What is WIP-FM's primary format and broadcast area?

WIP-FM, broadcasting at 94.1 MHz, is a commercial radio station serving the Delaware Valley, with its primary broadcast area being Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its format is sports radio, and it is owned by Audacy, Inc.

What is WIP-FM's branding?

The station's branding is SportsRadio 94WIP.

What is the frequency of WIP-FM?

WIP-FM broadcasts on the frequency of 94.1 MHz and supports HD Radio technology.

What sports teams is WIP-FM the flagship station for?

WIP-FM serves as the flagship station for both the Philadelphia Eagles Football Network and the Philadelphia Phillies Radio Network.

What programming is aired on WIP-FM's HD2 and HD3 subchannels?

WIP-FM's HD2 subchannel simulcasts the all-news format of co-owned KYW (1060 AM). The HD3 subchannel features a classic rock format, which was previously broadcast on 94.1 when it was WYSP. Additionally, an HD4 channel was dedicated to 'Eagles 24/7' programming about the football team.

When did WIP-FM first sign on the air?

The station first signed on the air in 1948.

What were WIP-FM's original call signs and its initial programming?

The station initially signed on in 1948 with the call sign WIBG-FM. It primarily simulcast its sister station, WIBG (AM), which was a popular Top 40 station in Philadelphia during the 1960s.

What technical limitations did WIBG-FM face in its early years?

In its early years as WIBG-FM, the station had limited broadcast range because it operated with only 10,000 watts of power from a 180-foot tower, which was significantly lower than the standard for other FM stations in Philadelphia at the time.

What experimental programming did WIBG-FM try in the mid-1960s?

During the mid-1960s, WIBG-FM experimented with a progressive rock format played at night, which was prerecorded and did not feature live announcers.

Why did WIBG-FM shut down temporarily in 1968, and what was the reason for its power limitations?

In 1968, Storer Broadcasting temporarily shut down WIBG-FM to seek FCC permission for a power increase. The station's broadcast range was restricted because it was classified as a Class B station, and increasing its power could interfere with WKOK-FM, another station operating on the same frequency (94.1 MHz) located 106 miles away in Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

What happened to WIBG-FM's call sign and status in 1969?

In 1969, the station's call sign was changed to WPNA after its owner, Storer Broadcasting, sold the AM station but retained the FM. Following this, the station remained silent for two years.

Who purchased WPNA, and what was the significance of the new owner's name?

SJR Communications purchased WPNA. The company's name, SJR, stood for 'San Juan Racing,' reflecting its primary U.S. asset, a horse racing track in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

When did the station officially become WYSP, and what was its initial format?

The station became WYSP on August 23, 1971, with the slogan 'Your Station in Philadelphia.' Initially, its format featured live announcers playing big band and easy listening music from in-house produced reel-to-reel tapes.

What significant format change occurred at WYSP in August 1973?

On August 6, 1973, WYSP abruptly shifted its format from easy listening and big band music to album-oriented rock (AOR).

Who was hired as Program Director for the new AOR format at WYSP, and what was his previous experience?

Dick Findley was hired as the Program Director for WYSP's album-oriented rock format. He previously worked at WEBN in Cincinnati and was responsible for music direction, promotions, and hosting midday shows.

What was the 'quad' station experiment at WYSP in 1974?

In 1974, WYSP experimented with quadrophonic sound by using a Sony encoder to send 'ambience' effects to the rear channels of compatible quad radios. However, due to compatibility issues with mono radios and low public interest, this experiment was discontinued in 1976.

When did WYSP move its transmitter to its current location?

The station moved its transmitter to its current location in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia in 1977.

What was the impact of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation acquiring WYSP in 1981?

In 1981, WYSP was acquired by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, a company known for purchasing FM rock stations in major cities, already owning stations like WKTU in New York, WBCN in Boston, and KOME in San Jose.

When did WYSP transition to a 'classic rock' format, and what was the rationale?

In the fall of 1981, WYSP was among the first radio stations to adopt a 'classic rock' format. This strategic shift aimed to improve its competitiveness against established rock stations WMMR and WIOQ in the Philadelphia market.

