Urban One Launches ‘Classix 107.9’ In Philadelphia.

Urban One debuts a new classic R&B station in Philly, as “Classix 107.9” displaces gospel “Praise 10.7.9” WPPZ-FM. The “Praise” brand moves to an HD side channel and continues to stream online and on the PraisePhilly app.

“Classix 107.9” is embracing the city’s R&B history, posting photos of the legendary Philadelphia songwriting and producing team Gamble and Huff and Patti LaBelle on its Facebook page, while offering an on-air mix of classic R&B and soul from the 70s and early 80s, including tracks from Labelle. Whitney Houston, Prince, Michael Jackson, Frankie Beverly and Maze, the Commodores, Al Green and Luther Vandross.

The addition of “Classix 107.9” to the Philly airwaves comes as Urban One sister urban AC WRNB (100.3) adjusts its music library, removing much of the gold and now identifying as “Philly’s R&B Station,” dropping the “Old School” reference from its moniker. Urban One also owns urban “Boom 103.9” WPHI-FM. Other market adjustments in the urban radio landscape include iHeartMedia recently dropping classic hip-hop “Real 106.1” on WISX in favor of soft AC “106.1 The Breeze.”

“We are excited that with the launch of Classix 107.9, Radio One Philadelphia will now have programming for the entire Philadelphia African American and urban communities,” station manager Ezio Torres remarked. “Philadelphia’s cluster of stations will now have Boom 103.9 targeting those 34 and under, 100.3 WRNB for Adults 25-54, hyper focused on 25-44, and Classix 107.9 for the 35 and older.”

The gospel format heard on the 107.9 signal since 2016 moves to WPPZ-HD2 and is available on streaming platforms. “You may be wondering where Praise 107.9 is on your radio dial?” the station posted on PraisePhilly.com. “We have just moved to HD 2 for radio only, but your favorite shows and hosts will all remain the same. Our mobile app, social media and PraisePhilly.com will not change.” Praise air talent Erica Campbell, Solomon Jones, Willie Moore Jr. and Darlene McCoy remain in place.