Connoisseur Relaunches WWUZ as 96.9 The Cannon

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:17am CT

WWUZ-FM (96.9 The Cannon) in Fredericksburg, VA

Connoisseur Media has relaunched WWUZ-FM in Fredericksburg, VA, as "96.9 The Cannon," introducing a new identity and expanded Rock format that combines the station's longtime Classic Rock library with rock hits from the past 25 years.

The rebranding marks a new chapter for WWUZ, which has served Fredericksburg as a Classic Rock station since October 1998. The updated format builds on that heritage while broadening its playlist to attract a wider audience of rock listeners.

Ahead of the official 5am launch, WWUZ spent the weekend stunting with a selection of songs featuring explosive themes, including AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill" and "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)," Miranda Lambert's "Gunpowder & Lead" and Ozzy Osbourne's "Shot in the Dark." Each selection was punctuated by the sound of a cannon blast.

The new Cannon branding draws inspiration from Fredericksburg's history and its significant role in the Civil War, giving the station a locally recognizable identity.

"As P.O.D. sang, 'Here comes the boom!'" said Operations Manager Ian Rambo. "We're taking the rock our listeners already love and we're giving them more of it! From the classics that built the format to the biggest rock hits of the past 25 years. If it rocks, it belongs on The Cannon."

Rambo added, "The name is a nod to Fredericksburg's history, and the sound is built for the people who live here. The frequency hasn't changed, but everything else just got a little louder."

The station's local programming team includes Brady DeAngelo, a six-time Virginia Association of Broadcasters award winner, and Rambo, a five-time National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Radio Award nominee and one-time winner.