March 6–13, 1997

hit and run|on media

Rolling Rock

WMMR's change in ownership last week from CBS to Greater Media brought about speculation of the station's format change. While the station's format is staying the same, their location, as well as WYSP's, will be changing.

WYSP will be moving to 'MMR's location at Fifth and Market, while the Home Of Rock and Roll will soon be 'YSP's current digs in Bala Cynwyd.

WMMR Music Director Ken Zipeto confirmed the change, but didn't know how soon it would happen. A source at WYSP said that memos circulating around the station stress "urgency and immediacy" concerning the impending move.

For WYSP's John DeBella and Ray Koob, this will be the second time the WMMR vets have moved to Fifth and Market, following 'MMR's move there from 19th and Walnut in 1991. On the other side, WMMR's Ed Sciaky will be returning to the Bala Cynwyd studios that he's used to from his days at 'YSP.

One scenario on how the stations will change over has it happening while the city sleeps, with 'YSP's and 'MMR's overnight jocks showing up at their respective new studios with a box of station IDs and current CDs, with the stations changing over while they work.

Also worth noting is that the WYSP staff will be losing money on the move, thanks to the city wage tax. As for WMMR's format, it looks like the rumors of a format change were premature. Greater Media execs met with the staff late last week and assured them that both WMMR and '70s station WMGK will keep their formats.

— Bram Teitelman