WIRX

WIRX
Broadcast area[2]
Frequency107.1 MHz (HD Radio)
BrandingRock 107 WIRX
Programming
FormatMainstream rock
AffiliationsDetroit Lions Radio Network
Ownership
Owner
WCSY-FM, WCXT, WQYQ, WSJM-FM, WYTZ
History
First air date
June 20, 1966 (as WSJM-FM)
Former call signs
WSJM-FM (1965–1969)
Call sign meaning
Music WIRX (Works)
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID74005
ClassA
ERP1,200 watts
HAAT152 meters
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen Live
Websitewirx.com

WIRX (107.1 FM, "Rock 107 WIRX") is a mainstream rock radio station owned by Mid-West Family Broadcasting located in Benton Harbor, Michigan.[2][3] The station's city of license is St. Joseph, Michigan broadcasting in HD from a tower at the edge of Benton Township, Michigan. The station features The Plan B Morning Show.

History

According to the "History of 107.1 FM St. Joseph",[4] the 107.1 frequency was started as a music outlet to sister station WSJM in 1964 by Mid-West Family Broadcasting (MWF), which is based in Madison, Wisconsin. WSJM-FM began broadcasting in stereo on 107.1 MHz in 1965 and regularly provided stereo remote broadcasts by the Twin Cities Symphony and other events.

In 1969, the station changed its call letters to WIRX(FM) and switched to a completely jockless, automated Country format, tagged "WIRX Country."

1979 began the AOR/Top 40 a.k.a. Rock 40 format for the station and dubbed "The All New Rock 107 WIRX, The Music Works" playing artists from both the current and past years of rock.

The station switched its format slightly to a more AC-leaning rock format and was rebranded as "The New Magic 107 WIRX" with Jim Gifford and The Champions of Breakfast as the morning show.

WIRX returned to their roots as "Rock 107 WIRX" in 1991 and began running a mainstream rock format which it continues to do to this day.

Former Program Directors include Jim Gifford, Shelley Morgan, and Robb Rose.

The station is managed on a local level to this day, much as it was when it first came on the air.

Morning shows

The station has had several morning shows over the last decade. Hosts have included John Jay with Brother Phil, the syndicated "Free Beer and Hot Wings", The Jason Lee show featuring Hunter, Rex Charger, and the current "Plan B Morning Show" with Brock Havens.

References

  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WIRX". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ Michiguide.com (2007). "WIRX FM 107.1 St. Joseph". Michiguide.com. Retrieved September 3, 2007.
  3. ^ FCC (2007). "WIRX Station Search Details". Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved September 3, 2007.
  4. ^ History of 107.1 FM St. Joseph - ROCK 107 WIRX Website, Retrieved January 1, 2010 [1]

42°04′19″N 86°22′16″W / 42.072°N 86.371°W / 42.072; -86.371