• Get involved.
    We want your input!
    Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.

    After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
    If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.

    After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
    https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/

    Thanks in advance and have fun!
    RadioDiscussions Administrators

WRIF Launches Station History Podcast

Y2kTheNewOldies

Y2kTheNewOldies

https://radioinsight.com/headlines/181567/wrif-launches-station-history-podcast/

Beasley to release the WRIF Station history Podcast with current and former staff members of the station.

Beasley Media’s 101.1 WRIF Detroit has launched a monthly podcast dedicated to the station’s 48 year history as a Rock station.

The podcast will be hosted WRIF weekend host Steve Black and former DJ Mike Staff featuring discussions with current and former WRIF staffers. The inaugural episode features longtime personality Arthur Penhallow, who worked at the station from its launch in 1971 until 2009.
Click to expand...
 
Seems like their Math isn't very accurate. They changed to WRIF on 2-14-71, and they had the same format as WXYZ-FM before the call letter change. They had been "experimenting" with the format, among other things, since the FCC AM FM Simulcast restrictions took effect. At the very least, they are coming up on 49 years, not 48 years. It was a Top 40 Simulcast as WXYZ-FM, and had elements of Top 40 until late 1975, when they dropped mellower tracks.
 
Schroedingers Cat said:
Seems like their Math isn't very accurate. They changed to WRIF on 2-14-71, and they had the same format as WXYZ-FM before the call letter change. They had been "experimenting" with the format, among other things, since the FCC AM FM Simulcast restrictions took effect.
Click to expand...

Its a similar story for all the ABC FM O&Os, who were faced with the same dilemma as a result of that FCC decision. As expected, the corporate programmers addressed the situation. The company used the "Love" format for a few years, as was the case with WLS-FM and WABC-FM. Somewhere I have an old WABC-FM button with the "Love 95-1/2" logo on it. The plan started to solidify in 1970. One of the first things ABC Radio did with their FM stations, as I recall, was a live Elton John concert that ended up becoming an album (11-17-70).

As for history podcasts, it's something the formerly co-owned KLOS-FM is doing as well. There's a lot of great heritage that was kept within the archive that until recently was mainly retained under single ownership. Now with the sales of KLOS and WPLJ, their archives are likely being scattered.
 
WRIF wants everyone to forget the fact they played some disco records in rotation in the late 70's. :)

Even in the very early 80's, WRIF was a weak sauced rock station.

Nonetheless, the station does have a terrific history, and it's nice to see it being chronicled! Too bad Mike Staff isn't still part of their weekend crew; I do not like Jade Springhart at all. She is ultra boring and lacks charisma. Thank goodness Steve Black is still there.
 
I don't remember any Disco after 1975. Maybe some special programs, as I recall, like WLAV-FM also had on Saturday Nights as I recall being told, up to about 1977. The last two Top 40 songs I remember being played on WRIF were "Who Loves You" by The Four Seasons, and "Nights On Broadway" by The Bee Gees, which were considered somewhat Disco oriented. That was in November, 1975.
 
Status
This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.


Back
Top Bottom