50 Facts About WHIO

WHIO's Early Beginnings and Move to Dayton

WHIO has a storied history that dates back to the 1920s. Let's explore its origins and how it became a Dayton staple.

1. WHIO's history dates back to the 1920s when it was first established as WLBW in Oil City, Pennsylvania.
2. In the 1930s, former Ohio Governor James M. Cox purchased WLBW and relocated it to Dayton, Ohio, renaming it WHIO-AM. This marked the beginning of the Cox Broadcasting empire.
3. Cox Broadcasting, founded by James M. Cox, would go on to become a significant player in the broadcasting industry, with WHIO being its flagship station.

WHIO-AM: The Voice of Dayton

For decades, WHIO-AM was a vital source of news, talk, and entertainment for Dayton residents.

4. WHIO-AM was known as "The Voice of Dayton," providing news, talk, and entertainment to the local community.
5. One of WHIO's early newscasters was Phil Donahue, who hosted a daily talk show called "Conversation Piece."
6. Lou Emm's voice was the familiar wake-up call to thousands of Daytonians for over five decades, making him a beloved figure in local radio.

Pioneering FM Stations

WHIO wasn't just about AM radio; it also played a significant role in FM broadcasting.

7. In the 1960s, WAVI owner H.K. "Bud" Crowl launched America's first FM station aimed exclusively at the African-American community, WDAO-FM. This station became an incredible success and launched the music careers of artists like The Ohio Players and Bootsy Collins.
8. WONE-AM, which began broadcasting in 1949, was an independent non-network station with a unique block programming style. It played pop music from 5 AM to 9 AM, country music from 9 AM to 12 Noon, easy listening from Noon to 3 PM, and pop music again from 3 PM onwards.
9. The original studios of WONE were located on the second floor of the Second National Bank Building at the southwest corner of East Third and Jefferson Streets.

Evolution of WHIO's Programming

WHIO's programming has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to changing tastes and technologies.

10. Due to urban renewal and the failure of Channel 22 (WIFE), WONE and its sister station WTWO-FM moved to 380 West First Street in 1965. Later, they relocated again to studios at 11 South Wilkinson Street in Dayton.
11. WONE's block programming initially included middle-of-the-road music but later switched to Top 40 in an attempt to compete with WING. After a couple of years, it returned to a middle-of-the-road format. In 1969, WONE flipped to country music and had a decades-long run as Dayton's country music giant.
12. WTUE-FM, which first began as a Top 40 station, flipped to Album Rock in 1975 and has entertained Dayton's rock music fans for over 30 years.

WHIO-TV: Dayton's News Leader

WHIO-TV has been a staple in local television for decades, providing news and entertainment to Dayton residents.

13. WHIO-TV began on channel 13 but moved to channel 7 a few years later, where it remains today. It is known as Dayton's News Leader and has been a staple in local television for decades.
14. Don Wayne, a legendary anchor at WHIO-TV, was known for his delivery, which many mistook for Walter Cronkite. He was a favorite anchor for decades, and his retirement was marked by Jim Baldridge taking over his anchor chair.
15. Gil Whitney, a popular local weathercaster, charmed Dayton TV viewers with his penchant for forecasting by wooly worms and the Old Farmer's Almanac.

WHIO-FM's Journey

WHIO-FM has undergone several transformations, reflecting the changing landscape of radio broadcasting.

16. WHIO-FM (95.7 MHz) was originally signed on as WPTW-FM in 1960 with its city of license in Piqua, Ohio. It largely simulcast co-owned WPTW 1570 AM.
17. By the late 1960s, WPTW played middle-of-the-road music using a sophisticated reel-to-reel automation system, while the FM had a beautiful music format playing 15-minute sweeps of instrumental cover versions of popular songs.
18. The "Dell-O Morning Show" hosted by Dell Olmay was heard on both WPTW and WPTW-FM, making it a unique feature of the station's programming.

Changes in FCC Rules and Simulcasting

Changes in FCC rules have significantly impacted WHIO-FM's operations and programming.

19. After Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules changed regarding daytimer AM stations operating on Mexican "clear channel frequencies," 1570 WPTW was given approval to broadcast around the clock in 1986. This led WPTW-FM to end all simulcasting and carry a separate format and image.
20. In 2000, WPTW-FM switched from oldies to classic hits, covering the top songs from the late 1970s through the 1980s. It changed its call letters to WDPT and switched its moniker to "The Point."
21. The Point's mostly 1980s format was consulted by Randy Kabrich, who had programmed WRBQ/Tampa in the mid-to-late 1980s. The station only continued the simulcast with 95.3 for a short time before the Xenia station flipped to classic rock as "The Eagle."

WHIO-FM's News/Talk Format

WHIO-FM's current format focuses on news and talk, providing listeners with a variety of informative and engaging programs.

