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New York's Rhythmic Heartbeat

An in-depth exploration of WXNY-FM, "La X 96.3," the dynamic voice shaping the Hispanic rhythmic soundscape of the New York metropolitan area.

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Understanding WXNY-FM

Station Identity

WXNY-FM, known on-air as La X 96.3, is a commercial radio station broadcasting at 96.3 MHz FM in New York City. It is licensed to New York, New York, and serves the expansive New York metropolitan area. The station is a key player in the region's audio landscape, owned by Uforia Audio Network, a subsidiary of Univision Radio Stations Group, Inc.

Sonic Signature

The station's programming is centered around a Hispanic rhythmic format, blending contemporary Latin pop with the infectious beats of reggaeton. Broadcasting primarily in Spanish, La X 96.3 aims to capture the vibrant energy and diverse musical tastes of the Latin community within the metropolitan area.

Broadcast Hub

WXNY-FM's transmitter is strategically located atop the iconic Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan. This prime location ensures robust signal coverage across the densely populated New York metropolitan area, reaching a vast audience with its distinctive programming.

Evolution of a Station

A Rich Broadcast Legacy

The 96.3 FM frequency has a long and varied history, with WXNY-FM representing its latest iteration in serving New York's diverse audio market. The station's journey reflects the evolving media landscape and demographic shifts in the region.

The station's origins trace back to November 26, 1939, initially operating on 105.9 FM. It first aired as WHBI under its original owners, Hoyt Brothers Incorporated. Throughout the 1980s, under Multicultural Broadcasting, it became known as WNWK, featuring leased-access ethnic programming and serving as a voice for various communities. The call letters WNWK were derived from its city of license, Newark, New Jersey.

In May 1998, a significant transition occurred when Multicultural Broadcasting sold 105.9 FM to Heftel Broadcasting, which later became Hispanic Broadcasting. The plan was to shift the station towards a Spanish-language mass-appeal format. This led to the launch of "Caliente 105.9" ("Hot 105.9") on May 24, 1998, with the new call letters WCAA.

By September 1999, the station rebranded as "105.9 Latino Mix." Following a corporate merger, Univision Communications acquired Hispanic Broadcasting, integrating WCAA into its radio portfolio alongside WADO. In February 2004, Univision purchased the 92.7 FM frequency, previously home to WLIR-FM, to create a western Long Island simulcast of 105.9, operating under the call letters WZAA. This move aimed to improve coverage in Nassau County and Queens.

A further format evolution occurred on May 27, 2005, when WCAA adopted a reggaeton-focused format branded as La Kalle, a stylized Spanish term for "the street." The station's HD2 channel launched in 2006, carrying the original "Caliente/Latino Mix" tropical music format. In mid-2006, Univision promoted "La Kalle" nationwide with the slogan "Yo Soy La Kalle!" ("I Am La Kalle!"). By late 2006, the slogan shifted to "El Movimiento Latino" ("The Latino Movement").

The station's programming saw further adjustments, including a mix of Bachata and Salsa alongside Reggaeton, and the return of Luis Jimenez's syndicated morning show in February 2007. On January 17, 2008, the station officially adopted the "Latino Mix" format, similar to its pre-2005 programming.

A pivotal moment arrived on October 8, 2009. In a frequency swap, classical station WQXR-FM moved from 96.3 FM to 105.9 FM. Concurrently, WCAA relocated to the 96.3 FM frequency, dropped the "La Kalle" branding, and adopted the new moniker "X 96.3" with the call letters WXNY-FM. This transition marked the station's current identity and frequency.

Further format refinements included a shift towards a hurban format on May 19, 2014, with the slogan "ยกMรบsica Urbana y Mucho Mรกs!". In November 2016, the station transitioned to a Spanish rhythmic AC format under the slogan "Super Hits: El Sonido de Hoy." Most recently, on September 19, 2018, the slogan was updated to "El Ritmo de New York."

Programming & Sound

Core Format: Hispanic Rhythmic

WXNY-FM, "La X 96.3," is dedicated to delivering a vibrant mix of Hispanic rhythmic music. This format encompasses popular Latin pop hits and the energetic rhythms of reggaeton, catering specifically to the Spanish-speaking audience in the New York metropolitan area.

Language and Reach

The primary language of broadcast is Spanish, ensuring direct connection and engagement with its target demographic. The station's reach extends across the diverse and culturally rich New York metropolitan area, making it a significant voice in the regional Latin music scene.

Digital Subchannels

Beyond its primary FM signal, WXNY-FM utilizes HD Radio technology to offer multiple subchannels, expanding its programming diversity:

  • HD2: Carries a simulcast of WADO, featuring a Regional Mexican format branded as "Quรฉ Buena 1280 AM."
  • HD3: Broadcasts Russian music under the branding "Radio Russkaya Reklama."
  • HD4: Features Russian music programming via "Radio Freedom FM."

Technical Specifications

Broadcast Parameters

WXNY-FM operates under specific technical parameters that define its broadcast capabilities and coverage area:

Technical Details
Frequency 96.3 MHz (FM) / HD Radio
Broadcast Area New York metropolitan area
Transmitter Location Empire State Building, Midtown Manhattan
Licensing Authority FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
Facility ID 29022
Class B
Effective Radiated Power (ERP) 6,000 watts
Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) 541.0 meters (1,774.9 ft)
Transmitter Coordinates 40ยฐ44โ€ฒ54.36โ€ณN 73ยฐ59โ€ฒ08.36โ€ณW
Translator (HD4) 104.7 MHz (W284BW, New York)

Ownership & Affiliations

Corporate Structure

WXNY-FM is owned and operated by Uforia Audio Network, which is part of the Univision Radio Stations Group, Inc. This affiliation places the station within a larger network dedicated to serving the Hispanic community across the United States with diverse media content.

Sister Stations

As part of the Univision Radio network, WXNY-FM shares affiliations with other broadcast properties. Its radio sister station is WADO, which broadcasts a Regional Mexican format on its HD2 channel. Additionally, Univision operates several television stations in the New York market, including WFTY-DT, WFUT-DT, and WXTV-DT.

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References

References

  1.  Bloomberg News (July 14, 2009)
  2.  RadioInsight (October 9, 2009)
A full list of references for this article are available at the WXNY-FM Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia, and may not reflect the most current information or nuances of the subject matter.

This is not professional media or broadcast advice. The information provided is not a substitute for consulting official station documentation, industry standards, or seeking advice from qualified broadcast professionals. Always refer to official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date details regarding WXNY-FM and its operations.

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