Under which formats did WPLJ change its audience over time?

WPLJ went through quite a journey, starting as a freeform rock station in the late 60s, then shifting to album-oriented rock in the 70s to attract a more mature rock audience. It later flipped to a Top 40/CHR format in the 80s, drawing in a younger crowd with pop hits, and eventually landed on a hot adult contemporary sound before signing off in 2019. Every change brought in new listeners, and it's a great reminder that radio can always reinvent itself to keep the party going.

Each format switch totally reshaped who was tuning in. Starting with progressive rock in the early 70s, they pulled in college kids and counterculture types craving deep cuts, then moved to a tighter AOR sound that attracted older rock fans who wanted consistency. The big pivot came in the 80s when they went full Top 40, bringing in teens and young adults who just wanted to hear the latest hits, which was a huge departure from their previous vibe.