In the often format-shifting world of corporate radio, there’s been a move in the Detroit market.
The Entercom-owned WDZH-FM has moved from “98.7 Amp Radio” to “987 The Breeze.” The new format, according to the company, will feature artists like Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and Boyz II Men to Adele, Alicia Keys and Sara Bareilles. The idea is that they’re relaxing favorites at work.
If you use Nielsen ratings as your guide, WDZH sits at the lower middle of the ratings pack in the October period, just above the Classical radio station and the National Public Radio stations out of Ann Arbor and Detroit.
“We are excited to launch 987 The Breeze and to fill this void in the Motor City’s music scene,” said Debbie Kenyon, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Detroit in a press relase. “We know the station will become a must-listen to make your work day breeze by.”
987 The Breeze will play 10,000 songs commercial-free, starting Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
My Two Cents: I know music radio is a big thing in Detroit. After all, the classic rock station is number one here. And Entercom should be lauded for putting former WXYZ anchor Stephen Clark and JoAnn Purtan on the air over on WOMC, investing in local content when many others are pulling away from it.
But I can’t help but think this move is just trying to stave off the time when we all just get everything from Spotify, Sirius, Apple Music or Pandora.