 Faced with competition from market dominant WRWD, WVOS-FM in Monticello, and WGNA-FM in Albany, the Thunder Country format never was successful.After Straus Media sold its stations to Clear Channel Communications in 2000, a format change at WTHN became apparent.On December 22, these rumors became truth when WCTJ (the former WTND) and WTHN entered joint stunting as "Variety 96 & 99" and launched as Rhythmic Top 40 that afternoon using Clear Channel's KissFM brand.