WWBN
{{short description|Radio station in Tuscola–Flint, Michigan}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WWBN
| logo = File:WWBN Banana101.5 logo.png
| city = Tuscola, Michigan
| area = [http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/pat?call=WWBN&service=FM&status=L&hours=U Flint, MI/The Thumb, MI]
| branding = Banana 101.5
| airdate = September 16, 1994 (at 101.5)
| frequency = 101.5 MHz
| format = Mainstream rock
| erp = 1,800 watts
| haat = 149 meters
| class = A
| facility_id = 20448
| coordinates = {{coord|43|12|0|N|83|33|30|W|type:landmark}}
| callsign_meaning = BaNana
| former_callsigns = WKMF-FM (12/91-9/94)
WGMZ-FM (7/87-12/91)
| affiliations = Compass Media Networks
| owner = Townsquare Media
| licensee = Townsquare Media of Flint, Inc.
| sister_stations = WCRZ, WFNT, WQUS, WRCL
| webcast = [http://banana1015.com/listen-live/ Listen Live]
| website = [http://banana1015.com banana1015.com]
| licensing_authority = FCC
}}
WWBN (101.5 FM, "Banana 101.5") is a radio station broadcasting mainstream rock to Flint and The Thumb areas of Michigan. Syndicated shows on Banana include the morning comedy program The Free Beer and Hot Wings Show and the nightly music program Loudwire. It is owned by Townsquare Media and is a member of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters[https://www.mlive.com/sports/flint/2017/08/firebirds_hockey_townsquare_me.html Firebirds Hockey, Townsquare Media Announce Multi-Year Radio Broadcast Partnership] MLive.com, February August 21, 2017
History
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2009}}
The station began operations in 1987 as WGMZ-FM with an Easy Listening music format, reviving the call sign and format formerly used on 107.9 FM (now WCRZ) from 1961 to 1984 and also in the 1980s on 1570 AM (now WWCK). In 1991, WGMZ-FM became country WKMF-FM, simulcasting AM 1470 (now WFNT). The "Banana" name, album-oriented rock format and the WWBN calls debuted in 1994. Subsequently, WWBN moved from 101.7 to 101.5 in a frequency swap with WPRJ, a contemporary Christian music station in Coleman, Michigan, and both stations were also able to increase their power.
WWBN's owner, Regent Broadcasting (now Townsquare Media), took control of active rock station WRXF 103.1 FM "Radio X" in Lapeer, Michigan in December 2001. {{Citation needed|date=April 2009}} After a short three-month period of simulcasting the Banana on 103.1, WRXF debuted a new classic hits format as "U.S. 103.1" WQUS in February 2002, and the Banana evolved from mainstream AOR into its current active rock sound. Current program director and air personality Tony LaBrie is a veteran of WRXF's "Radio X" days and is the recipient of the RadioContraband Rock Radio Award for Small Market Radio Program Director of the Year in both 2011 and 2012. The Banana was voted "Small Market Radio Station of the Year" for the RadioContraband Rock Radio Award in 2011.
Sources
- [http://www.michiguide.com/dials/rad-v/wwbn.html Michiguide.com - WWBN History]
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.facebook.com/Banana1015 Banana 101.5 on Facebook]
- {{FM station data|739751|WWBN}}
{{Flint Radio}}
{{Rock Radio Stations in Michigan}}
{{Townsquare Media}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wwbn}}
Category:Mainstream rock radio stations in the United States
Category:Radio stations established in 1994