While many other pop stations are zigging in a more gold based directions, SummitMedia has zagged at Hot AC “Mix 97.3” WPYA Gardendale/Birmingham AL has completed its move to a current-intensive CHR rebranding as “Today’s Hits 97.3“.
The rebranding follows a June playlist adjustment where it increased its top spins to around 130 times per week coinciding with the station dropping Radio Button Network’s Ace & TJ Show. With the new branding in place, WPYA has added YEA! Networks’ Tino Cochino Radio for mornings. Kayla Morgan continues to track middays and sister “Q103.1” WQNU Louisville APD/afternoon host tracks afternoons.
WPYA had introduced its now-former “Mix 97.3” identity in April 2021 when it poached Ace & TJ from iHeartMedia CHR “103.7 The Q” WQEN after nineteen years at that station. WPYA dropped to a 0.8 share in the July 2023 Nielsen Audio ratings, while WQEN had a 3.9 share.
WPYA’s 3pm hour on Sunday, September 10 featured:
- Miguel – Sure Thing
- Doja Cat – Paint The Town Red
- Steve Lacy – Bad Habit
- Dominick Fike – Mona Lisa
- Jung Kook ft. Latto – Seven
- The Weeknd – Heartless
- Phillip Phillips – Dancing With Your Shadows
- OneRepublic – Runaway
- Justin Bieber ft. Quavo – Intentions
- Taylor Swift – Cruel Summer
- Dua Lipa – Dance The Night
- Nicky Youre – Sunroof
- Selena Gomez – Single Soon
- Sza – Snooze
- Rihanna – Umbrella
- Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
- Doja Cat – Vegas