HITS 97.3/Miami Relaunches with New PD and Line-Up

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2020

Cox Media Group's WFLC HITS 97.3 has relaunched today with a new station line-up and director of branding and programming for Miami's Top 40 radio station. The relaunch includes "The SoFlo Morning Show" hosted by veteran afternoon drive host, Kimmy B, along with resident DJ and night show host, Al P, and weekend warrior Kelbin Live. The dynamic trio represents all facets of South Florida, bringing new swag and sass to the South Florida morning commute.

Afternoons will now be anchored by South Florida native and WFLC's Music Director, Dia Ryan, who will get listeners through their afternoon with a music soundtrack full of hits while keeping them updated on what's happening in pop culture. Nights become extra spicy with the newest member of the HITS 97.3 on-air team, Carolina Calix, a Miami native who grew up in Little Havana.

"The entire HITS 97.3 on-air team represents the passion, culture and soul of South Florida," said Jill Strada, Director of Operations, who launched the station in 2014. "HITS 97.3 will continue to serve our community while staying on the cutting edge of everything pop culture. HITS 97.3 had its South Florida facelift and is now ready to show off its new glow!"

HITS 97.3 temporarily changed its name to "Quarantine Radio" while on-air talent broadcasted live from home during the COVID-19 crisis. The station hosted several viral events including Happy Hour, Brunch, and Bootcamp Workouts with their listeners before taking a pause before the relaunch. HITS 97.3 will continue to serve as the pop culture voice of South Florida, and to showcase local talent connecting with listeners through traditional airwaves, on their smart speakers, and via social media.

Ian Richards, who is relocating from Michigan, will begin as the new Director of Branding and Programming for WFLC starting in July.

"Ian is a smart, passionate and competitive programmer," added Strada. "I feel confident he is going to tackle Miami's competitive Top 40 market and lead HITS 97.3's talented on-air team to number one!"

"I'm grateful for this opportunity in Miami and want to thank Ralph Renzi, Jill Strada, Tim Clarke, Steve Smith and Jeremy Rice," said Richards. "I can't wait to work with this amazing Cox Media Group team and help take HITS 97.3 to the next level."