New York City Radio Station 98.7 Kiss FM To Merge With Rival WBLS

Major Shift In New York's Radio Landscape

After 30 years of broadcasting "Classic Soul and Today's R&B,” New York City radio station WRKS 98.7 Kiss FM has announced that it will merge with its rival station, 107.5 WBLS, on April 30.

The alliance, which is a result of a recent programming agreement between Emmis Communications and ESPN New York, will make the two Urban Adult Contemporary brands the premier station for R&B music in the New York City metropolitan area.

“WBLS and WRKS have been the voice of the tri-state black community for 30 years and we plan to merge the best of both stations to create a stronger voice to deliver the best in R&B music while also super serving our community,” WBLS VP/General Manager Deon Levingston said in a statement posted on the station’s website.

This weekend both stations will celebrate the legacy and impact of Kiss FM through various programming. "I extend my gratitude and deepest thanks to the many special people that created the memories and sense of community that Kiss FM delivered for 30 years,” Emmis New York SVP/General Manager, Alexandra Cameron added in the statement.

“Emmis will be forever grateful. We are so very glad that a part of Kiss will remain remembered through WBLS programming as they welcome beloved personalities like Shaila and Lenny Green."

Moving forward ESPN Radio’s, WEPN-AM, will occupy Kiss FM’s former 98.7 frequency.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot