WJJZ 97.5 FM DROPS SMOOTH JAZZ FORMAT

Greater Media has decided to change formats on Smooth Jazz WJJZ/Philadelphia, and spent this past weekend stunting the station format as they eventually flip to an as-yet-unspecified new format on Monday at 9 a.m. Greater Media switched to Smooth Jazz on WJJZ at 97.5 in 2006, after the format and call letters spent 13 years with Clear Channel, at 106.1. A note on the WJJZ station website says, "For nearly two years we have committed substantial resources to this program. Unfortunately, we have had limited success with Smooth Jazz as judged by the marketplaces. We are grateful for your loyalty and support, and we appreciate your understanding." The site says a "powerful new choice" for radio listeners will begin airing Monday. The fact of the matter is that the Smooth Jazz format was ended again due to low ratings. At this time it is not known whether Smooth Jazz will return on HD radio at 97.5-HD2, although there is a strong possibility of this happening, now that WISX has dropped the Smooth Jazz format from its 106.1-HD2 subchannel. WJJZ's move follows the flips of Lincoln Financial's KJCD, now Sports, Emmis' WQCD/New York, now Triple A, and WJZW/Washington, now an Oldies outlet, as well as several other stations around the country who have decided to abandon the Smooth Jazz format.