TNCP has been receiving telephone calls about the cancellation of the Tom Joyner Morning Show previously on WQHH 96.5 (FM).
E.J. who works for WQHH 96.5 as a D.J. indicated some time ago that the radio station was looking to improve their ratings. E.J. who has worked at an Atlanta, GA radio station said that it’s his experience that ratings will improve when moved from the Tom Joyner Show to the Rickey Smiley Show. The switch was also based on the demographics and the younger listeners of the radio station.
According to the radio station when Joyner’s two year syndicated column contract was over, WQHH 96.5 decided not to renew. Both Rickey Smiley’s show and the Tom Joyner’s show are owned and syndicated in part by Radio One Inc. Radio One, Inc. is led by Chairperson and Founder, Catherine L. Hughes who is African American.
Over the past few years, WQHH 96.5 has seen many changes. Helena DuBose sold both stations WXLA 1180(AM) and WQHH 96.5 to MacDonald Broadcasting for a reported price of $3.65 million for both stations. Kenneth MacDonald Jr., owner/CEO; owns six other stations, including WILS 1320 (AM) and WHZZ 101.7 (FM) Lansing-East Lansing.
WXLA 1180 totally changed the format from the R&B Oldies station that it used to be. WQHH 96.5 was not immune from changes either. Longtime D.J. and program manager for WQHH 96.5 Brant Johnson was fired without reason.
