Earlier this month, 93.1 "Doug FM" switched over to country, and they are now known as "Nash FM 93-1". The recent switch got the Mitten State Sports Report thinking about other local radio stations that have come and gone, never to be heard from again. This post is a Top 10 list of those defunct, or dormant radio stations as seen through the eyes of the Mitten State Sports Report! Not every radio station is eligible for the Top 10, for instance, 93.1 "Doug FM", 96.3 "The Planet","Smooth Jazz" V98.7, "Young Country" 99.5, and "Hot" 102.7 were all ineligible because their station identification numbers were already represented on the list. Top 10 lists are sure to cause debate, and this publication will be no different. Which dormant radio stations do you miss the most? You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com Click on past months to check out all of the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material!
Top 10 Dormant Local Radio Stations!
10. 105.9 - "105.9 Jams" - 1998-2005 - Hip Hop, Rap
In the late 90's, "105.9 Jams" gave Detroit listeners another option for rap, and hip hop music. Before it's existence, 97.9 WJLB was the only radio station exclusively playing rap music, and "105.9 Jams" wanted in on the market. Russ Parr did the morning show, and the station saw some success in it's brief time on the Detroit radio airwaves. In 2005 the station switched to "105.9 Kiss Fm", and currently plays R&B music.
9. 106.7 - "W4 Country" - 1982 - 1999 - Country
"W4 Country" survived for 17 years as the primary source for country music in Detroit. Before it's arrival, fans of country music were limited to AM radio stations, and the static that accompanied them. "W4 Country" can be credited for increasing the popularity of country music in Detroit. They introduced their brand of music to a market that previously had limited exposure. In 1999, the station switched it's format over to rock, and became known as "Alice 106.7". The station currently plays classic rock, and is known as "106.7 The D".
8. 105.1 - "Magic 105.1" - 2001 - 2011 - Light Rock
For ten years, "Magic 105.1" battled it's arch rival 100.3 WNIC for listeners. Both stations played similar music, and both stations switched over to Christmas music during the months of November, and December. "Magic 105.1" even lured away 100.3 WNIC's morning crew consisting of Jim Harper, Linda Lanci, and Cyndy Canty. Between 2011-2013 the station was known as "Soft Rock 105.1", and "Today's 105.1". The station is currently known as "Detroit Sports 105.1", and is an ESPN radio affiliate.
7. 93.1 DRQ - 1996 - 2005 - Pop, Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, Dance
For almost a decade, 93.1 DRQ played pop, hip hop, rap, R&B, and dance music. Although listeners found disc jockeys like Tic Tac to be annoying at times, the music attracted listeners, and boosted ratings. Jay Towers did the morning show, Lisa Lisa did afternoons, and there was a popular "Dateless in Detroit" segment in the evenings. In 2005, the station switched to 93.1 "Doug FM", and the move surprised many people. 93.1 currently plays country music, and is known as "Nash FM 93-1".
6. 97.1 - "FM Talk" - 1999 - 2005 - Talk Radio, Sports
In 1999, 97.1 FM stopped playing rock music, and started their talk radio campaign. The shows ranged in topics from sports, to politics, and everything in between. During the evenings, "The Tom Leykis Show" touched upon relationships, along with a wide variety of other topics. His show was followed by a successful sports talk show called "Parker & The Man", with Rob Parker, and Mark "The Man" Wilson. In 2005 the station altered their schedule, and became known as "Free FM". The station is currently known as "97.1 The Ticket", and is primarily a sports talk radio station.
5. 102.7 - "Z-Rock" - 1992 - 1996 - Rock, Heavy Metal
For a brief period of time in the mid 90's, 102.7 "Z-Rock" played a heavier version of rock then it's competitor 101.1 WRIF. "Z-Rock" was unique, but was about ten years to late to the party. The peak of heavy metal music was in the 80's, and there was a limited audience for "Z-Rock" to tap into. 102.7 added Ted Nugent in 1996, and changed over to "The Bear". The station currently plays gospel music, and is known as "Praise 102.7".
4. 95.5 - "Z95.5" - 1984 - 1989 - Rock, Pop,Top 40 Hits
In the middle to late 80's, Dick Purtan's morning show could be heard on "Z95.5". The station played a wide variety of music including all of the top hits. The station received great ratings during it's time on the airwaves, but attempted to increase it's popularity in 1989. "Z95.5" changed over to "Q95", and later became "Q95-5". The station still played the hits, but stayed away from the rock music that "Z95.5" had played. 95.5 is currently known as "9-5-5", and is similar to the previous formats that "Q95", and "Q95.5" used.
3. 96.3 - "Power 96" - 1985 - 1989 - Pop, Dance, Top 40 Hits
Casey Kasem's "American Top 40" found a home on "Power 96" during the late 80's. The station played a variety of music such as pop, dance, hip hop, and R&B. In 1989, the station slightly altered their format, and became known as simply "96.3 FM". This began a transition over to an alternative music style that the station maintains today. Over the last 20 years, 96.3 has been known as "The Planet", and is currently known as 96.3 WDVD "Today's Best Hits".
2. 99.5 - "99.5 The Fox" - 1988 - 1992 - Rock, Pop, Top 40 Hits
99.5 "The Fox"survived for just four years on the Detroit airwaves, but left their mark with their catchy fox logo, combined with their blend of hit music. I recall seeing "The Fox" logo on car bumpers several years after their departure, and always wondered why there wasn't a place for them on my radio dial. "The Fox" played rock, pop music, and Top 40 Hits; but decided to switch over to talk radio in 1992. The move lasted just a few months, and the station became known as "Young Country" 99.5. The station continues to play country music, and is currently known as 99.5 "Detroit's Country".
1. 98.7 - 98.7 WLLZ "Detroit's Wheels" - 1980 - 1995 - Rock & Roll
98.7 WLLZ was a staple in Detroit for rock n roll music during the 80's, and 90's. Jim Johnson did the morning show called "JJ and the Morning Crew", with fellow anchor George "Dick the Bruiser" Baier. "M Dung" was on the air on Friday nights, and "The Doc of Rock" Doug Podell took over on Saturday nights. Sheri Donovan, Mike Staff, Mike "Stoney" Stone, and Mitch Albom were all a part of WLLZ, and fans of the station were stunned when it changed to jazz in 1995. "Smooth Jazz" V98.7 lasted on the air for almost fourteen years, and then the station proceeded to prank WLLZ fans when they made the switch. They ran airchecks proclaiming that WLLZ was back, but the joke lasted only a few minutes. Guns N Roses' "Welcome To The Jungle" was interrupted by Kanye West, followed by a song from Beyonce. This began the transition over to the pop, and dance music that the station currently plays today. The station is currently known as 98.7 "Amp Radio", and competes with "9-5-5" (95.5) for listeners.
Which dormant, or defunct radio stations do you miss the most? Leave a comment!
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