WHMX

Last updated

WHMX
Broadcast area Penobscot County - Downeast Maine
Frequency 105.7 MHz
Programming
Format Contemporary Christian
Ownership
OwnerLighthouse Radio Network, Inc.
WHCF
History
First air date
April 1, 1975 (1975-04-01)
Former call signs
  • WLKN-FM (1975–1987)
  • WGUY (1987–1989)
Former frequencies
99.3 MHz (1975–1991)
Call sign meaning
Hot Mix (refers to former Hot AC format)
Technical information [1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID 49690
Class C2
ERP 48,000 watts
HAAT 142 meters (466 ft)
Transmitter coordinates
45°20′38″N68°30′24″W / 45.34389°N 68.50667°W / 45.34389; -68.50667
Links
Public license information
Website www.solutionfm.com

WHMX (105.7 FM) is a non-commercial radio station licensed to Lincoln, Maine, United States, serving Penobscot County and Downeast Maine. Owned by Lighthouse Radio Network, Inc., the station features a Contemporary Christian format. [2] Studios are located on Outer Broadway in Bangor and the transmitter is in Burlington, Maine, about 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Bangor.

Contents

History

WLKN-FM and WGUY-FM

The station signed on the air on April 1, 1975. Its original call sign was WLKN-FM, standing for its city of license, Lincoln, Maine. It was the sister station of WLKN 1450 AM (now silent). WLKN-FM's frequency was 99.3 and it was only powered at 1,750 watts, a fraction of its current output. [3] WLKN-AM-FM simulcast most of their programming. They had a full service, adult contemporary and country music format. They were also affiliates of the ABC Information Network. [4] Because WLKN-FM was on a Class A frequency, it was limited to only serving Lincoln and surrounding communities.

On September 3, 1987, the station changed its call sign to WGUY-FM, and on June 8, 1989, it became the current WHMX. [5]

Move to 105.7 MHz

The station got permission from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to move to a better frequency. It relocated to 105.7 in 1991. [6] That allowed it to become a Class C station, with a taller tower and increased power. With its new strength, it began serving the larger, more lucrative Bangor radio market.

For much of the 1990s, WHMX was known as Hot Mix 106. It was a commercial radio station airing a hot adult contemporary format.

Christian Radio

In 1997, the station was bought by the Bangor Baptist Church. It was paired with 88.5 WHCF, which the church also owned. WHMX began airing Contemporary Christian music. In May 2005, the station changed slogans from 105-7 The X to Solution FM. [7]

Over time, the church decided it was best if a professional non-profit organization owned and operated the two full-power radio stations, along with rebroadcasters and translators, around Northern Maine. On September 28, 2012, WHMX and WHCF, along with translators W274AF, W221BO, W227BE, W229AT, and W270BD, were sold. The Lighthouse Radio Network took over control. The deal was consummated at a price of $100.

Translator stations

The station is heard on several FM translators:

StationFrequencyCityPower
W227BE93.3 Orono 27 watts
W270BD101.9 Calais 19 watts
W221BO92.1 Ellsworth 10 watts

References

  1. "Facility Technical Data for WHMX". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. "WHMX Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
  3. "WLKN-FM (WHMX) history cards" (PDF). CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission . Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  4. Broadcasting Yearbook 1977 page C-93. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  5. "WHMX Call Sign History". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
  6. "Construction Permit Activity". The M Street Journal. February 4, 1991. p. 3.
  7. Akins, Debra (May 4, 2005). "Bangor's WHMX Becomes 'Solution FM'". Billboard Radio Monitor . Archived from the original on March 13, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2024 via AllBusiness.com.