Audacy is making some notable changes at New York City news stations WINS(AM), famously known as 1010 WINS, and sister station WCBS(AM), which is heard on at 880.
“Beginning Oct. 27, 1010 WINS, the most-listened-to news station in the country, will be simulcast on 92.3 FM, greatly improving its coverage reach throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut,” the company said. That frequency, which is WNYL(FM), currently airs alternative rock.
“Additionally, a historic new agreement with SAG-AFTRA will allow cross-utilization of anchors and reporters for both stations, which will enhance resource sharing and coordination to provide more cohesive and impactful coverage of the tri-state area.”
Competitors for many decades, the two Big Apple AM news stations became corporate siblings in the mid-1990s when Westinghouse acquired CBS. In 2017 Entercom Communications merged with CBS Radio, and later changed its name to Audacy.
Ben Mevorach has been promoted to vice president of New York News and will oversee both 1010/92.3 WINS and WCBS 880. Ivan Lee was promoted to brand manager of both stations.
Departing the company are Mike Kaplan, brand manager of ALT 92.3, and Tim Scheld, brand manager of WCBS 880.
The company promises that the moves will “bolster” the stations’ broadcast and digital news coverage, “while maintaining their unique brands and specific areas of focus and expertise.” Market President Chris Oliviero calls the change “a strong investment in our news creation and distribution capabilities.”
Mevorach said in the announcement, “Both brands will retain their distinct identities but will now harness resources with the single mission of better serving our communities and reaching the next generation of news consumers.”
Listeners of ALT 92.3 will be able to hear the format on the FM station’s HD2 channel or the Audacy app and website.
This is not the only news in the world of big-market radio news this week. Cumulus on Monday launched a format built around sports betting in San Francisco on KGO(AM), supplanting an iconic news talk format.
