Prometheus 6

The Jack format began five years ago in Canada as a looser, younger variation on the traditional oldies format, with a much wider playlist than is usual in commercial radio. Aiming to recreate the experience of an iPod set to shuffle, the creators of Jack cultivated the sometimes jarring juxtapositions long derided in the radio industry as “train wrecks” — Bon Jovi following Whitney Houston, for example, or Pearl Jam abutting Ricky Martin.

The format spread quickly throughout North America and has been successful in many markets; besides WCBS, CBS Radio has eight Jack stations. But Jack failed to attract much listener attention or advertising revenue in New York.

WCBS-FM Reconsiders, Deciding Oldies Are Goodies Again
By BEN SISARIO

Two years after an unceremonious dismissal that drew street protests and appeals from figures like Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Senator Charles E. Schumer, the oldies radio format is returning to WCBS-FM.