Former Tuscaloosa alternative radio station Alt 101.7 went viral on TikTok and X/Twitter after playing Russian-language Taylor Swift covers on repeat for hours on the morning of December 22, 2024. This occurred just days after the announcement that the station would transition to new programming on December 26. Early morning listeners were met with what sounded like Russian broadcast interference, leading to confusion and numerous social media posts about the incident. One Twitter user, Aimee Jean (@Aimeej1978), shared a recording, expressing concern and using hashtags like #hackers and #foreigninterference.
Hundreds of thousands reacted to a popular TikTok video documenting the event. Commenters expressed worries about Russian hacking and the safety of station employees, with one user even suggesting calling the station to ensure the staff were unharmed. Another TikTok user, @l.a.u.r.a_s.a.l.t.e.r, described hearing three Russian-language Taylor Swift songs followed by a “creepy voice,” fueling speculation and adding to the viral spread.
Although the station remained silent, several radio websites speculated that the unusual broadcast was a marketing stunt intended to generate attention for the station’s upcoming format change from “Alt 101.7” to the Christian station “101.7 The River.” Radio Insight’s Lance Venta suggested the stunt spiraled out of control after going viral, noting that maintaining it would have been incongruous with the new Christian format and potentially detrimental to retaining listeners. He posited that a shorter, more controlled stunt might have garnered national media attention but ultimately, the station opted for a safer approach.
Representatives for the station did not respond to requests for comment.