Stunt Formats

[Ron Wainscott]

I've seen several mentions of the LRS "countdown" when it changed from Rock 102 to Mix 102. I was at LRS when it was purchased by Jacor and switched from Mix back to rock.

We played "I Am The Walrus" by the Beatles for 8 days. To keep the other stations confused, we would occasionally run promos saying "The new 102 starts this afternoon at 1:02". The first "stunt inside the stunt" was a country format for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes of playing country music, the voice guy said "just kidding. Stay tuned for further developments on the new 102". Then back to I Am The Walrus.

Another great stunt from the same era (mid 90s) was QMF's "Wheel of Formats" right before they went to all classic rock. They changed formats every hour on the hour. I remember this one because I was doing the mid-day shift on Mix 102 that day. Chris McGill (then Operations Manager at Metro Traffic) called me and said "You're not gonna believe this. QMF is playing disco!"

What are some other great format change "stunts" that have been done over the years in the Louisville market?

[robynwatts]

When WKJJ dropped AC in 1985, they stunted with Christmas carols for about an hour. Afterwards, the station flipped to Top 40 as WDJX.

Of course, no one can forget when WAKY signed on in 1958, they played "The Purple People Eater Meets The Witch Doctor" for 48 Hours straight.

[hotpatrick2004]

When wlrs switched from rock 102 to mix on jan 1 1991 and they did that automated countdown " 7000 seconds bring new radio station to 102.3 fm"Very innovative for its time.it took a long time but now 102.3 has found a format that makes money after how many years???Peter whats his name was pd in 1991.

[rjc]

That d**n Rock 102 to Mix 102 countdown is going to live on in infamy isn't it? ;D Eventhough I hated the reason for it, it was one of the best radio stunts ever!

[bruiser]

Hey look, it's RJC. Where ya been? Parts Unknown?

[rjc]

Jul 1, 2008 16:20:12 GMT -5 bruiser said:

Hey look, it's RJC. Where ya been? Parts Unknown?

Told you once before, that I have been helping Dutch look for Stan Hansen. ;D

But seriously, I have had a horrific last few months, lost my girlfriend, and my appartment. But putting my life back together now.

[bruiser]

I understand about losing girlfriends.

Hope things are improving for you.

[rjc]

Jul 4, 2008 14:48:27 GMT -5 bruiser said:

I understand about losing girlfriends.

Hope things are improving for you.

Yes they are, and they will only get better.

[bruiser]

Keep it kayfabe.

[rjc]