… putting the squeeze on Zit-100 …
This aircheck reflects the hot and heavy war between WPLJ and Z-100 (WHTZ-FM)
in late 1984. WPLJ is giving away money and warns competitors to “get out your
checkbook or get out of town.” WPLJ had slowly segued from AOR to CHR over the
latter months of 1983, with Larry Berger staying on as PD. A year later, Hit Radio 95
is starting to get its act together. But the station would not see its best ratings for another year, after it had been rechristened Power 95.
Since its August, 1983 sign-on, Z-100’s Scott Shannon had constantly attacked WPLJ on
the air, often making fun of Larry Berger. WPLJ remained quiet until late in 1984, when
its frustrations exploded with a parody of Z-100’s imaging. Z-100 threatened a lawsuit,
and WPLJ stopped airing the piece. But on this aircheck, WPLJ refers to Z-100 as
“Zit 100.”
Fast Jimi Roberts was a natural and always one of my favorites. I believe he came to
WPLJ straight from a small FM in Toms River, New Jersey. He was excellent on WPLJ
from his very first weekend and eventually replaced Pat St. John
in afternoon drive. He remained at WPLJ for 15 years. As of 2006, Fast Jimi entertains at
Mix 106.5 in Baltimore and does voiceover work as Robert
Jacobs Voice Overs.
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