Urban adult contemporary

Urban adult contemporary is the name for a format of radio music, similar to an urban contemporary format. Radio stations using this format usually would not have hip hop on their playlists, and generally include some mix of R&B and traditional R&B (while urban oldies stations emphasize only the latter). The format was designed by Barry Mayo when he, Lee S. Simonson and Bill Pearson organized Broadcast Partners in 1988.

Summary

The format usually would play some classic R&B hits, as well as hits that are ten years old or more. Classic dance music also has a great impact in this format. Disc jockeys use a more relaxed sound than their younger counterparts. News and current events have a major impact on the older audience. Around the evening, urban AC stations play smooth jazz and during the Quiet Storm program. Many of the urban AC radio stations implement slogans such as "Classic Soul & Smooth R&B ", "(City/Region)'s Old School Station", "The Best Mix of Soft R&B", and "(City/Region)'s R&B Leader." Some popular nicknames for urban oldies stations include "Magic" (borrowed from the "Magic" adult contemporary format), "Mix" (from the "Mix" Hot AC format), " "Star" and "Kiss FM" (borrowed from common Clear Channel branding KISS-FM). WBLS in New York City, which is the flagship station of the urban contemporary format, was one of the first stations to introduce the urban AC format in 1994. WRKS-FM (also in New York) introduced the first 24-hour classic soul radio station in the country. Urban AC stations usually target the 25-54 age group.