WGPA
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daytimer) | |
Translator(s) | 98.5 W253CC (Bethlehem) |
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Links | |
Webcast | Listen live |
Website | Sunny1100.com |
WGPA (1100
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History
20th century
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/WGPA_Sunny1100_logo.jpg/220px-WGPA_Sunny1100_logo.jpg)
WGPA was originally a part of the Bethlehem Globe Publishing Authority, from which the call sign was derived. Both WGPA and its sister station, WGPA-FM (now WZZO), began broadcasting on February 16, 1946.[4] The studios were located at 426 Brodhead Avenue, next to the Globe-Times daily newspaper building. At the time, WGPA-AM and FM were simulcast. The FCC license stated ownership as A-B-E Broadcasting, a division of the Bethlehem Globe Times Newspapers, signifying Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton as the coverage area.
WGPA AM 1100 originally broadcast popular music from that time period. The original musical lineup primarily consisted of big bands featuring artists such as Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, and Doris Day. In the early 1950s, Bob Wolken, a recent graduate of Liberty High School, started at the station performing odd jobs. He eventually became an on-air announcer, who would remain through changes in ownership and formats into the 1990s. Wolken's smooth style was the wake up voice for generations of Bethlehem-area residents for many years. His program was called "In the Book" and it aired from sign on time to 9:30 am Monday through Saturdays.
WGPA AM has always been a
In 1973, Bethlehem Globe Publishing Authority began to divest itself of its radio holdings. WGPA AM and FM were sold to Holt Broadcasting for approximately $125,000. The FM station became WEZV, "Easy 95", playing
In 1978, Holt sold WGPA 1100 to Henry Chadwick for approximately $400,000. The offices and studios were moved to the Dodson Building at 528 North New Street. Soon after, the station adopted the moniker "Sunny 1100," playing a mix of
In 1991, Joe Timmer acquired WGPA AM 1100 from Chadwick Broadcasting for $125,000. In addition to nostalgia and oldies music, the station included a variety of locally hosted specialty programming, including The Lehigh Valley Means Business, hosted by Bethlehem Attorney Bruce Davis, which aired for over a decade. Other programs include Parenting Matters with Francine Bianco Tax, Kisslinger & Company, hosted by Larry Kisslinger and sponsored by
21st century
In January 2013, WGPA announced that due to the sale of the Dodson Building, studios would be moving. In May 2013, WGPA began broadcasting from new studios at 429 East Broad Street in Bethlehem.
In March 2015, due to his declining health, Timmer's family sold the station to CC Broadcasting, LLC for $95,000. The purchase was consummated on May 29, 2015.
Programming
The station format change to "Ameripolitan" was introduced in May 2015. This format features music not otherwise heard on the airwaves in the
On September 16, 2015, WGPA hosted a four-hour reunion of former station employees. The program, hosted by Robin Miller and broadcast live, celebrated much of the station's history through story-telling and remembrances from the likes of Miller, Gil Ackroyd, Jerry Dean, Mario Markozzi, and 1950s local singing stars, the JAN Sisters.
A selection of local programs are archived at the station's website and may be accessed any time. The station offers live streaming from the website. Programs can be accessed via an app which then allows tablet and smart phone users to listen anytime over TuneIn, a music app.
FM translator
The
The translator was licensed on April 19, 2017, as W227DE, however, the grant was rescinded on May 5, 2017. A new construction permit was issued for 98.5 W253CC on August 10, 2017, also with an effective radiated power of 250 watts. The translator's antenna points toward South Bethlehem and Hellertown, operating around the clock.
See also
References
External links
- WGPA in the FCC AM station database
- WGPA in Nielsen Audio's AM station database