(L-R) WOBM AM's new line up: Bob Levy (and Marianne), Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity
(L-R) WOBM AM's new line up: Bob Levy (and Marianne), Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity (Townsquare Media NJ)
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This morning I offer a special segment for listener friends and others of WOBM-AM unhappy and confused over our format change which went into effect Monday. 

Marianne Levy
Marianne Levy (Townsquare Media NJ)
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We certainly understand how you might be upset because clearly some of you have an affinity for the station, the “Good Times, Great Oldies” music and the personalities who presented it to you.  Having been in this business for nearly 35 years format changes are common and in the case of WOBM-AM this is not the first change.

The radio station originally played Top 40 music that catered to teenagers and young adults and later became a country music station.  We knew playing music on the AM dial was dying at a rapid rate across the country but for a brief period we found success with an adult standards format.

By the way, you should be aware that radio stations change format as part of a business decision because ultimately like all commercial radio stations WOBM AM is a business. You can assume that if someone is indeed changing the format it’s because they are trying to improve their business.

Several years ago I was quite involved when we changed the format from Adult Standards to oldies and I was the one who answered many and I mean many letters, emails and phone calls from very unhappy listeners.I tried to explain that we made the change after significant research and internally we knew this would be a last grasp attempt to make music work on 1160 & 1310AM.  Ironically many of you who are very disappointed with the new talk format told me a few years ago that the oldies was a mistake and you would never listen again. That is unless we brought the standards back.  I guess the oldies grew on you.

So here we are with the knowledge that music formats can’t make it on AM dials with few exceptions across the country.  No matter where you go when you scan the AM you are likely to find news, talk or sports or a combination of all three which is what News Talk Radio will be.  Bob & Marianne in the morning followed by a strong lineup of yes, conservative talk show hosts.

WOBM AM will remain the home of the Lakewood BlueClaws, Monmouth University Football and Basketball and the new home of our high school football programming.

It will not be for everyone just like top 40, country, adult standards and oldies wasn’t.  We hope it finds an audience and advertiser support and if not I’m sure at some point you’ll hear something else on 1160 and 1310AM.

I don’t expect my words will make you happy but then again no matter how hard you try you can’t make everyone happy.

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