While the rumors were flying for weeks that ESPN Radio would bolt the inferior 1050 AM signal for a quality FM sound, the station’s ultimate destination caught most by surprise.

ESPN/WEPN made it official yesterday with a new home in FM stereo at 98.7. That was the home of Emmis’ KISS since its inception in 1981.

WBLS formed a merger as several personalities, most notably midday Shaila and nighttime Lenny Green, joined the on-air staff.

As we reported last week, gone from the air are morning host Tom Joyner and Michael Baisden in the afternoon. The two syndicated shows did not find a home at WBLS, meaning they are not heard in the nation’s top market.

Joyner has declined FishbowlNY’s interview request, instead discussing the KISS/WBLS situation on his radio show and writing about it on his blog. Joyner and Baisden agree that the bigger picture means that the black audience suffers with fewer options.

“Thursday, we found out that a very important voice in New York City would be silenced,” Joyner writes. “After 20 years of broadcasting to and advocating for a mostly African-American audience, our New York affiliate, KISS 98.7, is now gone. It makes me sad, not just for our own personal loss but because of what the community-at-large is losing.”

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It was a whirlwind of activity yesterday and when the smoke cleared, ESPN’s WEPN made the switch from 1050 on the AM dial to 98.7 FM.

Caught in the crossfire of the reported $96 million deal is the longtime R&B formatted WRKS/KISS FM. The Emmis-owned station, which celebrated 30 years on the air in 2011, has merged music and talent with WBLS 107.5 FM. It’s almost as surprising a turn as the ESPN jump to 98.7.

In a joint statement, the two stations said that they will become “One Family, One Station.”

No sooner than the announcement was made, KISS was being simulcast on WBLS. Just after midnight on Monday morning, the two Urban stations will consolidate at 107.5 under the WBLS call letters.

As we reported yesterday, KISS midday host Shaila and evening personality Lenny Greene will reconvene at WBLS.

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In a complicated radio maneuver, ESPN Radio announced today that it will be moving to the FM frequency at 98.7 in New York, the longtime home of KISS FM. The switch to the FM dial begins at 12:01 a.m. Sunday. ESPN’s lackluster 1050 AM signal, which had equally lackluster ratings since competing against all-sports station WFAN in 2003, will simulcast ESPN Radio programming until September. Then, to coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month, ESPN will debut a 24-hour Spanish sports talk station.

“The bottom line is we’re extremely delighted that the company is providing this resource,” David Roberts, ESPN New York general manager, says. ”…We have to make sure that we produce the kind of content and programming that will not only get sampling, but to get people to come back more often.”

Part of the programming will have new times for Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Ruocco, together from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., as the lead-in to The Michael Kay Show.  The station also announced Patrick McEnroe will do a Saturday show from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning May 5.

As the rumors about ESPN’s move became more widespread this week, so did the speculation about bringing the Yankees on board in 2013. Traug Keller, senior vice president, production, business divisions, tells FishbowlNY in today’s conference call that no deal is in place.

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For the ninth consecutive year, 98. 7 WRKS/KISS FM is hosting a holiday coat drive. The day-long event takes place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Regal Cinema in Union Square.

Joining the KISS family will be some special guests, including neo-soul star Anthony Hamilton, R&B singer Carl Thomas, and newly crowned Miss Black New York, Selena Watkins.

Annually, KISS FM invites the New York tri-state area to reach in to their hearts and closets and donate gently used, or new coats that will help thousands of New Yorkers stay warm during the winter season. 

“Every December, I get to see the generous spirit of New York come alive,” says KISS midday personality Shaila. ”It warms my spirit to see the faces of those who receive the gift from a city that has opened their closets and hearts and give so freely. It’s amazing.”

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As we told you yesterday, 98.7 Kiss FM/WRKS reached the big 3-0.

To celebrate, the longtime Soul and R&B station is reuniting past air personalities. On Thursday, August 11th, Kiss is holding its 30th Anniversary Reunion Party on the plaza at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building (125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard).

The list of guests is a who’s who of Kiss from yesteryear.

Legendary alumni Ken “Spider” Webb, Mike Love, and Diana King are just a few who will take part in the festivities. Fans will also see DJ Ace, Tanya Simpson, Bobby Gailes, and Hot 97 DJ Funkmaster Flex. And there will be many more Kiss on-air notables, including Dean Meminger, Nicole Brown, Raqiyah Mays.

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Unfortunately, sad occasions are used to mark time.

This weekend, the music world remembers Michael Jackson, two years after his passing, and some New York radio stations are planning special coverage.

WBLS/107.5 is paying tribute throughout the weekend with Jackson’s music, interviews from the station’s extensive archives, and listener tributes.

Program director Skip Dillard tells FishbowlNY that WBLS listeners will also hear celebrity comments, recorded concert audio, and special Jackson Mastermixes.

But WBLS isn’t the only station honoring the fallen superstar.

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Emmis owned 98.7 Kiss FM (WRKS) is ready to help challenge a record in the Guinness Book of World Records. On Tuesday, March 15, Kiss FM is planning to create the world’s largest Cha Cha slide.

Building the slide, of course, is open to the public. It doesn’t matter if you are a champion Cha Cha dancer or trying it for the first time. Everyone is encouraged to participate with DJ Casper, the legendary creator of the Cha Cha slide, and Kiss FM’s Shaila, for a fun-filled family day of entertainment.

Part of that entertainment includes UniverSoul Circus, which is beginning the New York leg of their tour. Those in attendance could win tickets to see an upcoming show. 

The potential record-breaking festivities start at 5 p.m. in the Harlem State Office Building Plaza on West 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard.