CMT News

Los Angeles radio station KZLA switched formats to pop music on Thursday (Aug. 17), leaving the city without a country radio station. Now billed as Movin 93.9, the station has hired radio veteran Rick Dees as its morning host and will feature dance and R&B music. Though once a strong presence in the radio and country music industries, KZLA ranked No. 20 in the last round of Arbitron radio ratings. Although all of the on-air personalities have been dismissed, the station's owner, Emmis Communications, will continue to stream country music at KZLA.com. According to the Country Music Association, Los Angeles area ranks No. 1 or No. 2 in country album sales each year. The Nashville-based organization issued a statement offering to "help any radio owner considering launching a country station in Los Angeles with marketing support and information about the quality of today's country consumer and how attractive they are to advertisers."