Tampa Bankruptcy Experts, Clark & Washington, Mention the Bankruptcy that Led to Radio Station WTMP's Format Change

    NORCROSS, GA, July 31, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Fans of urban adult contemporary station WTMP (simulcasting as 1150 WTMP and 96.1 WTMP-FM) were surprised and saddened when the station which had been considered "the voice of Tampa's black community" suddenly switched to a Spanish tropical music format in late 2011. Clark & Washington, bankruptcy attorneys in Tampa, explain that behind the format change were financial difficulties that led to bankruptcy and change in ownership.

WTMP traced its roots back to 1954 when it was an R&B station. Although the type of music it played changed somewhat over the years, its core audience was African-Americans. The station was purchased by Tama Broadcasting, an African-American controlled company, in 1997.

Ownership and Format Changes

Ten years later, WTMP was in the middle of a legal battle when Tama Broadcasting had to take steps to repay a $20-million loan from a New York hedge fund. The company transferred its nine stations throughout the south, including WTMP, to the hedge fund. The fund then appointed a receiver to control the station's license.

In September 2011, Davidson Media Group assumed control of the station. The company changed the station's music to a Spanish tropical music format, and it became known as La Bahia ("The Bay").

The format change meant not only the loss of urban/adult contemporary music in the area, but other programming carried by the station, including The Tom Joyner Morning Show, a popular syndicated morning show. Davidson Media president Felix Perez acknowledged the void left by the format change but pointed to the fast-growing Spanish-speaking community in the area. Although there is a hip hop/R&B station in Tampa now, owned by the mass media company Clear Channel, WTMP has remained in its Spanish tropical music format.

Sometimes difficult business decisions need to be made, and bankruptcy is the best solution. Clark & Washington's Tampa bankruptcy lawyers help people through their Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing when that is their best recourse in difficult financial situations. They handle more bankruptcies than any other Tampa bankruptcy attorneys. To arrange for a free consultation with one of their bankruptcy experts, or to learn more about the firm, call (813) 345-5954 or visit their website at http://www.cw13fl.com/. Clark & Washington has offices throughout the Tampa area.

About Clark & Washington:
Established in 1983, Clark & Washington is now one of the leading bankruptcy filers in the Southeast. They have locations in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. Clark & Washington specializes in personal chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy. They offer honest, helpful legal advice to those experiencing financial hardships.

For more information, visit http://www.cw13fl.com.

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