What was the 'Free FM' format introduced by CBS Radio in 2005, and how did it affect WYSP's programming?

On October 25, 2005, CBS Radio implemented the 'Free FM' format on WYSP and other stations that previously carried The Howard Stern Show. Initially, this format featured hot talk programming on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a mix of talk and music until 10 p.m., with music playing exclusively after 10 p.m. and throughout the weekends.

What happened to WYSP's music programming in the lead-up to September 2007?

In the period leading up to September 2007, WYSP gradually phased out music programming. By April 17, the 'Scotty and Alex Show' stopped playing music, and the station began airing syndicated shows like 'Loveline' and 'John and Jeff,' effectively ending weekday music programming.

What was the 'Return to rock' event at WYSP in September 2007?

In September 2007, after a period of speculation and personnel changes, WYSP announced a return to rock music. Promos featuring Donovan McNabb declared 'The Rock Is Back,' and the station officially switched back to an active rock format at 5 p.m. on September 12, 2007, featuring artists like Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, and Nirvana.

When did WYSP revert to a classic rock format for the second time, and what was its slogan?

WYSP returned to a classic rock format on August 25, 2008, adopting the slogan 'The Rock You Grew Up With from the 70s, 80s, & 90s.' This marked a shift away from the hard rock format it had previously adopted.

What significant format change occurred on September 2, 2011, and what was the station's new call sign?

On September 2, 2011, WIP-FM began simulcasting the sports format of AM sister station WIP, ending its music programming. The station also changed its call sign to WIP-FM.

How did the simulcast between WIP (AM) and WIP-FM evolve after September 2011?

Initially, WIP-FM and WIP (AM) simulcast their sports programming. However, they began to split coverage for certain events, with Philadelphia Phillies broadcasts often airing on WIP-FM and WPHT, while WIP (AM) carried other sports. The full simulcast ended on January 2, 2013, when WIP (AM) became a full-time affiliate of CBS Sports Radio, with WIP-FM continuing its local sports programming.

What was the 'FCC ownership limit' issue that affected CBS Radio in 1996?

When Infinity Broadcasting merged with CBS Radio in 1996, CBS Radio exceeded the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) ownership limit for radio stations in a single market because it already owned WMMR and gained WYSP through the merger.

What was the significance of Howard Stern's show on WYSP?

WYSP was the first affiliate to carry 'The Howard Stern Show' when it began syndication in 1986. The show was frequently the top-rated program during its morning drive time slot (6-10 a.m.) on WYSP until Stern moved to Sirius Satellite Radio in 2005.

What is the 'Philadelphia master antenna farm' mentioned in relation to WYSP's transmitter?

The Philadelphia master antenna farm in Roxborough is the location where WYSP (and later WIP-FM) established its broadcast tower. This is a common site for broadcast antennas in the region.

What is the 'Signal Note' mentioned in the history section?

The 'Signal Note' refers to the technical challenge of sharing the 94.1 MHz frequency with another station, WKOK-FM in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. This short-spacing issue required agreements or waivers from the FCC and affected the power and range capabilities of both stations.

What is the meaning of the call sign WYSP?

The call sign WYSP was chosen to stand for 'Your Station in Philadelphia.'

What was the 'Philadelphia's FM Talk Station' branding used for?

The branding 'Philadelphia's FM Talk Station' was adopted by WYSP in August 2007, coinciding with new imaging and a shift towards a talk radio format, mirroring a similar branding strategy used by its sister station KLSX in Los Angeles.

What was the 'Return to rock' event at WYSP in September 2007?

In September 2007, after a period of speculation and personnel changes, WYSP announced a return to rock music. Promos featuring Donovan McNabb declared 'The Rock Is Back,' and the station officially switched back to an active rock format at 5 p.m. on September 12, 2007, featuring artists like Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, and Nirvana.

What was the 'offensive song called 'Schwoogies'' and its consequence for WYSP staff?

The song 'Schwoogies,' which contained offensive slang terms referring to African-Americans, led to the termination of morning host Kidd Chris and WYSP program director John Cook on May 16, 2008. The song had aired multiple times after its initial broadcast on March 21.

