Radio One Goes “Boom” in Philly

As you know Radio One has flipped WPHI-Philadelphia’s Hot 107.9 to Classic Hip-Hop, as Boom 107.9 FM. And promptly fired nine employees. “We take the loss of employees seriously,” said Shawneen Thompson, VP/GM of Radio One Philadelphia. “We are working to ensure all of our impacted employees are transitioned with the dignity and respect they deserve.” Thompson went on to say, “Though disappointed by this unfortunate, but necessary decision, we are excited about our future with Boom 107.9 FM.”
The new Boom 107.9 FM is unique to the Philadelphia market and it becomes the company’s second major market FM station to feature Throwback Hip-Hop — last month Radio One made a similar move in Houston, flipping underperforming FM news outlet KROI to Boom 92. Boom 107.9 is expected to blend well demographically with its sister stations — Urban AC WRNB (Old School 100.3) and Inspirational WPPZ (Praise 103.9). Research supports the concept that Philadelphia has an appetite for this innovation. “Hip-Hop was a movement originating from New York City, but had a tremendous influence in Philadelphia,” said Brown Hornhit, Operations Manager of Radio One Philadelphia.