WJWL

Last updated

WJWL
Broadcast area Delmarva Peninsula
Frequency 900 kHz
BrandingLa Raza
Programming
Format Regional Mexican
Ownership
Owner
  • Edwin Andrade
  • (The Voice Radio, LLC [1] )
WJKI, WJKI-FM, WKDB, WKHI, WZEB
History
First air date
June 23, 1951 (1951-06-23)
Former call signs
  • WJWL (1951–1987)
  • WSEA (1987–1991)
  • WSSR (1991–1998)
Technical information [2]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID 25007
Class D
Power 1,000 watts day
145 watts night
Transmitter coordinates
38°42′26″N75°24′19″W / 38.70722°N 75.40528°W / 38.70722; -75.40528
Translator(s)
  • 93.1 W226CW (Georgetown)
  • 106.7 W294CH (Georgetown)
Links
Public license information
Webcast Listen Live
Website www.laraza900.com

WJWL (900 AM) is a radio station licensed to serve Georgetown, Delaware. The station airs a Regional Mexican format known as "La Raza". The studios and AM transmitter are located on U.S. Route 113 northwest of Georgetown. The station is repeated by two FM translators, covering Georgetown and Laurel.

Contents

History

Early years

On December 13, 1950, Rollins Broadcasting received a construction permit from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a new daytime-only radio station on 900 kHz in Georgetown. [3] The station signed on June 23, 1951, [4] the first in Sussex County and an independent outlet. [5] Soon after the station launched, in October 1952, John W. Rollins, co-owner of Rollins Broadcasting with his brother O. Wayne and Lieutenant Governor of Delaware from 1953 to 1957, announced plans to file for a television station on channel 40, which would have been the first on the Lower Peninsula. [6] The station was never opened, but Rollins continued to expand its Delaware media holdings with the 1954 acquisition of WAMS (1380 AM) in Wilmington. [7]

However, Rollins wanted to reach a larger market. After its attempt to increase power from 1,000 to 5,000 watts was dismissed in 1954, Rollins filed to move WJWL from Georgetown to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, if it could get a new frequency in Georgetown, [3] 1250 kHz, which would use the station's present equipment. [8] In July 1955, the application was changed to be that of a new station for Philadelphia, [3] though another applicant was awarded the frequency in 1957. [9]

Scott ownership

Rollins sold WJWL to Herbert Scott and his Scott Broadcasting in 1960 for $400,000. [10] Herbert Scott continued to own and manage WJWL, airing a middle-of-the-road music format, and its FM counterpart WSEA (93.5 FM), which he had put on air in July 1969; [11] he had become the largest individual owner of radio stations in the United States by the time he died in 1984 of a heart attack. [12] Ed Marzoa, who had been the founding station manager in 1951 and had hosted a talk show, Hot Line, since 1967, was forced out in 1979. [13] The station had adopted a country music format by 1983. [14]

The call letters were changed from WJWL to WSEA on September 3, 1987—by which time the station aired an adult standards format [15] —and again to WSSR on January 18, 1991. Adult standards gave way to news/talk in 1997. [16] The change, however, lasted less than a year, and the station reverted to adult standards in early 1998, at the same time reclaiming its heritage WJWL call letters. [17]

Spanish and two sales

WJWL would change from standards to Spanish in 2010, becoming Spanish contemporary hit radio station "Máxima", simulcast on WXSH (106.1 FM). The Máxima programming was produced by Hola Media Network, Inc., under a local marketing agreement with Great Scott Broadcasting. [18]

The death of Mitch Scott in 2013, after a battle with leukemia, was the catalyst for the end of Great Scott's operations on Delmarva. [19] Sale preparations began in September 2013. [18] The stations were split up between Adams Radio Group and The Voice Radio Network the next year, with The Voice slated to buy WJWL. After the deal, an apparent major problem soon emerged that threatened the entire transaction, as Hola Media Network, the LMA operator of WJWL, claimed it had first right of refusal to buy the station. [18] Great Scott claimed it did not know about any such right, given that the late Mitch Scott had negotiated the programming agreement. The protest, also dismissed by the FCC, was highly unusual, as Edwin "Kevin" Andrade was the head of Hola and The Voice Radio Network. [20] After a settlement was reached in the deal in March 2015, [20] Adams Radio Group CEO Ron Stone called the purchase of the Scott Delmarva cluster "the longest deal in my lifetime". [18] The Voice continued to operate WJWL as Máxima—now being simulcast with WKDB (95.3 FM)—and in 2015, Adams sold the station and its accompanying FM translator to The Voice for $60,000. [21]

After the sale, WJWL became a separate station, airing a Regional Mexican format known as La Raza. [22] However, it also lost much of its power. As part of a dismantling of its tower, the former 10,500-watt station reduced power; [23] on February 12, 2016, WJWL was granted an FCC construction permit to move to a nearby transmitter site, downgrade from Class B to Class D, decrease day power to 1,000 watts and decrease night power to 145 watts. [24]

