Envision a radio dial frozen on 100.3 FM. That is the frequency of WHTZ, also known as Z100. We are standing before the metaphorical embodiment of a radio station, an installation representing New York’s iconic Z100.
Z100 is not just a radio station. It’s a cultural phenomenon. Its story began in 1983. Before that, the frequency belonged to WVNJ-FM. WVNJ-FM played easy listening music. But all of that changed on August 2nd, 1983.
At 6:08 a.m., Z100 burst onto the airwaves. Scott Shannon was the new program director. He was also the morning jock. The first song played was “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. Then came “America” by Neil Diamond. The call sign WHTZ was a clever play on words. It stood for “hits”. Z100 quickly became a sensation. In just 74 days, it went from last to first place in the New York Arbitron ratings.
Z100 has always stayed with the Top 40 format. Scott Shannon left in 1989. Steve Kingston took over. He became the programming and operations manager. Frankie Blue was his assistant. Brian Wilson became the new morning host.
Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton was the first night jock. His show became very popular. Especially his segment “Hollywood’s Midnight Lovelines”. In 2019, Hamilton was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
Z100 faced challenges in the 1990s. Alternative rock and hip-hop became popular. WPLJ switched to a hot adult contemporary format. Z100 added older songs. They introduced an evening talk show called “Love Phones”. Ratings began to drop.
In March 1993, Malrite merged with Shamrock Broadcasting. John Lander became the morning show host in November. Z100 began mixing in rock music. By the end of 1994, alternative rock dominated the station.
In 1996, WKTU signed on with a dance music format. WXRK went with alternative rock. Z100 lost listeners. Steve Kingston left for WXRK. Andy Shane joined WKTU. The station was sold to Chancellor Media.
Tom Poleman became the new program director in April 1996. Z100 dropped all non-modern rock titles. By May, they were replacing on-air staff. By summer, the station moved back to Top 40. Dance music returned to “Planet Z”.
Elvis Duran switched from afternoons to the “Z Morning Zoo”. He remains the “Head Zookeeper” to this day. By December 1996, Z100 was a full-time Top 40 station again. Chancellor merged with Evergreen in 1997. In 1999, Chancellor acquired Capstar. Then Clear Channel Communications bought AMFM Inc.
In 2001, Clear Channel partnered with XM Satellite Radio. Z100 was broadcast on satellite radio. The station played “mini-mixes” by DJ Spinbad. In 2006, Z100 launched an HD Radio station.
In 2007, Z100 became the highest-rated station in New York City. It scored a 5.1 rating. In 2008, Jason Nevins joined Z100 for the “Remix at 6”.
In 2010, WHTZ changed its logo. In 2014, Clear Channel became iHeartMedia. In 2017, Mark Medina was named top pop programmer of the year.
In 2020, SiriusXM removed the Z100 simulcast. Z100 continues to broadcast a mainstream Top 40 format. The station plays pop, R&B, alternative rock, hip-hop, rock, EDM, and dance music.
Z100 hosts annual events like “Z100’s Jingle Ball”. From 1983 to 1991, and from 1997 to 2004, Z100 aired the “24 Hours Of Christmas”.
As you stand before this installation, remember the story of Z100. From its humble beginnings to its rise as a cultural icon. It reflects the ever-changing landscape of pop music. Z100 continues to be a driving force in the industry.