This is Part 4 of The History of WIKZ

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THE NEW SOUND OF MIX95

In early 1995, the ratings had bottomed out and it was time to try something else. Many listeners missed the old Z-95. At this point, management didn't want to get back in a format that was really now just for teens and pre-teens. There was no real money to be made catering to that demo. However, it was felt that there was a need for fun, uptempo radio like that of Z-95. Also in 1995, pure mass appeal pop rock was making a comeback on the charts with the likes of Hootie and The Blowfish, Sheryl Crow, The Gin Blossoms, and Alanis Morissette. It was decided that MIX95 would be Top Forty without the rap or grunge. On March 23, 1995. The new Sound Of MIX95 was born. It is an interesting side note that during this time, it was briefly considered making the name change back to WIKZ-95, because so many listeners still referred to the station as that. The 95.1 frequency was alive again ... all the contests, fun and personality were back along with an uptempo mix of today's music and all the great 80s songs Z-95 helped make hits. The audience reacted and by the end of the 90s, WIKZ was again the number one station in the market ! In 1995, Back Trax USA with Kidd Kelly joined MIX95 and in 1998 Casey Kasem returned with American Top 20. In 1999, Mix95 debuted the first MIX95 Million Dollar $ Vault. Other giveaways include Birthday Bucks, The Birthday Wheel and Hi-Lo Cash.

THE PAST IS THE FUTURE 

The new millennium began with new owners. Chambersburg Broadcasting, who had owned WIKZ since the beginning, sold to Dame Broadcasting in April 2000.

Also in 2000, MIX95 added the .1, now known as MIX95.1. In 2001, Big 80s Weekends were added and Rick & Lisa celebrated 15 years of mornings at MIX95.1. In 2002, MIX95.1 went all 80s at night with "80s After 8". 

Programming: One major secret to WIKZ's long-term success is the careful attention to programming to a mass audience. This may seem very basic, but at many stations, the programming is based on a few individual's personal taste or is dictated by the promotions that a record company offers in return for airplay of a specific song. At, WIKZ we continue to use every available form of research to make sure we are playing only the most popular songs for the masses. 

Promotions: Over the years, WIKZ has given away tens of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. Not only has WIKZ given away great stuff, but we've always tried to make the on air games fun, even if you're not the one playing at the moment. 

People: WIKZ has always prided itself on having not only the best on air people in Hagerstown - Chambersburg area, but in the entire country. We try to keep our excellent people and some have stayed over 20 years. However, When they leave, an extremely high percentage go on to markets like Washington D.C. and New York City. The real secret is not hiring just good On-air talent, but hiring great human beings. People who like to work hard, while at the same time having fun ! 

Pride: There is a great pride that everyone who comes in contact with WIKZ has.

WIKZ is known as a legendary small market radio throughout the radio industry. From the weekend overnight person on up, our people know what it means to be a part of this slice of radio history known as WIKZ. We think that when you tune your radio to 95.1, you can feel the pride coming out of the speakers.