Translators

Call sign Frequency City of license FID ERP (W) HAAT Class Transmitter coordinatesFCC info
W226CW93.1 MHz FM Georgetown, Delaware 15157925055  m (180  ft)D 38°37′34.0″N75°14′01.0″W / 38.626111°N 75.233611°W / 38.626111; -75.233611 (W226CW) LMS
W294CH106.7 MHz FM Georgetown, Delaware 20051625075 m (246 ft)D 38°30′12.4″N75°39′38.7″W / 38.503444°N 75.660750°W / 38.503444; -75.660750 (W294CH) LMS

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WIFI (AM)</span> Radio station in Florence, New Jersey

WIFI is a commercial AM radio station licensed to Florence, New Jersey, and serving the Delaware Valley. It is owned by Ritmo Broadcasting, but operated by The Voice Radio Network. It airs a Spanish CHR format. Its studios are on Broad Street in Trenton, New Jersey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WSTW</span> Contemporary hit radio station in Wilmington, Delaware

WSTW is a commercial radio station licensed to serve Wilmington, Delaware. The station is owned by Forever Media and broadcasts a Contemporary hit radio format.

WVCW is a non-commercial FM radio station licensed to Wilmington, Delaware. Owned by VCY America, the station serves the Delaware Valley, including Philadelphia. The WVCW transmitter is located 8 miles north of downtown Wilmington on Bellows Drive, less than 1/4 mile from the Pennsylvania state line. Besides a standard analog transmission, WVCW broadcasts over HD Radio. The station is best known for its 67-year legacy as WJBR and WJBR-FM, a Delaware-targeted adult contemporary station, which was consistently rated as one of the top stations in the Wilmington area, even amidst competition from Philadelphia stations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WZBH</span> Radio station in Delaware, United States

WZBH is an American radio station licensed to serve the community of Salisbury, Maryland, Ocean City, Maryland, Southern Delaware, Virginia, and the rest of Delmarva, with studios and cluster offices located in Salisbury, Maryland. Its tower is located in Dagsboro, Delaware and stands 468 feet. The station broadcasts as an active rock music formatted station branded as "93.5 The Beach". Programming features the Billy Madison Show, Paula, Glassman and HardDriveXL.

WSEA — branded as Sports Radio 100.3 "The Game" Myrtle Beach — is a sports radio station licensed to Atlantic Beach, South Carolina and serves the Grand Strand area. The Cumulus Media outlet is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to broadcast with an ERP of 12 kW. Its studios are located on U.S. Highway 17 in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and its transmitter is located in Carolina Forest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WDOV</span> Radio station in Dover, Delaware

WDOV is a radio station broadcasting a news/talk format. Programming is heard on W286BS 105.1 FM in Milford. Licensed to Dover, Delaware, United States, the station serves the Dover area. The station is currently owned by iHeartMedia, Inc. and features programming from Fox News Radio, Premiere Networks, and Compass Media Networks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WNTQ</span> Radio station in Syracuse, New York

WNTQ is a commercial radio station in Syracuse, New York. It is owned by Cumulus Media and it broadcasts a top 40 (CHR) radio format. The studios and offices are on James Street in Syracuse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WDAI</span> Radio station in Pawleys Island–Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

WDAI is a mainstream urban radio station licensed to Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and serves the Grand Strand area. The Cumulus Media outlet is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to broadcast with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 6,100 watts. Its studios are located on U.S. Highway 17 in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and its transmitter is located a mile west of the studios.

WGMA is an AM radio station licensed to the city of Hazleton, Pennsylvania with service area extending to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton radio market. The station broadcasts a classic hits radio format, simulcasting WGMM 1460 AM Tunkhannock. It broadcasts with 1,000 watts of power using a non-directional antenna. WGMA is considered a Class C AM broadcasting station according to the Federal Communications Commission.

WHOL is a rhythmic contemporary radio station in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The station is owned by licensee Major Keystone LLC, and airs a rhythmic contemporary radio format. It is simulcast with co-owned AM 1400 WEST in Easton, Pennsylvania. The studios and transmitter are on Colorado Street in Allentown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WZEB</span> Radio station in Ocean View, Delaware

WZEB is a radio station broadcasting a Rhythmic Top 40 format. Licensed to Ocean View, Delaware, United States, the station serves the Salisbury-Ocean City market. The station is currently owned by The Voice Radio Network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WKDB</span> Radio station in Laurel, Delaware

WKDB is a radio station broadcasting a Spanish hits music format. Licensed to Laurel, Delaware, United States, the station serves the Salisbury-Ocean City area. The station is currently owned by The Voice Radio Network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WTJZ (AM)</span> Radio station in Norfolk, Virginia

WTJZ is a commercial AM radio station licensed to Norfolk, Virginia, United States, and serving Hampton Roads. The station is owned and operated by Delmarva Educational Association. Branded as "Praise 104.9", it airs an urban gospel radio format.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WESM</span> Radio station in Maryland, United States

WESM is a listener-supported public radio station located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The station broadcasts a variety of formats, including jazz, news and information, blues, world, American folk music, and gospel programming. WESM is also an affiliate of National Public Radio, Public Radio Exchange, American Public Media and other network program providers.

