What has become of 101.7 FM, the longtime home of WFNX on the radio dial? Clear Channel, which purchased the station’s signal from Phoenix Media/Communications Group in May, announced Tuesday it is now WHBA-FM “The Harbor” and will follow a Variety Hits format. (The station launched at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday with Dierks Bentley’s “5-1-5-0,” followed by the Standells’s “Dirty Water,” Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion,” and Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.”) In a press release, Mary Menna , market manager for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Boston, said WHBA-FM will play everything from U2 and Prince to Madonna and Matchbox 20. For now at least, the station will not be overrun with ads. Clear Channel is treating WHBA listeners to a commercial-free summer. The change was not welcomed by former ’FNX listeners and station DJs, some of whom tweeted their dissatisfaction. “I dunno, 101.7 The Harbor just played ‘She’s a Beauty’ by The Tubes,” tweeted DJ Adam 12, who now works for Boston.com’s new radio venture. “Can’t be THAT bad, right? Wait, never mind. Here’s Poison. #Gross.”
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