WJAR (AM)

WJAR (AM) is a Class B AM radio station licensed to Providence, Rhode Island, broadcasting on 920 kHz. With origins dating to the early 1920s, the station has been a significant voice in the Providence metropolitan area for over a century. Its history reflects the broader evolution of broadcasting in New England, transitioning through various owners and formats while maintaining a consistent presence on the AM band.

History

The station's origins trace back to 1922 when it was first licensed, making it one of the pioneering radio stations in the United States. Initially operating under different call letters, it adopted the **WJAR** identifier in the late 1920s, becoming an affiliate of the NBC Red Network. For decades, **WJAR** served as a key outlet for NBC programming, including popular dramas, comedies, and news from New York City. In the post-war era, the station was owned by the Outlet Company, a prominent Rhode Island-based department store chain that also operated television station WJAR (TV). Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, **WJAR** changed ownership several times, with later owners including Clear Channel Communications and iHeartMedia, reflecting the consolidation trends within the broadcasting industry.

Coverage and Format

**WJAR** broadcasts with 5,000 watts during the day and 1,000 watts at night from its transmitter site, providing reliable coverage across the Providence metropolitan area and much of Rhode Island. Historically, the station carried a full-service format featuring news, talk, and music. In more recent decades, it has primarily operated as a talk radio station, airing syndicated conservative talk shows from hosts like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. The station has also provided extensive local news coverage and traffic reports, serving as an important information source for commuters in the Interstate 95 corridor. Its programming has often been complemented by its FM sister stations under common ownership.

Translators

To extend its reach, particularly in areas where AM signals face reception challenges, **WJAR** has been relayed by FM translator stations. These translators rebroadcast the **WJAR** signal on FM band frequencies, improving audio fidelity and coverage in specific communities within Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The use of such translators is a common strategy among AM stations to maintain audience share in the modern era dominated by FM broadcasting and digital audio.

Technical Information

**WJAR** operates on 920 kHz as a Class B station, sharing the frequency with other stations under FCC rules that require directional antenna patterns to prevent interference. Its daytime power is 5,000 watts, reducing to 1,000 watts at night to protect clear-channel station KEX in Portland, Oregon. The station's transmitter and antenna array are located in Johnston, Rhode Island. Like many AM stations, **WJAR** has contended with technical challenges such as radio frequency interference and the need for modernization, including exploring HD Radio hybrid digital broadcasting to improve sound quality.

Category:Radio stations in Providence, Rhode Island Category:AM radio stations in Rhode Island Category:Radio stations established in 1922 Category:1922 establishments in Rhode Island