Format Throwback Wars

iHeart Media (aka Clear Channel) snuck from the left last Thursday at 3pm (est.) when KSOL in Jacksonville abruptly flipped format to Throwback Hip Hop and R&B serving up a steady menu of Outkast, Heavy D, Big Daddy Kane and Busta Rhymes. Sources at the curb speculate the format flip might occur in first quarter 2015 to counter Radio One’s “Boom” format.

In reaction to the iHeart Media flip, Cox Communications pulled a double 180 turn today, flipping Orlando’s only R&B, WCFB, Star 94.5 to a Throwback Hip Hop and R&B format. Word from under the curb alleges this is only the beginning and there may be possible throwback format flips from each company in markets such as NY, Miami, Chicago and Philadelphia. OK label execs, we’re sure you’ve already figured out how to make up for the lost spins as UAC stations bite the dust for the jams that take us back to TuPac, Biggie, Run DMC, Kangols, door knocker earrings and maybe that flammable polyester sweat suits.