Waterloo Media flipped Spanish CHR “Latino 102.7” 102.7 K274AX Austin/KLZT-HD2 Bastrop to Rhythmic Hot AC “102.7 The Vibe” at 6am today.
Positioning as “Austin’s Party Station”, the station is featuring a mix of currents from artists such as Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, Drake and Cardi B and “throwback party songs” from the likes of TLC, Dr Dre, Missy Elliot, 2PAC, Mariah Carey, Nelly, Salt N Pepa, Snoop Dogg, Janet Jackson, Eminem and Destiny’s Child. The station will be programmed by Jay Michaels, who currently programs Hot AC “Lucy 93.3” KGSR Cedar Park and AAA “97.1 Austin City Limits Radio” K246BD Austin/KGSR-HD2.
The new format positions K274AX in-between iHeartMedia Rhythmic CHR “102.3 The Beat” KPEZ and Audacy Classic Hip Hop “Hot 95.9” K240EL/KKMJ-HD3. KPEZ currently ranks seventh in the market with a 4.2 share, while K240EL fell last month from a 2.6 to 1.4. The Spanish CHR format went out with a 1.6 share in the April 2021 Nielsen Audio ratings.
The New 1027 The Vibe made its broadcast debut today at 6am as Austin’s Party Station. The Vibe will feature the biggest rhythmic hits from Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, Drake, Cardi B plus throwback party songs from TLC, Dr Dre, Missy Elliot, 2PAC, Mariah Carey, Nelly, Salt N Pepa, Snoop Dogg, Janet Jackson, Eminem and Destiny’s Child.
The Vibe Program Director Jay Michaels exclaims, “There is a big demand for rhythmic hits plus familiar party songs, a lane that is not being covered here in Austin! We are so excited to bring this unique format to Austin. We have such an incredible, local team led by Bruce, Randy, Scott and our fearless leader Bob Sinclair!”
Michaels will continue to program sister stations Hot AC Lucy 93.3 and AAA ACL Radio, while searching for the best local talent for The Vibe.
Adds General Manager Bruce Walden, “Waterloo Media is excited to bring a new party to the Austin airways with the new 1027 The Vibe, and Austinites will be energized by this innovative take on the rhythmic format.”
A full on air lineup will be announced soon, and the station can be streamed live now at thevibe1027.com.