What was the significance of the song 'Fade to Black' by Metallica on September 2, 2011?

'Fade to Black' by Metallica was the final song played by WYSP as it concluded its music format on September 2, 2011, before transitioning to a sports radio simulcast.

What is the meaning of the call sign WIP-FM?

The call sign WIP-FM was derived from its former sister station, 610 WIP, which was assigned its call sign randomly.

What are the FCC Facility ID and Class for WIP-FM?

WIP-FM has a Facility ID of 28628 and is classified as a Class B station by the FCC.

What are the analog and digital Effective Radiated Power (ERP) for WIP-FM?

WIP-FM has an Effective Radiated Power (ERP) of 9,600 watts for its analog signal and 460 watts for its digital signal.

What is the Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) for WIP-FM's transmitter?

The Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) for WIP-FM's transmitter is 339 meters, which is equivalent to 1,112 feet.

What are the geographic coordinates for WIP-FM's transmitter?

The transmitter coordinates for WIP-FM are 40°02′30″N latitude and 75°14′10.1″W longitude.

What is the relationship between WIP-FM and KYW (AM) regarding their HD2 subchannels?

WIP-FM's HD2 subchannel carries a simulcast of the all-news format broadcast by its co-owned sister station, KYW (1060 AM).

What is the purpose of the 'More citations needed' template at the beginning of the article?

The 'More citations needed' template indicates that the article requires additional supporting references to verify its information. It prompts readers to contribute by adding citations from reliable sources, as unsourced material is subject to challenge and removal.

What is the significance of the 'Signal note' section regarding WIP-FM's frequency?

The 'Signal note' explains that WIP-FM operates on 94.1 MHz, which is considered 'short-spaced' according to FCC rules. This means it is closer than the minimum required distance to another station on the same frequency (WQKX) and a station on an adjacent frequency (WNYC-FM), necessitating careful coordination to avoid interference.

Who owns WIP-FM currently?

WIP-FM is currently owned by Audacy, Inc.

What were the former call signs of WIP-FM?

The former call signs for WIP-FM were WIBG-FM (from 1948 to 1969), WPNA (from 1969 to 1971), and WYSP (from 1971 to 2011).

What is the branding for the HD3 subchannel that was once WYSP?

The HD3 subchannel carries a classic rock format, continuing the legacy of the format previously heard on 94.1 when it was branded as WYSP.

What is the meaning of the 'v', 't', and 'e' links often found in Wikipedia templates like the ones for radio stations?

The 'v', 't', and 'e' links typically found in Wikipedia templates stand for 'View,' 'Talk,' and 'Edit,' respectively. They allow users to view the template's content, discuss it on its talk page, or make edits to the template itself.

What is the purpose of the navboxes at the end of the article?

The navboxes at the end of the article serve to link related content, such as other radio stations in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, morning drive programs in the region, sports radio stations in Pennsylvania, and stations owned by Audacy, Inc., providing navigational context for the reader.

What was the role of Steve Sutton as Program Director in 1979 for WYSP?

In June 1979, Steve Sutton was hired as Program Director to revitalize WYSP. He assembled a new on-air lineup, introduced artists like Tom Petty to the Philadelphia market, hired Eagles linebacker Frank LeMaster for morning shows during football season, and focused on a loud, uptempo, and cutting-edge sound with creative production, leading to syndicated shows.

What was the significance of the 'Philadelphia Eagles' affiliation for WYSP/WIP-FM?

WYSP, and later WIP-FM, has served as a key broadcast partner for the Philadelphia Eagles, airing their games and related programming, solidifying its connection to the local sports scene.

What does 'MHz' stand for?

MHz stands for megahertz, which is a unit of frequency equal to one million hertz. In radio broadcasting, it indicates the number of radio wave cycles per second, determining the station's position on the radio spectrum.

What does 'ERP' stand for in the context of radio transmission?

ERP stands for Effective Radiated Power. It is a measure of the radio frequency power that is actually broadcast from a transmitting antenna, taking into account the antenna's gain and the transmitter's output power.

