The Infinite Dial

We've been following Greater Media's WNUW (Now 97.5) Philadelphia since its sign-on last fall, when the station positioned itself as fresher (if not "Fresh"-er) than rival WBEB (B101), but played essentially the same music, including some softer '70s titles. In recent days, however, Now 97.5 has evolved toward Adult Top 40 under new PD Jules Riley. Gone is the "younger approach to today's soft rock" slogan, replaced by "today's best music."

Judging from the imaging on-air and on its Website, Now is positioning itself as close to WIOQ (Q102), the Top 40 that has gotten more adult-friendly under new PD Tracy Austin. The :00 music promo I heard this hour was Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Katy Perry. But there's also '80s and '90s. This station, in fact, would have actually delivered on "a younger approach to today's soft rock" better than its predecessor. It is, in any event, moving into a position that has been vacant for nearly five years in Philly. And one that Adult Modern WRFF (Radio 104.5) gets to fill by default.

Here's the new Now from an hour ago at 10:25 a.m.:

Bryan Adams, "Summer of '69"
Fray, "How to Save A Life"
Finger 11, "One Thing"
Jason Mraz, "I'm Yours"
Matchbox 20, "3 A.M."
Pussycat Dolls, "Don't 'Cha"
Daughtry, "It's Not Over"
TLC, "Waterfalls"
Goo Goo Dolls, "Give A Little Bit"
Lady Gaga, "Just Dance"
Aerosmith, "Crying"