Posted by Bud on February 01, 2010 at 21:38:57:
Hit Parade Radio is the long anticipated 24/7 Oldies Radio Network created by veteran programmer John Rook, who at one time programmed WLS-AM & WCFL-AM here in Chicago before moving on to Los Angeles. Chicago's "Superjock," Larry Lujack will be the morning voice of the radio network. Wink Martindale, the former radio DJ & TV game show host, will also be part of the station. It was expected that the Oldies Network would have launched last fall, but numerous delays set in. The delays are now reportedly over. It was announced today that Hit Parade Radio will launch next week on Clear Channel Satellite.
HPR President John Rook said in the announcement today, "We are pleased to announce that Hit Parade Radio will launch the week of February 7, 2010 on Clear Channel Satellite (Receiver Starguide III). Our unique oldies format will be available for broadcast on AM and FM stations across the country at that time."
The oldies network was available only online prior to this month. In addition to Lujack working the morning shift and Matindale working the afternoon shift, veteran programmer Chuck Brinkman will be doing middays and programming the station along with John Rook. The network is distributed by Texas-based Earthworks Entertainment.
Earthworks Entertainment CEO Steven Humphries said today, "This is by far the best oldies music format available on satellite for broadcast stations in the USA. Along with the nation's best known radio personalities, HPR will feature a much larger library of music than any other oldies format and is programmed by one of the nation's most celebrated radio programmers, John Rook."
Hit Parade Radio is supposedly in the final stages of negotiations with a number of radio stations that are looking to affiliate with the network. Company management expects to sign more than 100 stations before the end of 2011.