A few days ago, I wrote about how Citadel Communications was shutting down one of the few good radio stations in Knoxville, WOKI, 100.3 The River. Citadel has not officially announced the format, but there are rumors floating that they plan on airing Hot Adult Contemporary music, whatever the heck that is. Apparently they want to take market share from B97.5 in order to make WIVK, the number one station in the market, look even better.
Well, there's some people in Knoxville who would rather not have another automated station playing the muzak that marketers think we want to hear, and they're trying to do something about it. There are two websites that I know of that are organizing campaigns to try and save The River. They are:
Save 100 The River and Don't Damn the River Both sites have contact information for both local and corporate management for Citadel.
If you like a choice, if you like a wide variety of music, if you like a station that gets involved with the community, then please take the time to visit these sites, and send an email to Citadel supporting The River.
Here are three key email addresses:
John King Regional Vice President
Judy Ellis Chief Operating Officer
Eric Logan President of Programming
We have to be honest, and realize that petitions alone aren't going to do anything. In order to get their attention, you have to hit them in the pocketbook, and the key to that is advertisers. Yes, I'm talking about a boycott.
You don't have to wait for one to be organized; simply act on your own. Let advertisers know that you won't be supporting them if they advertise on Citadel stations.
The most important thing is to act now. WOKI goes off the air at midnight on July 31. Time is running out.
Posted by Rich at July 23, 2003 12:28 AM | TrackBackI, too, would like to urge you at Citadel to keep The River staff as it was. Three particular qualities of the station that have meant so much to me are:
. The DJs have selected a variety and quality of music that speaks deeply to my friends and family---of all ages.
.
All the DJs have real respect for their listeners, advertisers, community, and for the music.
. Everyone loves what they do, and it shows.
It would seem to be in Citadel's best interest to continue with a property that's already excellent and work to assure that it can stay that way.