 | |
| Broadcast area | Flint, MI/The Thumb, MI |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 101.5MHz |
| Branding | Banana 101.5 |
| Programming | |
| Format | Mainstream rock |
| Affiliations | Compass Media Networks |
| Ownership | |
| Owner |
|
| WCRZ,WFNT,WQUS,WRCL | |
| History | |
First air date | September 16, 1994 (at 101.5) |
Former call signs | WKMF-FM (12/91-9/94) WGMZ-FM (7/87-12/91) |
Call sign meaning | BaNana |
| Technical information[1] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| Facility ID | 20448 |
| Class | A |
| ERP | 1,800watts |
| HAAT | 149 meters |
Transmitter coordinates | 43°12′0″N83°33′30″W / 43.20000°N 83.55833°W /43.20000; -83.55833 |
| Links | |
Public license information | |
| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | banana1015.com |
WWBN (101.5FM, "Banana 101.5") is aradio station broadcastingmainstream rock toFlint andThe Thumb areas ofMichigan.Syndicated shows on Banana include the morning comedy programThe Free Beer and Hot Wings Show and the nightly music programLoudwire. It is owned byTownsquare Media and is a member of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters[2]
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The station began operations in 1987 asWGMZ-FM with anEasy Listening music format, reviving the call sign and format formerly used on 107.9 FM (nowWCRZ) from 1961 to 1984 and also in the 1980s on 1570 AM (nowWWCK). In 1991, WGMZ-FM becamecountryWKMF-FM, simulcasting AM 1470 (nowWFNT). The "Banana" name, album-oriented rock format and theWWBN calls debuted in 1994. Subsequently, WWBN moved from 101.7 to 101.5 in a frequency swap withWPRJ, acontemporary Christian music station inColeman, Michigan, and both stations were also able to increase their power.
WWBN's owner, Regent Broadcasting (now Townsquare Media), took control ofactive rock station WRXF 103.1 FM "Radio X" inLapeer, Michigan in December 2001.[citation needed] After a short three-month period of simulcasting the Banana on 103.1, WRXF debuted a newclassic hits format as "U.S. 103.1"WQUS in February 2002, and the Banana evolved from mainstream AOR into its currentactive 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.