WQDY-FM (92.7 FM), on air as Classic Hits 92.7 & 95.3, is an American radio station licensed to Calais, Maine. The station simulcasts on WALZ-FM (95.3) in Machias, Maine. The station carries a classic hits format, with a heavy emphasis on local sports, including Boston Red Sox baseball. Previous to the station's owners buying WCRQ in 2003, WQDY-FM was also carried on WQDY (1230 AM).
History
WQDY launched on July 4, 1959. It originally broadcast on AM 1230. Founders John Vondell and John Foster established the station that year. In 1964, it was sold to Buffalo Bob Smith, best known as the host of children's television series Howdy Doody. Smith also had a summer home on Big Lake in Grand Lake Stream. Dan Hollingdale, who started at the station several months after it originally began, rose through the ranks to become station manager under Smith. Hollingdale bought the station from Smith in 1978.
In 1995, WQDY began simulcasting on WALZ-FM (95.3) in Machias, Maine. In 1996, 24/7 operation began on both stations when they were sold to Mike Goodine and Bill McVicar. Goodine had been station manager under Hollingdale. McVicar began career at the station in 1986 as an account executive and play-by-play announcer. In 1998, McVicar, Goodine and partner Roger Holst purchased WALZ-FM in Machias. In 2001, McVicar and Holst took over ownership.
