Change Is On the Air: How WZAK Became #1 in Cleveland

On March 2 1981 one of the more radical format changes in the history of Cleveland radio occurred: WZAK switched from time-brokered ethnic programming featuring shows in fourteen different languages to a sole focus on urban contemporary a blend of R&B smooth jazz and pop. It was a move so outrageous that not many people gave it much of a chance. Yet through more ups than downs WZAK succeeded beyond everyones expectations. When the station was finally sold in 1999 it was the number one radio station in Cleveland and had made its mark on the pop culture of a great American city. Change Is On the Air tells the story about how Xen Zapis his daughter Maria and his son Lee figured out a way to thrive in the competitive radio business. They did so by working hard and smart and by attracting and retaining a team of talented people who shared their vision of what urban contemporary radio could be. Their strategy rested on three pillars--programming sales and promotions--that together formed a blueprint for success that others can follow.