What Happened to Hot 101.5 Tampa? All About 101.5 The Vibe
by Reshwanth A
Updated Sep 08, 2023
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What Happened to Hot 101.5 Tampa?
Hot 101.5 Tampa underwent a significant transformation as Cox Media Group (CMG) Tampa Bay decided to rebrand the station. They bid farewell to the familiar CHR (Contemporary Hit Radio) format of "Hot 101.5" on WPOI and introduced a new station called "101.5 The Vibe." This change marked the departure from the previous contemporary pop music format to become Tampa's only Urban Adult Contemporary station.
101.5 The Vibe now offers a playlist featuring iconic artists such as Usher, Alicia Keys, and Mary J. Blige, catering to a more mature and R&B-focused audience. This shift likely reflects a strategic move to align with changing audience preferences and market dynamics in the Tampa Bay area, providing a fresh and soulful listening experience for local residents.
101.5 The Vibe
101.5 The Vibe is a dynamic radio station known for its classic Hip Hop and R&B focus, spanning locations in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Tampa Bay, Florida. It offers a curated mix of timeless and contemporary hits, engaging with its audience on social media, and providing a user-friendly app.
In Tampa Bay, it transformed from Hot 101.5 FM to become the region's exclusive R&B station, part of CMG Radio's Urban Adult Contemporary portfolio, consistently delivering exceptional music experiences for enthusiasts of soulful Hip Hop and R&B.
WPOI (101.5 FM)
WPOI (101.5 FM) is a prominent radio station in the Tampa Bay area, Florida. While its license is attributed to St. Petersburg, it serves a broader regional audience. Owned by Cox Media Group, WPOI currently features an urban adult contemporary format, offering a blend of soulful and contemporary music.
The station's studios are based in St. Petersburg, and its transmitter site is located in Riverview. With its focus on urban adult contemporary music, WPOI adds a unique musical flavor to the Tampa Bay radio landscape, providing listeners with a diverse range of music options.
WPOI (101.5 FM) Overview
Broadcast area
Tampa Bay area
Frequency
101.5 MHz (HD Radio)
Branding
101.5 The Vibe
Language
English
Owner
Cox Media Group (Cox Radio, LLC)
Sister stations
WDUV, WHPT, WWRM, WXGL
WPOI (101.5 FM) History
WPOI (101.5 FM) has a diverse history of format changes. It started as WGNB in 1961, became WKES in 1974 under Moody Bible Institute's religious affiliation, briefly turned into "Love 101.5" in 1997, and switched to "Jo 101.5" playing Rhythmic oldies in 1998.
Cox Radio took over in 1999, introducing an all-'80s format as "The New 101-5 The Point" in 2001. By 2011, it transitioned to "Hot 101-5" with a Top 40/CHR focus. In 2023, WPOI rebranded as "101.5 The Vibe," embracing adult R&B and marking a new chapter in its history.
What Happened to Hot 101.5 Tampa - FAQs
Hot 101.5 Tampa underwent a rebranding and became "101.5 The Vibe," switching to an Urban Adult Contemporary format.
"101.5 The Vibe" plays classic Hip Hop and R&B music, featuring iconic artists like Usher and Alicia Keys.
WPOI (101.5 FM) is owned by Cox Media Group (Cox Radio, LLC).
You can listen to "101.5 The Vibe" on 101.5 MHz (HD Radio) in the Tampa Bay area or through their user-friendly app.
Before becoming "101.5 The Vibe" in 2023, WPOI had a Top 40/CHR format under the name "Hot 101-5."