Just 2 days after WLTE-FM Minneapolis flips to BUZ’N Country 102.9 (see previous story), another heritage Lite AC in the Upper Midwest puts on their cowboy boots. This time, it’s Clear Channel’s WMT-FM, Mix 96.5. The switch took place December 27 at 9:00AM, a day and a half after Mix 96.5 ended it’s seasonal Christmas music format.
Clear Channel had been testing the waters for Kiss Country on the 95.7 frequency, licensed to Anamosa. Unfortunately, the 95.7 signal proved too weak in Cedar Rapids to compete effectively against Cumulus’ KHAK-FM 98.1. By contrast, the WMT-FM signal is a full 100,000 watts and will have coverage parity with KHAK.
For the immediate future, the new Kiss Country will be simulcast on 96.5 and 95.7. The station is currently running jockless, but is expected to add a local morning show in January, 2012.