The consolidation of the "hot AC" format contrasted with the near-demise of most other AC formats: Beginning with the 2005-2007 economic downturn and eventual recession most stations went for the more chart-based CHR, along with the top 40, urban and even Latino formats. Diminishing physical record sales also proved a major blow to the AC genre.
Along with the recession, what broad economic trend marked the decline of adult contemporary radio stations? Along with CHR, Top 40 and Latino, what format have former AC stations transitioned to? What AC format is still viable? Declining sales of what items harmed the adult contemporary genre?