WHFS 99.1 Format Change

SO WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!?!  Abruptly today at noon, 99.1 WHFS changed formats from alternative rock to Spanish-language, Latin music featuring middle-of-the-road superstars such as Marc Anthony and Juan Luis Guerra.  From everything I have read, this appears to be something that was done totally behind closed doors keeping the fans in the dark. 

The abrupt switch came as a shock. Since 1969, WHFS has served as the arbiter of cutting-edge rock in the Washington area, introducing listeners to acts such the Cure and the Violent Femmes.

Ok this sucks for a couple of reasons.  First is that HFS played some damn good tunes and threw some great shows (for example the excellent O.A.R. show at 930 Club).  Second is what the hell is going to happen to the Sports Junkies?  I have checked their site, but they have nothing posted.  For some time they have been my favorite morning radio program and it sucks they get caught up in the middle of this.  Unless of course they learn Spanish?

Comments

[Madchester]

They probably got what they deserved. Remember 'HFStival 1991? I know you don't -- and neither does the station or probably 99% of its current listeners. W

HFS hasn't been "the arbiter of cutting-edge rock in the Washington area" since the early- to mid-1990s, right around the same time the corporatization of Grunge damn near killed off alternative music.

It was great for Matchbox 20 and what now passes for Vertical Horizon -- horrible for people with taste.

Prediction: Junks go Satellite.

[Tanner]

I realize that the music isn't up your alley...but you still have to agree the overnight change is still pretty abrupt. Im sure it all comes down to money, and in the DC market they were probably getting their ass kicked. If you look at the ratings WMZQ and 95.5 are at the top of the list.

[Menk]

It is so rare there is anything decent on the radio. Your best bet was always HFS. Now I'm officially NEVER going to listen to the radio, unless we go Fight Club on clear channel and infinity broadcasting.

[beau]

for what it's worth i have a good friend in that worked for hfs and the junks will be back in a week or two.They are going back to wjfk 106.7.I really just can't believe they replaced good rock with mexican.

[Burl]

In the end, who really gives fuck. Within a couple years, everyone that is posting will have satellite anyway.

[Frank]

I do agree that WHFS in the past few years do often repeat the same music, but what station doesn't? I dunno, I will miss HFS but there is still D.C 101.1, which is simialar....too bad the reception for 101.1 isn't always great here in Baltimore. What really sucks is that the new station is all Latino music, WTF!!!

[Sarah]

I agree with most of the comments above, but the big question is the Mexican, Latino market in the Washington Metro area that much bigger and more profitable than the market HFS already had? I knew our culture was slowly erroding, but I had no idea it was this serious. I turned on the radio and could not believe what I was hearing. That makes two major Mexican stations in the area now. Way to go DUBYA, keep letting them in. At least the .05% top of the coporate suits are happy. WTF!

[Meggie]

I miss loveline!!

[burl]

Your kidding right? it is a brilliant move for HFS, there is a huge latino market that deserves to be. Its a situation where there is demand, but no supply. Our culture is not erroding, it is just expanding beyond your closed mind