Wip-fm Wiki: Philadelphia's Sonic Tapestry: The Evolution of WIP-FM

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The Station: WIP-FM

Location & Identity

WIP-FM, broadcasting at 94.1 MHz, is a commercial radio station serving the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan area. It is currently owned by Audacy, Inc. and operates under the branding "SportsRadio 94WIP," featuring a dedicated sports radio format.

Broadcast Infrastructure

The station's studios are integrated within Audacy's corporate headquarters in Center City, Philadelphia. Its broadcast transmission is managed via a tower located in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, ensuring wide coverage across the Delaware Valley.

Key Affiliations

WIP-FM serves as the flagship station for significant regional sports broadcasts, including the Philadelphia Eagles Football Network and the Philadelphia Phillies Radio Network. It also carries national broadcasts such as NFL games via Westwood One Sports.

Historical Trajectory

Early Years (1948-1971)

WIP-FM commenced operations in 1948 as WIBG-FM, initially simulcasting its AM sister station. During the 1960s, it experimented with progressive rock formats. Following ownership changes and FCC regulatory hurdles, the station was renamed WPNA in 1969 and remained silent for two years.

Storer Broadcasting's initial low-power operation limited its reach. Attempts to increase power were complicated by interference issues with stations in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, operating on the same frequency. The sale to SJR Communications in 1971 marked a pivotal moment, enabling power upgrades and a new identity.

The WYSP Era (1971-2011)

Acquired by SJR Communications, the station was rebranded as WYSP. It transitioned through various music formats, most notably establishing itself as a prominent album-oriented rock (AOR) station in the 1970s, later shifting to classic rock and then hard rock formats. This period saw significant competition and innovation in the Philadelphia rock radio landscape.

WYSP's format evolution included a brief foray into easy listening before embracing AOR in 1973, achieving peak popularity in the mid-70s. By the fall of 1981, it pioneered the "classic rock" format. The station also integrated talk shows, including hosting The Howard Stern Show and later Opie and Anthony. In 2005, it adopted the "Free FM" talk format before reverting to active rock and then classic rock in its final years.

Transition to Sports Talk (2011-Present)

In August 2011, CBS Radio announced the simulcast of its established AM sports talk station, WIP (AM), onto 94.1 FM. This marked the end of WYSP's music programming and the birth of WIP-FM as a dedicated FM sports talk powerhouse. The station has since solidified its position as a leading sports media outlet in the region.

The transition involved moving WYSP's classic rock programming to an HD subchannel. The simulcast initially saw some programming splits between the AM and FM frequencies before WIP (AM) eventually became a full-time affiliate of CBS Sports Radio, solidifying WIP-FM's role as the primary local sports voice. Ownership later transitioned to Entercom, now known as Audacy, Inc.

Format Evolution

Music Formats

WIP-FM has experienced a diverse range of music formats throughout its history under the WYSP call sign:

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR): Defined the station in the 1970s, featuring popular rock album tracks.
Classic Rock: Adopted in the 1980s and revisited later, focusing on iconic rock hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Hard Rock: A contemporary shift in the 1990s and early 2000s, emphasizing heavier rock sounds.

Talk and Sports

The station's programming also incorporated significant talk elements:

Free FM: A brief period (2005-2007) featuring "hot talk" and syndicated personalities.
Sports Talk: Since 2011, WIP-FM has exclusively broadcast a sports talk format, becoming a flagship for major Philadelphia sports teams.

HD Radio Subchannels

Leveraging HD Radio technology, WIP-FM offers multiple subchannels:

HD2: Carries a simulcast of co-owned KYW (AM)'s all-news format.
HD3: Revives the classic rock format previously heard on WYSP.
HD4: Previously featured "Eagles 24/7" programming dedicated to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Notable Personnel

Current On-Air Talent

WIP-FM features a roster of prominent local and national sports personalities:

Ruben Amaro Jr.
Larry Andersen
Jason Avant
Joe Conklin
Ben Davis
Joe DeCamara
Ray Didinger
Hugh Douglas
Scott Franzke
Jack Fritz
Brandon Graham
Sonny Hill
Ron Jaworski
Seth Joyner
Devan Kaney
Jason Kelce
Glen Macnow
Jody McDonald
Al Morganti
Mike Quick
Ike Reese
Merrill Reese
Rickie Ricardo
Jon Ritchie
Eliot Shorr-Parks

