NYC’s Best Pop Music Radio Stations
Looking for the best pop music radio stations in NYC? Check out our list of the top stations for keeping up with the latest hits!
Introduction
There are tons of great pop music radio stations in NYC, but which ones are the best? Here’s a list of the top pop music radio stations in the city, based on ratings from listeners like you.
1. WHTZ/Z100 – If you’re looking for the latest and greatest in pop music, Z100 is the station for you. With a mix of top 40 hits and up-and-coming artists, there’s always something new to listen to on Z100.
2. WKTU/103.5 KTU – KTU is one of NYC’s most popular pop music radio stations, thanks to its mix of classic hits and today’s top hits. You’re sure to find something you like on KTU!
3. WXRK/92.3 NOW – NOW is another great option for pop music lovers, with a mix of chart-topping hits and new artists that are sure to get your attention.
4. WAXQ/Q104.3 – Q104.3 is a classic rock radio station that also happens to play a lot of great pop music. If you’re looking for a mix of both old and new hits, Q104.3 is worth checking out.
5. WWPR/105.1 – 105.1 is another top 40 station that plays all the latest pop hits. If you’re looking to stay up-to-date on the latest in pop music, 105.1 is a great option.
WQHT-FM
Hot 97 – WQHT-FM is a radio station licensed to New York City. The station broadcasts a hip hop music format and is owned by Emmis Communications.
WBMP-FM
WBMP-FM (96.1 MHz, “96.1 Amp Radio”) is a commercial FM radio station licensed to New York City. It is owned by CBS Radio and broadcasts a pop music radio format. The transmitter is atop the Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan.
The station’s studios are in the combined CBS Radio facility in the Hudson Square neighborhood of Manhattan, just north of SoHo. WBMP airs HD Radio multi-cast channels on its HD2 sub-channel and HD3 sub-channel. The station’s HD2 sub-channel carries an all-’80s hits format, called “Rewind 94.3.” The HD3 sub-channel has had various formats over the years but is currently not programmed by CBS.
History
The station first went on the air on September 28, 1948 as WCBS-FM, simulcasting the AM news/talk/information format of WCBS (880 kHz). In 1962, when all three New York City FM stations had similar call letters, meaning they were jointly owned and each had different formats, WCBS-FM ran a classical music format while sister stations WABC-FM (102.7 MHz) aired easy listening music and WOR-FM (98.7 MHz) ran beautiful music instrumentals and vocals. On November 1, 1972, WCBS-FM switched to rock music programming under new call letters WEBN.
During this era the station was known as “Radio 102” or sometimes “The Bowie Station,” after its morning host David Bowie (not to be confused with NPR’s WNYC). In 1981 WEBN returned to a simulcast of CINJ which at that point was running an adult contemporary music format as “Stereo 105”. On May 12, 1983 at Midnight, CINJ switched back to rock as “105 after dark.” On July 18, 1986 at 3PM CINJ switched from rock back to adult contemporary as “New Jersey’s Brightest Star,” still simulcasting on both 105.1 FM and on 920 AM.”
WHTZ-FM
WHTZ-FM (100.3 FM, “Z100”) is a radio station in New York City, owned by iHeartMedia and broadcasting a Top 40 (CHR) format. The station’s studios are in the Hudson Square neighborhood of Manhattan, while its transmitter is atop the Empire State Building. WHTZ broadcasts in HD Radio.
WKTU-FM
WKTU-FM (103.5 MHz, “103.5 KTU”) is a commercial FM radio station in New York City. The station is owned by iHeartMedia andlicensed to New York, with its studios in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan and its transmitter atop the Empire State Building.
WKTU airs a Rhythmic Contemporary Hit Radio format, aimed at listeners between 18 and 34 years old. It plays mostly current hip hop and R&B hits from artists like Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Drake, Cardi B and Post Malone.
The station’s HD2 antenna broadcasts a Spanish Rhythmic pop radio format known as “Caliente.” On March 2, 2009, WKTU launched an FM translator at 92.7 MHz in Inwood Manhattan.
Conclusion
Now that you know the best pop music radio stations in NYC, you can enjoy your favorite tunes no matter where you are in the city. Whether you’re looking for a station that plays the latest hits or one that specializes in classic pop, you’re sure to find a station that suits your taste. So tune in and enjoy!
