AAR coming to Milwaukee

[LTR]

I've been hearing this rumor for a few weeks, but I thought it was so far fetched that I didn't bother posting it here.

Yes, 97.1 WLTQ is stunting!

I'm listening now, and they say, "Starting Monday, you'll be talking".

Keep in mind, they might be pulling our legs, and might do something else (common radio trick). But they just flipped an FM in Madison to progressive talk. I'm listening now, and most of the songs have some mention of "air" and "America". Plus, Clear Channel has been flipping FM stations to talk formats.

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2004/09/13/daily46.html?jst=b_ln_hl

'Light 97' gone; new format Monday

Milwaukee radio station WLTQ-FM (97.3), known for years as "Light 97," dropped its "soft rock" programming at noon on Friday and will debut a new format at 6 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20.

The station was playing music Friday afternoon with song titles and artist names that include the words "air" and "America," which would suggest the new format may be Air America, the liberal talk network featuring Al Franken that is not carried locally. The station also ran announcements such as "don't be left out," indicating a left-wing political spin.

However, Milwaukee radio industry sources said such stunting frequently is a ruse and the station could go in a different direction, possibly some form of rock music. That could include adult alternative or classic rock.

Another option is Spanish-language programming. The station's owner -- San Antonio-based broadcasting and outdoor advertising firm Clear Channel Communications Inc. -- announced Thursday that it will convert 20 to 25 stations around the country to Hispanic formats. The company identified only one station, in Atlanta, that will adopt the new format. Clear Channel already carries Spanish-language programming on 18 of its U.S. stations.

http://www.light973.com/

[LTR]

1. More

http://www.onmilwaukee.com/scoops/articles/97gone.html

Light 97 off; Air America may land Monday

Light 97 is gone. As of today, Milwaukee lost its Light 97 and may gain an affiliate for Air America, the liberal radio network. Light 97 (WLTQ), a Clear Channel station, went off the air at noon today and is rumored to become 97.3 "The Brew" while running Air America talk radio content in the interim.

It seems the station will play a variety of music formats over the weekend and the new station will debut on Monday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m., according to a Clear Channel Milwaukee voice mail message.

Air America could go live on Monday, but that new all-talk format may not stick, since new radio formats are often tested before a radio company locks something new in.

We guess you have a lot of suggestions for what the new 97.3 FM should become, so use our exclusive talkback feature to voice your comments. Stay tuned to OMC as we track this breaking story.

[LTR]

2. WLTQ's signal

[Bushfire]

3. This would make Belling's blood boil!!!

WoooHooo!!! :kick: Hoping it is long term...

[LTR]

4. And, to make things fun...

...it's in the same building!!!

Yes, WLTQ is the sister station to WISN!

Remember how much Belling trashed AAR since it came on the air? This is serious karma.

I may even have to listen to Belling on Monday to get his take. He'll likely be very quiet. Clear Channel doesn't like any backtalk among it's talent.

[LTR]

5. Here's a teaser (MP3) file of what's to come

Right click, and download:

http://www.wisconsinbroadcasting.com/wltq.MP3

Also playing Franken bits as well. Playing a strange music mix, including America, Air Supply, and a bunch of songs with either "air" or "America" in the title.

[RetroLounge]

6. Oh, Please let it be AAR!

This cesspool of radio we call Milwaukee is so godawful right now.

RL

[mark414]

7. oh please god

even though i don't believe in you, i will reconsider it if this actually happens

[ClassWarrior]

8. YESSSSSSSS.