The year was 1994, when Mareco Broadcasting Network transformed POWER 105 BMFM (once a station focusing on New Wave music) into a Smooth Jazz station. Thus, the birth of 105.1 Crossover, the answer to another Smooth Jazz station Citylite 88.3 and soon, other stations with similar format including Kiss Jazz 101.1, Rhythms 92.3 (eventually 923 Joey and the second XFM format), 106.7 Dream FM, and Radio High 105.9, but all of them were not lasted by Crossover's superior and unmatched format itself.

The early years of Crossover began with the launch of a more powerful 25KW transmitter built atop Antenna Hills along San Carlos Heights (now Brgy. San Carlos) in Binangonan. Rizal which the signal can be heard across Metro Manila and suburbs. Then, MBN opened stations in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and Baguio throughout the years, and eventually the launch of their internet streaming.

The station became the home of CNN and then BBC News and VOA for the latest world news updates, and has launched syndicated shows such as Dave Koz Radio Show, The Wave, and JazzTrax, as well as special blocks during weekends including Weekend Recall.

Crossover also mounted live events through the years including concerts, movie screenings, and others under XVR Events (eventually Crossover Events).

The years of this great station winded down in 2019 after 25 years when Crossover and MBN's management had decided to migrate online and on Dec. 30 of that same year, Crossover has launched its 24/7 online stream while on radio, the stations were converted into blocktime programming or airtime leasing: first, under Horizon of the Sun Communications for Q Radio, but they only lasted for 3 years due to financial problems brought by the pandemic; and then came July 2023 when three of the stations are now under an agreement with GenSan-based Brigada Mass Media Corp. launching its own Manila station after years of program sharing with the Batangas station, and moving BNFM's Cebu and Davao stations to their present frequency, while in exchange, the Baguio relay has been acquired in 2024 by Brigada's radio marketing arm Baycomms Broadcasting. Meanwhile, the Bacolod station has been under airtime lease to a similar blocktimer. 

Some of the shows and segments aired have moved to their online broadcast such as JazzTrax (which originally aired on radio for years on Tuesday nights at 8pm onwards before moving to their online broadcast which it aired Tuesdays at 10pm onwards).

As far as the late 90's, I was a silent Crossover listener, including Fr. Larry Faraon's Sounds of the Soul segment during early mornings. This great station became my go-to alternative choice, especially appreaciating smooth jazz and RNB favorites is a plus.

And so after 31 years of good music and memories, Crossover's existence on Philippine Radio has come to an end. Mid-August 2025, Crossover Radio Online quietly shutted down operations without any notice or fanfare, their livestream and website ultimately went defunct. No explanation or word from the management yet as of this writing. 

The loss of an institution (which was brought by an earlier demise of Citylite 88.3 in 2003 and other similar formats in various FM frequencies) that brought Smooth Jazz on Philippine Radio that has lasted three decades now. Fans and followers of the format were deeply missed though the demise of Crossover will remember the memories and the music that will treasure all Smooth Jazz fans alike.

Thanks for the memories, Crossover. Indeed, the last Smooth Jazz formatted station standing was already a bittersweet goodbye as more people are preferring other tastes of music and format itself over time. Now, Boracay Beach Radio (once part of Dream FM Network) will continue what Crossover has left off, the music and programming continues through terrestrial radio in Boracay island, and online streaming worldwide.

The Station Manager's Take is a blog that expresses the views & opinions on his own, not reflecting the station's view.