The nearly 2000 foot tower utilized by Cumulus Media Alternative “Alt 92.3” WZRH LaPlace and iHeartMedia Variety Hits “104.1 The Spot” KVDU Houma LA was toppled by the winds of Hurricane Ida.
The 1999 foot structure was constructed in 1988 to host both signals. Only the bottom 150 to 200 feet remain standing. Both stations are licensed to operate with 100kW/591m, but have low powered auxiliary sites in downtown New Orleans. WZRH is located on the roof of Place St. Charles with 630w/200m. KVDU is on the Hancock Whitney Center with 1.2kW/220m.
iHeartMedia has reported to the FCC that five of its seven New Orleans stations are currently off the air. In addition to KVDU, News/Talk 99.5 WRNO, Country 101.1 WNOE-FM, Gospel 940 WYLD, and BIN 1280 WODT are all silent with only Hip Hop 93.3 WQUE and Adult R&B 98.5 WYLD-FM broadcasting a mix of local Talk programming utilizing talent from across the cluster and simulcasting “Fox 8” WVUE-TV.
Cumulus Media states that its entire cluster of WZRH, Adult R&B 102.9 KMEZ Belle Chasse, Country “106.1 Nash-FM” WRKN Picayune MS, and Hot AC “106.7 The Krewe” KKND Port Sulphur LA are off the air.