he returned, due to a series of death threats against his family and his own safety after his studios inPahrump, Nevadawere fired upon (Bell has used similar excuses for his short "retirements" in the past). His producer, Heather Wade will take over the program.
December 31	After 33 years in radio as part theBob and Tomshow (including a 32-year run in mornings at Active RockWFBQ/Indianapolis,which served as its flagship station for their syndicated show since 1995), Bob Kevoian will retire on this date.

Deaths

• January 1:Mario Cuomo,82. FormerGovernor of New Yorkand earlyprogressive talk radiohost.
• January 2:Little Jimmy Dickens,94. Frequent host and member of theGrand Ole Opry;country musician and comedian.
• January 4:Lance Diamond,68. Radio host onWJYEand musician.
• January 7:Bernard Maris,68, French journalist and radio presenter (killed in the terrorist attack on theCharlie Hebdoofficesin Paris.
• January 9:Bud Paxson,79. Radio and television owner, founder of Paxson Communications.
• January 15:Raoul Pantin,71, Trinidadian journalist and broadcaster
• January 17:Justin Kili,61, Papua New Guinean journalist and radio personality
• January 24:Joe Franklin,88. Television and radio host based inNew York City.
• January 26: Christopher “Kit” Carson, 58. Chief assistant onThe Rush Limbaugh Show.
• February 9:Richard Sher,66, US radio quiz show host (Says You!)
• February 12
  • Alison Gordon,72, Canadian sports journalist, writer and broadcaster
  • Gary Owens,80, DJ at several stations from 1952 to 2007, most notablyKMPCin Los Angeles; voiced thousands of commercials and cartoon characters, was the announcer onRowan & Martin's Laugh-Inand hosted a daily program on the syndicatedMusic of Your Lifenetwork.
• February 14:Bernd Dost,75, German journalist and broadcaster
• February 15:Sergio Blanco,66, Spanish singer (Sergio y Estíbaliz), Eurovision entrant
• February 19:Warren Thomson,79, Australian pianist and broadcaster
• March 5:Fred Latremouille,69, Canadian radio host.
• March 11:Tony Fenton,53, Irish radio presenter
• April 3:Paul Grigoriu,70, Romanian radio personality (SRR).
• April 5:Gordon Moyes,76, Australian radio evangelist and politician
• April 7:Stan Freberg,88, American host ofThe Stan Freberg ShowandWhen Radio Was,advertising executive and actor
• April 10:Richie Benaud,84, Australian cricketer and commentator
• April 14:Roberto Tucci,93, Italian Roman Catholic prelate, President ofVatican Radio(1985–2001)
• April 16:Nimal Mendis,81, Sri Lankan singer and songwriter
• April 17:Don Quayle,84, journalist andNPR's first president.
• May 1:David Day,63, Australian radio broadcaster,5KA
• May 14:B.B. King,89, Blues musician whose career and stage name originated from his stint as an air personality atWDIA/Memphis.
• May 15:John Stephenson,91. American radio, television and voice actor (radio work included roles onIt's Always SundayandThe Count of Monte Cristo,and later commercials for Accountemps).
• May 23:Anne Meara,85, Actress, singer, writer, producer and comedian (as one half ofStiller & Mearawith husbandJerry Stiller), recipient of aClio Awardfor her work with her husband in a series of radio ads forBlue Nun Wine.
• June 11:Jim Ed Brown,81, American country musician. Member of theGrand Ole Oprysince 1963 and host of theCountry Music Greats Radio Hoursince 2003.
• June 12:Monica Lewis,93, American actress and singer, notable for being the voice of theChiquita Bananagirl and the host of her own radio program onWMCA/New York City.
• July 6:Stan Carew,64, musician and regular host onCBC Radio.
• July 13:J. R. Gach,63. Shock jock with various stops across the United States.
• July 17:Van Miller,87. Longtime radio play-by-play announcer, best-known work was as voice of theBuffalo Bills Radio Networkfrom 1960–71 and 1978–2003; other notable roles included calling theBuffalo Braves,Buffalo Stallions,Niagara Purple Eagles,and various non-sports roles atWFCB/Dunkirk, New YorkandWBEN/Buffalo, New York
• July 24:Peg Lynch,98. American comedy writer and radio actress (most famous for her roles in the 1950s sitcomEthel and Albertand its successor,The Couple Next Door)
• July 31:Alan Cheuse,75. Novelist,George Mason Universitycreative writing instructor, and literary commentator forNPR'sAll Things Considered
• August 25:Marguerite McDonald,73. Canadian radio journalist, original host ofCBC Radio'sThe House.
• August 29:Luo Lan,95, Taiwanese writer and radio personality
• October 1:Usnija Redžepova,69, Serbian singer who began her career on radio
• October 26:Ed Walker,83.Washington, DCradio personality (work at several stations and programs, most notably withWRC'sThe Joy BoysandWAMU-FM'sThe Big Broadcast).
• December 27:Dave "Hendu" Henderson,56. Radio commentator (and former player) for theSeattle Mariners.