WUSX is an American radio station licensed to Seaford, Delaware and serving Salisbury, Maryland, Ocean City, Maryland, Southern Delaware, Virginia, and the rest of Delmarva, with studios and cluster offices located in Salisbury. Its tower is located in Seaford.

WBBX is an FM radio station broadcasting an oldies format. Licensed to Pocomoke City, Maryland, United States, the station is owned by Vinco Media LLC. The station was assigned the WBBX call letters by the Federal Communications Commission on February 6, 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WXDE</span> Radio station in Lewes, Delaware

WXDE is a radio station licensed to serve Lewes, Delaware, also serving Ocean City, Maryland to the south. The station, which began broadcasting in 1992, is currently owned by Forever Media. WXDE airs a news/talk format, and is the area's affiliate for the Baltimore Orioles Radio Network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WOCQ (AM)</span> Radio station in Salem, New Jersey, serving Wilmington, Delaware

WOCQ is a commercial radio station licensed to Salem, New Jersey, and serving the southern part of Greater Philadelphia, including Wilmington, Delaware. It broadcasts a Spanish contemporary hit radio format. WOCQ is owned by Voice Radio Network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WPNA-FM</span> Polish music radio station in Niles–Chicago, Illinois

WPNA-FM is a commercial FM radio station licensed to Niles, Illinois, and serving the Chicago metropolitan area. It is owned by The Polish National Alliance, through licensee Alliance Radio, LLC. It airs a mix of Polish and International Contemporary Hits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WVIV-FM</span> Radio station in Lemont–Chicago, Illinois

WVIV-FM is a Spanish radio station licensed to Lemont, Illinois, serving the Chicago metropolitan area. It is owned by TelevisaUnivision. The station is a part of TelevisaUnivision's Uforia Audio Network brand. The station's studios are located at 625 North Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, and the transmitter is atop the Oakbrook Terrace Tower in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

References

  1. "The Voice Radio – The Voice Radio Network" . Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  2. "Facility Technical Data for WJWL". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  3. 1 2 3 FCC History Cards for WJWL
  4. "WJWL" (PDF). Broadcasting Yearbook. 1968. p. B-32 (180). Retrieved August 9, 2020. (The Yearbook says 1961, not 1951, in error.)
  5. "Sussex Radio Station Opens". Journal-Every Evening. June 1, 1951. p. 8. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  6. "TV Outlet From Dover Looms For Lower Delaware Patrons". Journal-Every Evening. October 23, 1952. p. 13. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  7. "Rollins Firm Buys Radio Station WAMS". Wilmington Morning News. February 15, 1954. p. 14. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  8. "Applications" (PDF). Broadcasting. October 18, 1954. p. 115. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  9. "FCC Grants New Stations In Ponce, Philadelphia" (PDF). June 24, 1957. p. 72. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  10. "Rollins Sells Georgetown Radio Outlet". Journal-Every Evening. November 11, 1960. p. 12. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  11. "WJWL, WSEA(FM)" (PDF). Broadcasting Yearbook. 1976. pp. C-34, C-35 (288, 289). Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  12. "Herbert Scott Succumbs To Heart Attack" (PDF). Radio & Records. p. 3. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  13. "Marzoa loses his job as WJWL-FM [sic] manager". Wilmington Morning News. August 15, 1979. p. 4. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  14. Mullinax, Gary (July 24, 1983). "Downstate carries a variety of choices". Sunday News Journal. p. E1.
  15. "Map can guide listener through airwaves' maze". Sunday News Journal. July 24, 1988. p. O11. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  16. "Format Changes & Updates" (PDF). M Street Journal. September 10, 1997. p. 1 (11). Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  17. "Format Changes & Updates" (PDF). M Street Journal. February 25, 1998. p. 1 (37). Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  18. 1 2 3 4 "'This has been the longest deal in my lifetime.'". InsideRadio. March 12, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  19. Cox, Jeremy (April 19, 2015). "New owners make changes to Delmarva radio stations". Sunday News Journal. p. 13A. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  20. 1 2 "Settlement Reached In Great Scott/Voice/Adams Deal". RadioInsight. March 9, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  21. Venta, Lance (August 9, 2015). "Station Sales Week Of 8/7". RadioInsight. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  22. Milligan, Christi (May 25, 2016). "Broadcaster Kevin Andrade brings latin voice to Delaware radio". Delaware Business Times. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  23. "BSTA - 20150917AET Engineering STA". Federal Communications Commission. September 17, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  24. "Application for Construction Permit for Commercial Broadcast Station". Federal Communications Commission. October 7, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2020.