WXDX-FM Pittsburgh
In December 1998, Cox was hired to fill the afternoon drive slot at WXDX-FM (105.9 The X) in Pittsburgh, one of the country's most prominent and highly-rated alternative stations. The Alan Cox Radio Show debuted to mixed reviews, but after a year, his quick wit, unfiltered opinions, and verbal sparring with listeners on a wide array of topics made Cox one of the most popular personalities in the market. He soon began writing columns for local newspapers and magazines, as well as being hired by the NHL to be the arena host for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In June 2004, The Alan Cox Radio Show was moved to mornings after WXDX's parent company, Clear Channel, dropped The Howard Stern Show for content issues. While Cox's show took some time to reboot for a new audience, his popularity provided an easier transition than most stations losing Stern. A constant self-promoter, Cox returned to his stand-up comedy roots by hosting open mic nights at area clubs and frequently worked new material for live audiences. In June 2006, Cox was suddenly informed by WXDX management that his contract would not be renewed. Despite solid ratings and an extremely loyal audience, station management said they "wanted to go in a different direction". Speculation was that Clear Channel Communications simply wouldn't justify Cox's increasingly lucrative contract, and dumped the show in a cost-cutting move.
Read more about this topic: Alan Cox (radio Personality)
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