Former Key Personalities

The station's history includes many influential figures from its music and talk eras:

Michael Barkann
Tom Brookshier
Tony Bruno
Craig Carton
Angelo Cataldi
Garry Cobb
Pat Croce
Howard Eskin
Big Daddy Graham
Jim Jackson
Keith Jones
John Kincade
John Marzano
Mike Missanelli
Hollis Thomas
John DeBella
Howard Stern
Opie and Anthony
Kidd Chris
Paul Barsky
Scotty and Alex
Danny Bonaduce

Technical Specifications

Frequency and Class

Frequency: 94.1 MHz

Class: B

Licensing Authority: FCC

Facility ID: 28628

Power and Height

Analog ERP: 9,600 watts

Digital ERP: 460 watts

HAAT: 339 meters (1,112 ft)

Location Data

Broadcast Area: Delaware Valley

Transmitter Coordinates: 40°02′30″N 75°14′10.1″W

(40.04167°N 75.236139°W)

Ownership & Affiliations

Current Ownership

WIP-FM is owned by Audacy, Inc. (formerly Entercom), a major broadcasting company. This ownership structure places WIP-FM among a portfolio of stations in the Philadelphia market.

Sister Stations

Within the Philadelphia cluster managed by Audacy, WIP-FM shares common ownership with several other prominent stations, including:

KYW (AM)
WBEB
WOGL
WPHI-FM
WPHT
WTDY-FM

Historical Ownership

The station's ownership history includes significant entities such as:

Storer Broadcasting (initial owner as WIBG-FM/WPNA)
SJR Communications (transitioned to WYSP)
Infinity Broadcasting Corporation (acquired WYSP)
CBS Radio (merged with Infinity)
Entercom (merged with CBS Radio, now Audacy)

Signal Considerations

Short-Spacing

WIP-FM operates on 94.1 MHz, a frequency that requires careful management due to FCC regulations concerning minimum distance separation. This is particularly relevant for Class B stations sharing the same or adjacent channels.

WIP-FM is short-spaced with WQKX (94.1 MHz) in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, with a transmitter distance of 93 miles, falling short of the FCC's minimum 150-mile requirement for Class B stations on the same channel.

Additionally, its proximity to WNYC-FM (93.9 MHz) in New York City, a first-adjacent channel, is managed under FCC rules requiring a minimum separation of 105 miles, with WIP-FM's transmitter distance being 82 miles.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the WIP-FM Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding broadcast media, historical research, or legal compliance. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

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

Philadelphia's Sonic Tapestry

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The Station: WIP-FM 📻

📍 Location & Identity

📡 Broadcast Infrastructure

📣 Key Affiliations

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🚀 Early Years (1948-1971)

🎸 The WYSP Era (1971-2011)

🏆 Transition to Sports Talk (2011-Present)

Format Evolution 🎛️

🎵 Music Formats

🗣️ Talk and Sports

🔊 HD Radio Subchannels

Notable Personnel 🧑‍💼

⭐ Current On-Air Talent

📜 Former Key Personalities

Technical Specifications ⚙️

📻 Frequency and Class

⚡ Power and Height

📍 Location Data

Ownership & Affiliations 🏢

🤝 Current Ownership

🔗 Sister Stations

📜 Historical Ownership

Signal Considerations 📶

⚠️ Short-Spacing

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Station: WIP-FM

Location & Identity

Broadcast Infrastructure

Key Affiliations

Historical Trajectory

Early Years (1948-1971)

The WYSP Era (1971-2011)

Transition to Sports Talk (2011-Present)

Format Evolution

Music Formats

Talk and Sports

HD Radio Subchannels

Notable Personnel

Current On-Air Talent

Former Key Personalities

Technical Specifications

Frequency and Class

Power and Height

Location Data

Ownership & Affiliations

Current Ownership

Sister Stations

Historical Ownership

Signal Considerations

Short-Spacing

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice