Another Classical Station Comes To An End

This one was in Portland and Rockland, Maine, on two frequencies owned by Binnie Media. WBACH flipped formats on 96.9 which is now Country, and 106.9, now a Rock station. WBACH had been Classical for over 25 years. Here are the two statements about the flip from Binnie Media.

Regarding the Portland change, Binne Media told Radio Ink, “In an effort to expand the reach of Maine’s number one and most listened to Country station, 99.9 The Wolf, into businesses in the downtown Portland area, 96.9 FM has begun simulcasting 99.9 The Wolf replacing the Classical format. Now country music fans can hear Wolf Country crystal clear in offices and apartment buildings downtown where they may have had difficulty in the past.” Operations Manager Stan Bennett said, “We would like to thank the fans of WBACH and classical music for listening over the years and we regret any inconvenience as a result of the changes.”

And regarding the Rockford switch, Binnie Media said, “In an effort to bring more local radio and the best classic hits to the mid-coast, FRANK moved to 106.9 FM today, replacing the Classical music format. 105.5 WBYA, FRANK’s former home, will become The Wolf, mid-coast Maine’s home for New Country on Friday, February 24.” GM Mark White said the change gives mid-coast and down-east Maine more local radio and community involvement on both stations. “These positive changes will give local businesses two great powerhouses to reach their customers in mid-coast and down-east Maine. We saw that many other stations are focused on Bangor, Augusta, and Portland and we felt this would be a great opportunity to serve the mid-coast.”