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WZLEchanges owners, but notformatSteve BrownThe Chronide-TelegramiLORAIN — Rumors of a format change for Christian radio station WZLE, 104.9-FM, are premature, station officials say.WZLE Station Manager Len Howser acknowledged Friday that the station had been bought by Jaeor Communications. But other than that it's business as usual.“They took over ownership Dec. 22,” said Howser. “I met with them last Friday, and they’re pleased with what we're doing.”Jaeor Communications is the nation’s second-largest radio company with 246 stations, including Cleveland's WTAM, 1100-AM; WMJI, 105.7-FM; WGAR, 99.5-AM; WMMS, 100.7-FM: and WMVX 1G6.5-FM. Calls to Jaeor were not returnedWZLE, a Christian station since 1983, fills a locally sparse-market“There are no other contemporary Christian music stations in Lorain County,” said Howser.The station switched from Christian teaching programs and Southern gospel music to a contemporary Christian music format six years ago.For a long time, Christian music was separated into two categories: classic hymns and the traditional, quartet-style songs of the South. Contemporary Christian music embraces a broader style, which gives today's listeners an opportunity to enjoy the genre of music they like best with a positive message,WZLE artists tall into a variety of categories. Pop artists,such as Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant; a harder rock style, such as the band Jars of Clay; rap or urban artists like D.C. Talk and Kirk Franklin and the Family; and RB bands like the Win-ans all are on the station’s playlists.Howser said he thinks the sale to Jaeor might have ignited the rumors of a change in format Many area listeners have speculated the station would change to a country music format.There are four country music stations that reach into Lorain County, including WGAR, Huron's WKFM, 96.1-FM; Ober-lin’s WOBL, 1320-AM; and an Akron station, 33.1-FM, but only two other Christian stations.Cleveland's WCRF, 103.3-FM, goes for an older audience with its mix of inspirational/gospel music and teaching programs. The Sandusky-based station, WGGN 97.7-FM cannot always be picked up by Lorain County listeners.5WZUE, AS
Newspaper Details
The Chronicle Telegram
Elyria, Ohio, US
Sat, Jan 30, 1999
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Nathan O.
OH, USA 28 Mar 2022
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