After persistent rumors about a format change at classic rock WCXR- FM (105.9), the staff was told yesterday that Viacom International would keep the format but that nearly all of the full-time air staff would not be retained after Sunday. Viacom is expected to take over WCXR and sister station WCPT-AM (730) from Westinghouse Broadcasting on Monday.

WMZQ General Manager Charlie Ochs and Operations Director Gary McCartie will expand their purview to WCXR and WCPT. Ochs said Steven Kosbau, who until Friday was assistant program director at WXRK-FM, the New York station where Howard Stern originates his morning program, will take over the programming reins. Kosbau is still assembling an air staff, Ochs said.

WHUR's direct competitors all have some variation of a male-and- female team, with Randy Dennis and Sonya Ford at WKYS-FM (93.9), Lawrence Gregory Jones and Lorna Newton at WMMJ-FM (102.3), and Donnie Simpson and Michel Wright at WPGC-FM (95.5).