Citadel Operations Manager Scott Chase announced Tuesday that 107.9 Duke FM would become Chattanooga’s newest country radio station beginning this Friday afternoon.
And Thunder 101.9 said it is changing to classic country - also on Friday.
“107.9 Duke FM will feature Country Music Marathons throughout the day and night seven days a week,” said Chase. “No other station in Chattanooga history has ever delivered so much music in this long-block format at various times of the day as we will do. In addition to the music, the whole presentation will be different and a lot of fun. Let’s just say we have a few other tricks up our sleeve!”
“Duke FM is a variety country music station that will play hundreds of country classics, recent country favorites and all the latest hits,” said Chase. “We plan to play a wide variety of country favorites, with some Southern rock and a few contemporary songs that have a country flavor sprinkled in throughout the day.”
Dan Brown, rresident and general manager of Citadel Broadcasting of Chattanooga stated, “We know Chattanooga loves its Country music. East Tennessee has the highest concentration of country music lovers anywhere in the USA, evident from record CD sales in the eastern half of Tennessee. With Duke FM, we simply want to offer the listeners and advertisers a country music choice.”
Brown went on to say, “Citadel Broadcasting has a long history of operating successful country music radio stations, including one of the most successful country music radio stations in the United States, WIVK in Knoxville and WKDF FM in Nashville, the home of country music. Duke FM will certainly draw upon the expertise of our company for guidance.”
Citadel Broadcasting of Chattanooga also owns and operates WGOW FM (Talk Radio 102.3), WGOW AM, and WSKZ Classic Rock KZ106. The parent company, Citadel Broadcasting, operates over 247 radio stations throughout the United States.
Local radio frequency 101.9 is making a "legendary” change, officials said. Since the fall of 2003, Thunder 101.9 has been the area’s home for classic rock.
However, as of 5 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 101.9 The Legend is bringing Chattanooga and its surrounding communities classic country music.
Kris Van Dyke, 101.9 The Legend’s program director and operations manager at Clear Channel Radio, said the move is “intended to capitalize on this area’s strong love for not only country music, but classic country music. 101.9 The Legend will showcase some of the great music of the past from some of the most legendary artists in country music. Willie, Waylon, Conway and Johnny Cash now have a place on the radio here in Chattanooga.”
With sister station and local country institution US-101 in the same building, the Chattanooga area will need to look no further for country music of any kind. “US-101 has and always will be Chattanooga’s Hot Country Favorite when it comes to country music. However, with 101.9 The Legend, Clear Channel Chattanooga can provide listeners with everything that Country Music has to offer!” said General Manager Sammy George.
101.9 The Legend is currently broadcasting and is licensed out of Chattanooga and Ringgold, Ga.