Ready, Set, Launch: NYC’s New UAC

Following a launch party in Harlem last Wednesday, Cumulus Radio officially announced the launch of Radio 103.9,” set for this Friday, July 4 at 1:03pm with Joyner and Hughley signing on July 7th. Sources report Cumulus has applied for new WNBM call letters for the station. The station is set to spotlight New York’s best mix of R&B with an urban adult format with a signal to reach listeners across the New York metropolitan area, including 80% of the region’s African American population. “Radio 103.9” will include a heavy focus on community engagement, participating in local events and collaborating with leading community service organizations.

The station’s star-studded lineup includes the nationally syndicated “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” in the morning and “The D.L. Hughley Show” in afternoon drive. Both programs are part of the Cumulus partnership with Reach Media. Locally, “LaLoca” with midday will be hosted by Miami transplant Sharon “La Loca” Montero and “Hanging Downtown” with Baltimore/DC favorite, Marc Clarke at night.

New York area movers and shakers were wall to wall in Sylvia’s Restaurant to support New York’s “best mix of R&B” and treated to the smooth R&B swag of Eric Benet and Calvin Richardson.

Program Director, Ken Johnson said “New York is the greatest city in the world and the radio programmers and personalities that came before me are a part my philosophy on radio today. The only thing greater than my love for New York radio is my respect for its listeners.” Industry vet Raphael George, vacates his position at Nielsen/BDS Radio to assume Assistant Program Director duties. Ken Johnson says, “Raphael was with me for my first programming gig. It made all the sense in the world he came with me for this amazing opportunity.  I’m lucky to have him.” I couldn’t agree more and wish them both all the best.