WBNS-FM

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WBNS-FM (97.1 FM) is a radio station in Columbus, Ohio. The station plays Adult Contemporary music and calls itself "Mix 97.1 80s, 90s, Now." The station called itself "97.1 More Music, More Variety" until August 2005, at which point the current monicker came into effect. The station plays music ranging from the 1980s to newly released recordings, but occasionally includes tracks as far back as the 1970s. WBNS-FM previously aired oldies music (as "B97"). Prior to that, the station aired easy listening.

For a period of time before 2004, the station played mostly new music which would be considered hot adult contemporary. In 2004 along with the "More Music, More Variety" period, the format was slightly tweaked to include more music from the 1980s and early 1990s, as well as more artists that didn't fit into the typical adult contemporary category such as Steely Dan, Lauryn Hill, Tim McGraw, or Will Smith. Occasionally songs that aren't included in normal rotation will be played. These slight format changes are purportedly the reason why the "Mix" title was added.

An interesting note is that in mid- to late-2004, the station heavily played music by Ashlee Simpson. After Simpson's lip synching incident on Saturday Night Live, there was a noticeable reduction in airplay of Ashlee Simpson songs. A few weeks after the incident, when going to or coming back from commercials the station aired a pre-packaged bumper that derided Ashlee Simpson. The bumper included the line "On a Monday..." from her hit song "Pieces Of Me" repeating several times as if something went wrong with the player, and fans booing Simpson, with one fan demanding her off stage. This was followed with the slightly synthesized female narator's voice proclaiming that no lip synching would be found on the station. Around the time of this bumper, and following Simpson's infamous performance at the 2005 Orange Bowl, the station seemingly discontinued airing Ashlee Simpson songs altogether, although one is still heard occasionally.

The station was formerly home to the popular morning talk show "JT and Company." As of the week of October 17, 2005, the show was no longer on the air. No formal explanation has been given. During the morning hours a pre-recorded message plays periodically of a female announcer's voice asking listeners to "pardon our dust" while the morning show is being "remodeled." No mention is made of the former JT and Company show.

It is part of the Ohio State Buckeyes Radio Network, and airs American football and Men's Basketball games during the season.

[edit] External links

Query the FCC's FM station database for WBNS