In a switch that shocked afternoon listeners, Washington rock station 99.1 WHFS abruptly ended its 30-plus year run as one of the nation’s premier rock radio destinations earlier this afternoon.
At noon WHFS’s owner, Infinity Broadcasting, switched to El Zol 99.1, a new Spanish-language music station that will play a mixture of salsa and merengue, catering to adults 25-54. At press time it was unclear how aware station employees were of the switch and how the change will affect some of WHFS’s most popular programs, such as the Junkies in the Morning radio show, which featured several university graduates. An Infinity statement earlier today said the company would try to find positions for WHFS employees within the radio chain.
“We have made clear our desire to expand into this burgeoning market and believe this move marks an important step in our commitment to Spanish radio,” Infinity President/CEO Joel Hollander said in a statement. “There exists a tremendous opportunity for Infinity to launch a Spanish-language format in Washington, D.C., where almost 10 percent of the population is not being directly served. El Zol will be the most powerful Spanish radio station in the area and will provide listeners with the music, entertainment and information relevant to the many segments of the Latino culture.”
Infinity paired with Spanish Broadcasting System Inc., which counseled the radio giant during the switch. Infinity currently owns an equity interest in Florida-based SBS Inc., according to The Washington Post.
“Certainly this will have major ramifications for new music in Washington, D.C.,” Seth Hurwitz, owner of the popular 9:30 Club in D.C., told The Post. “[WHFS was] always the forerunner for presenting new music. They were a vital fabric of Washington’s culture.”
