Jack FM "seismic change" a ruse

The rock station hinted at a format change as a ploy to promote its new "Happy Ending" hour of music.

Last update: January 12, 2009 - 6:23 PM

Twin Cities rock station Jack 104.1 FM pulled off a publicity stunt Monday when it hinted it would change formats as of 5 p.m. Instead, the station's so-called "happy ending" was a ploy to promote a new, happy-hour-like hour of commercial-free music to end the work day on weekdays.

"What? Did you think we were changing formats?" an on-air voice asked as the clock struck 5.

Throughout the day, the station ran spots about "a seismic change" on the radio dial, and promising that something new would "rise from the ashes" of the old Jack. However, it stuck to its usual mix of classic-rock and more recent pop hits already heard a lot on other stations.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

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