Beasley Media Launches ''98.7 The Shark'' in Tampa Bay

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Beasley Media Group Flips AC WPBB-FM to "98.7 FM The Shark" in Tampa with the slogan "Tampa Bay's Next Generation of Classic Rock." The station -- which began airing all Christmas music in November -- kicked off the new format at midnight on Wednesday with AC/DC's "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)." 98.7 FM The Shark will feature a new generation of Classic Rock songs geared towards the 80's and 90's, with songs ranging from AC/DC's "Back in Black" and Ozzy Osborne's "Crazy Train" to Pearl Jam's "Alive" and Metallica's "Enter Sandman."

Through the month of January, the station will be commercial-free each day after airing the company's Detroit-based (WRIF-FM) "Dave & Chuck the Freak Morning Show." The show will begin simulcasting weekday mornings from 5:30 to 10:30am on January 7. Dave Hunter and Charles Urquhart, along with show member Lisa Way, began working together in April, 2001 on CIMX-FM (89X) Windsor until November, 2012. The show officially debuted on WRIF-FM in May, 2013. Since then, they've added Cohost Andy Green, Producer James Campbell and Video Editor Jason Watson.

"We are thrilled to bring Classic Rock radio back to Tampa Bay with 98.7 The Shark," said Beasley Media Group Tampa interim Market Manager Steve Triplett. "With a hand-picked mix of Rock hits from the 70's, 80's and 90's and the Dave and Chuck the Freak Morning Show, we're excited to give listeners something new and truly unique."

"It's been many years since Tampa Bay had a true Classic Rock station on a full signal and we're excited to offer the next generation of Classic Rock to such a great Rock market," said Executive VP/Programming Justin Chase. "Plus, we're including our successful morning show Dave & Chuck the Freak which is a perfect complement to the music position."

"After spending many years on Tampa Bay Rock Radio, it's exciting to be part of a station with real bite," said Station Program Director Ted Kamikaze.