Steve Hegwood’s Core Communicators has introduced a new player in the New Orleans radio scene with the launch of Hip Hop “Streetz 100.3” on KLRZ (100.3) in New Orleans. Previously operating as Coastal Broadcasting of Larose’s Sports “ESPN New Orleans,” the station began its new format with 5,000 songs back-to-back, commercial free. The station’s operations are managed under a Time Brokerage Agreement (TBA), which includes an option to purchase.

The transition marks Hegwood’s return to New Orleans, nearly two decades after his previous outlet Hip Hop KNOU (Hot 104.5) was decimated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This disaster led his On Top Communications to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy the following year. Further setbacks occurred when temporary facilities were destroyed by Hurricane Gustav in 2008, and after multiple ownership changes, the station rebranded and resumed operations as 1980s Hits “Z104.5” KWMZ-FM in 2013.