“No fucking way! This is a joke, right? This has to be a joke,” I said upon learning of the demise of Washington, DC’s heritage alternative station WHFS. Sadly, it was no early April fools gag. At noon today, the station fell victim to the corporate machine. Yes, the station that has been turning listeners on to great new rock music for the past 20 years will now be known as WHFS “El Zol” and will play a mix of Caribbean and Central American dance music.

Infinity President/CEO Joel Hollander spoke of the decision in an official statement saying, “We have made clear our desire to expand into this burgeoning market and believe this move marks an important step in our commitment to Spanish radio. There exists a tremendous opportunity for Infinity to launch a Spanish-language format in Washington, D.C. where almost 10% of the population is not being directly served.  El Zol will be the most powerful Spanish radio station in the area and will provide listeners with the music, entertainment and information relevant to the many segments of the Latino culture.”

So WHFS (as we knew it), we bid you adieu. Thanks for everything.

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