It was the first FM radio station to sign on in Memphis, launched by Scripps-Howard as an Album Rock station. From 1978-1992, it was a Top 40 station, before settling on its current Hot Adult Contemporary format. Come Monday, WMC-FM will have a new identity, and it is tied to the sale of an Audacy Inc. sibling to Educational Media Foundation.
At Noon Central on June 12, “FM 100” will become “99.7 The Wolf,” as the intellectual property of WLFP-FM in Germantown, Tenn., relocates from that facility, which will become a KLOVE Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) Member station under EMF ownership.
WLFP, along with the now-former WTSS-FM in Buffalo, were sold by Audacy Inc., as part of a cash-generation initiative designed to help the fiscally beleaguered audio content creation and distribution arm.
For “The Wolf,” a bigger, grandfathered signal awaits. WMC-FM boasts a 300kw signal, and can reach Jonesboro, Ark., Jackson, Tenn., and even Oxford, Miss.
Will any element of “FM 100” remain on WMC-FM? Yes, as morning show host Erin Austin will transition to the 10am-1pm slot.
The full on-air lineup is as follows.
6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. CT: “Mo & StyckMan”
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT: Erin Austin
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT: “Katie & Company”
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT: “Duane & Abby”
7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. CT: “Rob & Holly”
“For the last decade, The Wolf has transformed into a local fan-favorite, delivering the very best of country for Memphians,” said Dan Barron, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy in Memphis. “We’re delighted to increase the signal and reach of the station, bolster the on-air lineup and enhance the overall listening experience for Memphis’ and now the greater Mid-South’s country music fans.”
For “FM 100,” it is officially transitioning to an Audacy app-only offering. That said, a “celebration show” is planned for Monday morning. Alumni including Ron Olson, Karen Perrin, Steve Conley, Tom Prestigiacomo, Henry Nelson, Rob Grayson, Wendi Hayes, Michelle Lewis, and “Danger Boy” are expected to appear.
With FM 100’s disappearance from the FM dial, there are other choices for fans of the music it has played. On May 3, iHeartMedia launched WEGR-FM “102.7 Kiss FM” with a Hot Adult Contemporary format. There is also Flinn-owned “B97.7” on W249BN, simulcasting WOWW-AM 1430, with a Top 40 format.
Editor’s Note: An incorrect headline for this story appears in our Weekend Edition Afternoon Headlines E-Mail. We regret the error.
