Four of Adams Radio Group’s six stations in Fort Wayne, IN were impacted by major changes over the past several days, with the shutdown of urban AC “B96.9” (WJFX-HD3 and translator W245CA) and departure of two morning hosts — classic rock WXKW (96.3)’s Jack Hammer, and rhythmic CHR “Loud 103.3” (WJFX-HD2 and W277AK)’s Keristen “Big Kess” Baker — as well as of CHR “Hot 107.9” WJFX’s Program Director and midday host Taylor Morgan.
Since this past weekend, “B96.9” has been airing a continuous message directing listeners to “Loud” — which has shifted its format to include “the best of hip-hop, R&B and throwbacks” — while visits to the station’s website automatically open the “Loud” site. “B96.9,” which debuted the urban AC format in 2014, posted a 1.4 share in Nielsen’s Fall 2025 survey.
“Regarding B96.9, after looking at a lot of research, we made a strategic decision to combine B and Loud into one stronger hip-hop and throwbacks brand,” Adams Radio Group Fort Wayne General Manager Grant Thompson said in a statement. “This was not a format elimination, but a consolidation of complementary audiences to create a clearer identity and stronger listening concentration. By bringing both audiences together, we are increasing reach and frequency, eliminating audience duplication, and delivering a stronger, more focused product for listeners and marketing partners. This positions the brand for sustained growth and performance in today’s evolving media environment.”…