A Wonder(ful) Birthday Success Powered by Futuri
Honoring a Legend
Every birthday is a success story all on its own, and I imagine when you’re a legend like Stevie Wonder, it’s something like a holiday. That spirit was felt throughout Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, as 102.3 KJLH-FM flipped the script for its annual Wonder Radio celebration, an electrifying, fan-driven musical tribute to their station owner, the one and only Stevie Wonder.
More than just a broadcast, Wonder Radio was a full-day immersive experience. With help from Futuri’s technology, KJLH turned the station over to its listeners. Using Futuri Mobile and LDR (Listener Driven Radio), fans took control of the playlist, shared personal messages, and celebrated Stevie in real time.
Interactive, Personal, and Powerful
Listeners used the KJLH mobile app and kjlhradio.com to vote on an all-Stevie Wonder playlist in real time.
With LDR, users voted up and down on tracks they wanted to hear, helping build the live broadcast as it happened.
Meanwhile, Futuri Mobile’s Open Mic feature gave fans, friends, and family the chance to record heartfelt birthday messages, many of which aired throughout the day, adding a personal, emotional touch to the celebration.
“Happy Birthday, Stevie! Thank you for the music, we love you & wish you all the best and many many more!” – Open Mic submission via KJLH App
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The Day in Numbers: Wonder(ful) Results
The stats tell the story of a celebration that truly resonated with the audience:
- 12,000+ Votes Cast via LDR on kjlhradio.com and the KJLH mobile app
- 2x Increase in the number of Stevie Wonder song hooks sampled on Wonder Radio Day versus the day before
- 300% Surge in KJLH mobile app downloads compared to Monday
- 4,000 Song Alerts triggered (up from just under 1,000 the previous day), alerting fans just before their requested song played, turning passive listeners into active participants
“It’s the one day a year where I don’t have to slave over a music log!”
— Chris Malone, Director of Programming, KJLH-FM
With song rankings updating live, and fans eager to boost their favorites like Isn’t She Lovely, Do I Do, and Faith, the air was filled with energy, excitement, and love.
This wasn’t just a playlist, it was a party built by the people, for the people!
Community, Celebration, and Cultural Legacy
As the votes rolled in and audio tributes aired, KJLH didn’t just celebrate an icon; it built a shared moment for its community. Through sleek UX design, real-time data, and interactive tools, Futuri Mobile and LDR turned radio into something more: a living, breathing tribute fueled by love, nostalgia, and connection.
Every voice mattered, every vote shaped the playlist, and every birthday message reminded us why Stevie Wonder is more than a musician—he’s a movement.
“Shout out to the many creative teams: our on-air staff, digital team, and our partners at Futuri, who all come together to make my dream concept magical,” said Chris Malone, Director of Programming at KJLH-FM.
From Your Futuri Family
To Stevie Wonder:
From all of us at Futuri, thank you for the music, the message, and the magic. It’s an honor to help KJLH bring your birthday celebration to life each year. You’ve inspired the world, and now, through technology, your fans can give a little love back in real time.
Happy Birthday, Stevie!
With love and respect,
Your Futuri Family
Want to learn more about how Futuri Mobile and/or LDR platform can elevate your station’s listener engagement? Find out more at Futurimedia.com
