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WAVZ: Echoes of New Haven Radio

Tracing the signal of a landmark station from its inception to its modern sports broadcast.

Station 👇 History 📜

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Station Overview

Core Identity

WAVZ operates on the AM broadcast band at 1300 kHz. It is licensed to New Haven, Connecticut, and serves the Greater New Haven area. The station currently broadcasts a sports radio format under the branding "Fox Sports 1300," affiliating with Fox Sports Radio.

Ownership & Affiliation

The station is owned by iHeartMedia, a major media conglomerate. Its programming is primarily delivered through its affiliation with Fox Sports Radio, providing a dedicated platform for sports talk and commentary.

Sister Stations

WAVZ shares its market with sister stations WELI and WKCI-FM, indicating a presence within iHeartMedia's broader local radio network, allowing for potential cross-promotional opportunities and shared resources.

Historical Trajectory

Early Years and Recognition

WAVZ first aired in 1947, initially operating at 1260 kHz. In its formative years, it was known as "New Waves" or "Lucky 13 WAVZ." The station garnered significant recognition, receiving the prestigious Alfred I. duPont Award in 1950, accepted by its president Victor Knauth, and again in 1960, underscoring its commitment to journalistic excellence and public service broadcasting.

The Top 40 Era and Evolution

During the 1960s and 1970s, WAVZ established itself as a highly popular Top 40 radio station, frequently winning rating battles against competitors like WDEE and WNHC. As FM radio gained prominence, the station's rock music format transitioned to its sister station WKCI-FM in 1979. WAVZ subsequently adopted a "Music of Your Life" format, featuring big band and adult standards, before shifting its programming focus over time.

The station's jingle from the 1950s captured its identity: "There are waves in the navy and waves in your hair, and people wave their hands when they're going anywhere, but the greatest waves there can be are the radio waves on WAVZ."

Following the success of WKCI-FM's format shift, WAVZ explored different programming avenues. It later served as a progressive talk radio station, affiliated with Air America. In a significant recent development, on January 1, 2024, WAVZ transitioned its affiliation from ESPN Radio to Fox Sports Radio, rebranding as "Fox Sports 1300."

Call Sign Significance

The call sign WAVZ is noted to have originated from the handle "Waves." Its location on Long Island Sound also provides a thematic connection to maritime terminology, reinforcing the station's identity through its name and geographical context.

Programming Format

Sports Radio Focus

Currently, WAVZ operates with a sports radio format, broadcasting content from Fox Sports Radio. This format targets listeners interested in sports news, analysis, and talk shows, positioning the station as a key player in the sports media landscape of the Greater New Haven area.

Past Formats

Historically, WAVZ has evolved through various successful formats. It was a dominant Top 40 station in the mid-20th century, later transitioning to adult standards and progressive talk radio before its current sports-centric programming.

Technical Specifications

Broadcast Parameters

WAVZ is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and operates as a Class B AM station. It transmits with a power of 1,000 watts. The station's transmitter coordinates are located at 41°17′16″N 72°56′48″W.

Licensing and Data

The station's licensing authority is the FCC, with Facility ID 11920. Publicly available information, including technical data and licensing details, can be accessed through FCC databases such as the Licensing and Management System (LMS).

External Resources

Official Information

For comprehensive details regarding WAVZ's licensing, technical specifications, and operational history, the following official resources are available:

  • FCC Licensing and Management System.
  • Arbitron (Nielsen Audio) station database for audience metrics.
  • FCC History Cards for historical operational data.

These sources provide authoritative data on the station's regulatory and market standing.

Online Presence

WAVZ maintains an online presence through its official website, foxsports1300.iheart.com, and is available for live streaming via iHeartRadio, facilitating access to its sports programming for a wider audience.

References

Source Citations

The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:

  1. FCC Licensing and Management System.
  2. The Hartford Courant. (1951, March 11). Stations Win 1950 Awards For Service: Citations Are Accepted By Philadelphia and New Haven Officials.
  3. Broadcasting (Archive: 1957-1993). (1961, March 20). The Media: Duponts to Kdka-Tv, Wavz, Morgan.
  4. The New York Times. (1982, June 5). Radio Station Sale.
  5. Radioinsight. (2024, January 2). 97.9 ESPN Hartford Switches to Fox Sports Radio.

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References

References

  1.  97.9 ESPN Hartford Switches to Fox Sports Radio Radioinsight - January 2, 2024
A full list of references for this article are available at the WAVZ Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI, synthesizing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding media, broadcasting, or historical research.

This is not professional media advice. The information provided herein should not be considered a basis for making decisions related to media acquisition, programming, or regulatory compliance. Always consult with qualified professionals in the broadcasting industry and refer to official documentation for definitive guidance.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.