Clear Channel changes 104.3 to contemporary format 

Posted: 7:00 pm Sun, November 15, 2009
By Liz Farmer
Daily Record Business Writer

Clear Channel has flipped its Baltimore alternative rock station WCHH-FM 104.3 to a contemporary format featuring the likes of Kanye West, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga.

Now called “Z1043,” the station is modeled after Clear Channel’s other CHR (Contemporary Hit Radio) stations such as Z100 in New York and Hot 99.5 in Washington, D.C.

Baltimore was one of Clear Channel’s only stations in its top 25 listening markets that did not have a CHR format. Clear Channel’s three other Baltimore stations are country WPOC-FM, WQSR Jack FM and gospel WCAO-AM. The company acquired 102.7 Jack-FM from CBS last December in a seven-station swap.

CHR format stations typically play Top 40 music focusing on rock, pop and urban genres.

The move leaves 98 Rock (WIYY-FM) and 100.7 The Bay (WZBA-FM) as the Baltimore area’s only alternative rock FM stations.

Clear Channel flipped 104.3-FM on Nov. 4 and is running commercial-free for its first 10,000 songs, which is estimated to last until December. The station has not yet determined its programming beyond that point. It formerly filled its morning drive slot with the often outlandish D.C.-based talk show “Elliot in the Morning.”

Common programming features of CHR stations include countdown shows, such as “Ryan Seacrest’s American Top 40,” and lunch time request shows. Morning hosts are typically given the most freedom.

“With all of the CHR assets at Z1043’s disposal the station will live up to the high standards that Clear Channel takes pride in while incorporating a flavor that will remain unique to Baltimore,” Clear Channel said in a release.

The station is switching its call letters to WZFT-FM, effective Tuesday.