 | |
| Broadcast area | [1] (Daytime) [2] (Nighttime) |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 990kHz |
| Branding | Ave Maria Radio |
| Programming | |
| Format | Religious;Catholic-based talk/sermons |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Ave Maria Media Services |
| History | |
First air date | November 16, 1962 |
Former call signs | WYNZ (1962–1974) WYFC (1974-1986) WWCM (1986-1999) |
| Technical information | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| Class | B |
| Power | 9,200watts (Daytime) 250watts (Nighttime) |
Transmitter coordinates | 42°15′53″N83°36′47″W / 42.26472°N 83.61306°W /42.26472; -83.61306 (day) 42°15′55″N83°46′42″W / 42.26528°N 83.77833°W /42.26528; -83.77833 (night) |
| Translators | W288DW (105.5MHz,Southfield) 107.9 MHz W300CO (Dexter) |
| Links | |
Public license information | |
| Webcast | [3] |
| Website | http://www.avemariaradio.net/ |
WDEO is a radio station broadcasting on 990 kilohertz inYpsilanti,Michigan. Broadcasting Catholic programming, WDEO is operated by Ave Maria Radio.
Most programming is locally produced, but some daytime content comes from theEWTN Global Catholic Radio Network.
WDEO began operations in 1962 asWYNZ, a 250-wattdaytimer on 1520 AM with acountry format, which changed toTop 40 in 1964 and then religious programming in 1968. Two young DJs who would go on to long careers in radio started at WYNZ: 14-year-old Jim Kerr, who got on the air by selling airtime to local merchants; and John Huzar, a teenaged friend who took over Kerr's show one week.[1] Kerr later spent over twenty years in New York asWPLJ's morning man (1974–96), while Huzar—better known as Jim Harper—became a Detroit radio legend, retiring fromWMGC-FM at the end of 2011.[2] (Harper returned to radio in 2017, doing a weekly show onWLXT inPetoskey, Michigan.)
In 1974, the station changed its calls toWYFC with the format remaining Christian-based. By the early 1980s, WYFC had become one of the first stations in the area to feature the emerging field of what would become known ascontemporary Christian music. In late 1986, the station moved to its current 990 AM frequency and becameWWCM (known as simply "WCM" on the air). The format remained Contemporary Christian. In the late 1990s, WWCM's daytime power increased to 9,200 watts, giving the station much better coverage of the metropolitan Detroit area. WCM also broadcast inAM Stereo (which was dropped after the station changed format).
FormerDomino's Pizza ownerTom Monaghan purchased WWCM in 1999 and changed it toWDEO, using the same calls andCatholic format formerly heard on AM 1290 inSaline (nowWLBY). The station's studios were also moved from their longtime location on Cross Street in Ypsilanti into theDomino's Farms complex near Ann Arbor.
In addition to WDEO, Ave Maria Radio is heard onWMAX inBay City andWLCM in Lansing. Ave Maria Radio also owns several translators in southeast Michigan including 107.9 W300CO Dexter, 105.5 W288DW[3] Southfield, and 105.9 W290DM Midland.[4]EWTN has long carried Ave Maria Radio programming includingCatholic Connection with Teresa Tomeo andKresta in the Afternoon withAl Kresta. Kresta died on June 15, 2024.[5]
Ave Maria Radio produces Catholic local and nationally syndicated Catholic radio programming. Its national offerings include current event and culture programsCatholic Connection with Teresa Tomeo andAve Maria in the Afternoon with Dr. Marcus Peter.[6] Other programs include lifestyle and family counseling programsMore2Life with Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak andThe Doctor is In with Dr. Ray Guarendi. These programs are syndicated through the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network to more than 350 AM and FM stations across the United States.[7] These programs are also carried on EWTN'sSiriusXM channel.[8]
Ave Maria Radio produces a wide variety of programming for its stations in Michigan, including local events and news programs such asEpiphany with Vanessa Denha Garmo andMichigan Mornings® with Matthew Handley.[9] It also creates programs hosted by members of Renewal Ministries[10] and other Catholic music programs also.
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