The Touch: A Legacy of Urban Adult Contemporary Radio
In the landscape of American broadcasting, few formats have maintained as steady a presence as The Touch. As a dedicated 24-hour music network, it serves as a cornerstone for Urban Adult Contemporary (Urban AC) programming, delivering a sophisticated blend of R&B and soul to listeners across the United States.
The Evolution of a National Network
The Touch was originally established in 1972 by the Satellite Music Network. From its inception, the network was designed to target a specific adult demographic, primarily listeners between the ages of 25 and 49. By focusing on the Urban Adult Contemporary format—a style of radio that emphasizes melodic R&B and soul over the more high-energy sounds of contemporary hip-hop—The Touch carved out a unique space in national broadcasting.
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Today, the network is owned and produced by Westwood One, one of the largest radio networks in the United States, ensuring its availability on a national scale.
Branding Shifts and Programming Milestones
While The Touch has maintained a consistent musical identity, it experienced a brief period of rebranding in early 2010. In January of that year, Citadel Broadcasting renamed the network MyFavStation. However, this change was short-lived; only one month later, the network reverted to its original legacy branding as The Touch.
The network has also been defined by its high-profile talent. In February 2010, the evening programming saw a significant shift. Veteran R&B radio announcer Ron "The Nighttime Dog" Chavis was hired to host the seven-night-per-week evening slot, taking over the position previously held by R&B singer Brian McKnight.
Key Facts
- Format: 24-hour Urban Adult Contemporary (Urban AC).
- Target Audience: Adults aged 25 to 49.
- Founder: Satellite Music Network (est. 1972).
- Current Owner: Westwood One.
- Reach: National availability across the United States.
Network Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Owner | Westwood One |
| Established | 1972 |
| Former Name | MyFavStation (January 2010) |
| Primary Genre | Urban Adult Contemporary |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the musical format of The Touch?
The Touch utilizes an Urban Adult Contemporary (Urban AC) format, which focuses on R&B and soul music tailored for an adult audience.
Who owns The Touch radio network?
The network is currently owned and produced by Westwood One.
Who is the target audience for this network?
The network specifically targets adult listeners between the ages of 25 and 49.
Did The Touch ever have a different name?
Yes, in January 2010, Citadel Broadcasting briefly rebranded the network as MyFavStation before reverting to The Touch one month later.
Who has hosted the evening slot on The Touch?
The evening slot was previously hosted by R&B crooner Brian McKnight and was later taken over by veteran announcer Ron "The Nighttime Dog" Chavis.