Cumulus has launched 98.1 The Phantom (KTLT-FM), flipping what was a sports-talker to Rock. “The Phantom” is a tribute to local landmark Fort Phantom Hill Lake.
Paula Divello, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Abilene, said: “We are excited to provide Abilene and the Big Country with a brand new Rock station. The Phantom will provide fans with current Rock artists like Shinedown and Disturbed, laced with 90’s and 2000’s mega bands such as Metallica and Foo Fighters. It will be a game changer for local rock fans and our clients.”
Wise move by Cumulus.
In some markets around the country, sports programming just does not draw strong ratings, as was the case with this station. Interestingly, Abilene has a major military air base, which would indicate a market filled with young males, many of whom are sports fans. Even with that, this station consistently pulled in low ratings.
Maybe there are enough males (primarily) in Abilene who will make this rock station a better success.