WNEW (AM)

WNEW (AM) is a New York City-based radio station that has been a significant part of the city's media landscape, with a history dating back to the early 20th century, featuring notable broadcasters such as Walter Winchell, Dorothy Kilgallen, and William B. Williams. The station has undergone several format changes over the years, including news/talk radio, adult contemporary music, and sports radio, often competing with other prominent stations like WOR (AM), WABC (AM), and WCBS (AM). WNEW (AM) has been owned by various companies, including Metromedia, Westinghouse Broadcasting, and currently, Audacy, Inc., which also owns other notable stations like WFAN (AM), WINS (AM), and WXRK. The station's history is closely tied to the development of radio broadcasting in the United States, with pioneers like Guglielmo Marconi, Lee de Forest, and David Sarnoff playing important roles in shaping the industry.

● History

WNEW (AM) was first licensed in 1922, with its early years marked by a mix of entertainment programming, including music, comedy, and drama, featuring popular performers like Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, and Bing Crosby. The station was later acquired by Metromedia in 1959, which introduced a top 40 format, competing with other popular stations like WABC (AM), WMCA (AM), and WINS (AM). During the 1960s and 1970s, WNEW (AM) became known for its disc jockeys, including William B. Williams, Ted Brown (DJ), and Dan Ingram, who were popular among New York City listeners, often discussing current events, like the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the Moon landing. The station's format changes over the years have been influenced by the shifting media landscape, with the rise of television, cable television, and internet radio, as well as the impact of notable regulatory bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).

● Programming

WNEW (AM) has featured a wide range of programming over the years, including news/talk radio, adult contemporary music, and sports radio, with notable shows like The WNEW Morning Show, The Ted Brown Show, and The Dan Ingram Show. The station has also broadcast various sports events, including New York Yankees and New York Mets games, as well as National Football League (NFL) and National Basketball Association (NBA) games, often in partnership with other prominent stations like WFAN (AM) and WEPN (AM). WNEW (AM) has also been affiliated with several networks, including CBS Radio Network, NBC Radio Network, and Mutual Broadcasting System, which have provided the station with access to a wide range of programming content, including news, entertainment, and sports. The station's programming has been influenced by the work of notable broadcasters like Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, and Howard Cosell, who have helped shape the journalism and entertainment industries.

● Technical

WNEW (AM) operates on a frequency of 1130 AM, with a power output of 50,000 watts, making it one of the most powerful radio stations in the New York City area, often competing with other prominent stations like WOR (AM), WABC (AM), and WCBS (AM). The station's transmitter is located in New Jersey, and its signal can be received in much of the Northeastern United States, including New York State, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. WNEW (AM) has also been at the forefront of technological advancements in radio broadcasting, including the adoption of HD Radio and streaming media, which have enabled the station to reach a wider audience and provide more diverse programming content. The station's technical operations have been influenced by the work of notable engineers and technologists like Guglielmo Marconi, Lee de Forest, and David Sarnoff, who have helped shape the radio broadcasting industry.

● Notable personalities

WNEW (AM) has been home to many notable personalities over the years, including William B. Williams, Ted Brown (DJ), and Dan Ingram, who were popular among New York City listeners, often discussing current events, like the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the Moon landing. The station has also featured other notable hosts, including Walter Winchell, Dorothy Kilgallen, and Curtis Sliwa, who have been influential in shaping the media landscape of New York City, often interacting with other prominent figures like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and John F. Kennedy. WNEW (AM) has also been a launching pad for the careers of many notable broadcasters, including Howard Stern, Don Imus, and Rush Limbaugh, who have gone on to become prominent figures in the media industry, often working with other notable organizations like NBC, CBS, and FOX.

● Controversies

WNEW (AM) has been involved in several controversies over the years, including a highly publicized format change in 1999, which saw the station switch from a talk radio format to a sports radio format, competing with other prominent stations like WFAN (AM) and WEPN (AM). The station has also been criticized for its content, including opinionated hosts and controversial topics, which have sparked debates and protests among listeners and community groups, often involving notable figures like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and Rudy Giuliani. WNEW (AM) has also faced regulatory challenges, including fines and warnings from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which have impacted the station's operations and reputation, often in conjunction with other notable regulatory bodies like the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA).

Category:Radio stations in New York City