Jackson Free Press

[verbatim statement] Effective March 17, 2008, HOT 97.7FM has changed its name to 97.7FM WRBJ and no longer promotes itself as "Jackson's Blazin' Hip-Hop and R&B Station." In addition, the station will no longer carry the nationally syndicated Russ Parr Morning Show. 97.7FM WRBJ will now dedicate more of its programming to R&B music that is more appropriate to the entire expanse of the community. In addition, 97.7FM will air the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show.

Station general manager Keith Smith states that "this is the next step in Roberts Broadcastings' commitment to provide a more positive influence in the African-American community. We will still play hip-hop music but restrict more of the questionable music to later hours." 97.7FM will add new features to the station including a Sunday lineup of gospel, Neo-Soul music and a public affairs program on Sundays.

97.7FM WRBJ is a part of Roberts Broadcasting Company, owned by Steven & Michael Roberts, and headquartered in St. Louis, MO. The company owns and operates 4 television stations including local television station CW34 WRBJ-TV. Roberts Broadcasting is part of The Roberts Companies, a multi-faceted business organization comprised of an aviation company, television and broadcasting properties, strip shopping centers, loft apartments, office buildings, a tower company, a hotels group, 1,450 seat theatre, construction management and consulting firm, and residential developments in the Bahamas and St. Louis, MO.

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Previous Commentsshow

I heard when they announced it on Friday and I think that it is a positive change, as they said, they think that it was a good decision (as far as no longer featuring Russ Parr, and bringing in Rickey Smiley) It will take a little adjusting, but the new programs they are adding will benefit to the listeners, and they also said they would promote more local artists. Change starts somewhere :-) I'm excited to see/hear what will go on!!!

Mia

Mar 17 2008

I think its a good thing. It was a little irritating this morning since I loved the Russ Parr show and I'm not much of a Rickey Smiley fan, but overall I think its a positive move. Yes, there will be cries of "foul" from kids and younger folks who like the more hardcore stuff but there are plenty of outlets for that kind of music.

Jeff Lucas

Mar 17 2008

Gospel and neo-soul? I may just start listening.

LatashaWillis

Mar 17 2008

I'm sure WJMI is grinning from ear to ear right now. But I saw it coming. After all, Roberts did say last year that they would try to curtail a lot of the objectionable music they play. Sounds like they're going for the kind of sound WJMI had in the pre-99 Jams era, though probably without Luther Vandross and Anita Baker. I wish 97.7 would carry the Michael Baisden show in the afternoons, but he may be a little too crude for them.

golden eagle

Mar 17 2008

I wish 97.7 would carry the Michael Baisden show in the afternoons, but he may be a little too crude for them. I think that the urban talk show I heard on my out of Baton Rouge last fall. I loved that show! I thought the same thing as I was listening because it was intelligent discussion of social and political issues, and it didn't seem to have a partisan slant or bias by the host for either side on the day I caught it.

Jeff Lucas

Mar 17 2008

I remember heading back to Mississippi from Texas in the late 80's and soon as you got past Monroe, Louisiana on I-20 you could pick up WJMI. I can hear Cameo's "Back and Forth" in my mind right now.

BcoolJazz

Mar 17 2008

great change.... my teenager & I fuss every morning about radio stations .... sounds like I will be able to stomach 97.7 a little better now until she gets out of car, and anyway I'm a fan of Ricky Smiley.

lanier77

Mar 18 2008