22. In October 2006, after playing "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds, WDPT's music format ended. The station began a simulcast of WHIO, using the call sign WHIO-FM.
23. In July 2011, WHIO-FM changed its community of license from Piqua, Ohio, to Pleasant Hill, Ohio. This change was necessitated by FCC requirements that the station's main studio be located within 25 miles of its community of license. With the move of Cox Media Group facilities to the South Main Street location, Piqua no longer met that requirement, but Pleasant Hill does.
24. WHIO-FM personality Larry Hansgen hosts the morning-drive program, Miami Valley's Morning News. Brian Kilmeade's late-morning program, produced by Fox News Talk and distributed by Westwood One, airs in late mornings. The Mark Kaye Show (based at WOKV-FM) and The Sean Hannity Show (via Premiere Networks) air in middays and afternoons. The Evening Edge with Todd Hollst airs from 5 PM to 7 PM. The Erik Erickson show airs from 8 PM to 11 PM. Coast to Coast AM (via Premiere) airs in the overnight hours.

WHIO's Sports Coverage and Community Involvement

WHIO is not just about news and talk; it also plays a significant role in local sports and community engagement.

25. WHIO-FM also serves as the radio home for University of Dayton Flyers football and basketball.
26. The WHIO radio staff includes a variety of talented individuals who contribute to the station's programming. The station is known for its diverse lineup of shows and personalities.
27. WHIO offers various advertising opportunities for businesses looking to reach the local community. From radio ads to online streaming, WHIO provides a range of options to suit different marketing needs.
28. WHIO is deeply involved in the local community, often hosting events and supporting local causes. The station's commitment to community service is evident in its numerous charitable initiatives.

WHIO's Historical Material and Studio Layout

WHIO's building and studios are rich with history, reflecting the station's long-standing presence in Dayton.

29. Visitors to the WHIO building can walk past the base of the big self-supporting tower to enter the lobby, which leads into a large sales area. This area features a showcase of WHIO historical material, providing a glimpse into the station's rich history.
30. The original radio studios, located in the heart of the building, have been preserved and are still used today. These studios were designed to be easily converted into additional TV studios if needed, reflecting the vision of the time that radio might fade away in favor of television.
31. The original WHIO-TV studio from 1949 is still in use today, although a corner of it has been walled off for use as a weather office. The studio's design, featuring a big window that looks down into the studio from the control room, is a testament to state-of-the-art TV studio design in the 40s and 50s.

WHIO Building Expansion and Modernization

Over the years, the WHIO building has undergone several expansions and modernizations to meet the station's evolving needs.

32. The Wilmington Avenue building has grown considerably from its original size. The addition on the front of the building, which housed executive offices and a small lobby, dated to sometime in the early 1980s.
33. The radio master control area, once visible through big windows to the left of the air talent, has been converted into a rack room with engineering offices behind it. This change reflects the evolving needs of the station over time.
34. The studio with the piano, which was once the main air studio, is now used for various purposes. Another studio behind it serves as a news booth and talk studio, complete with heavy doors and vintage "on-air" lights.

WHKO and Classic Rock Simulcast

WHKO and the classic rock simulcast have also played significant roles in Dayton's radio landscape.

35. WHKO, formerly known as K-99.1, has been a force in the market since its inception. It initially played beautiful music but later changed to country music in 1989. Today, it remains one of the top-rated stations in Dayton.
36. The classic rock simulcast of WCLR (95.7 Piqua) and WZLR (95.3 Xenia) joined the Cox family in 1998. They later flipped to 80s pop as "The Point" but eventually returned to their original formats.

WHIO-FM's Transmitter and Online Streaming

WHIO-FM's reach extends beyond traditional radio, thanks to its transmitter location and online streaming capabilities.

37. The transmitter for WHIO-FM is located in nearby Piqua, Ohio, while the studios are situated in Dayton.
38. In addition to standard analog transmission, WHIO-FM streams online, allowing listeners to access its content from anywhere.

FCC Requirements and Current Programming

Changes in FCC requirements and WHIO-FM's current programming lineup reflect the station's adaptability and commitment to providing quality content.

39. The change in WHIO-FM's community of license from Piqua to Pleasant Hill was necessitated by FCC requirements that the station's main studio be located within 25 miles of its community of license. This rule was later eliminated by the FCC in October 2017.
40. WHIO-FM's current programming lineup includes Miami Valley’s Morning News hosted by Larry Hansgen, Brian Kilmeade Show, The Mark Kaye Show, The Sean Hannity Show, The Evening Edge with Todd Hollst, The Erik Erickson Show, and Coast to Coast AM.

WHIO's Legacy and Impact

WHIO has left an indelible mark on Dayton's broadcasting history, continuing to be a cornerstone of local media.

41. WHIO-FM serves as the radio home for University of Dayton Flyers football and basketball games, providing extensive coverage of local sports events.
42. WHIO is deeply engaged with the local community, hosting various events and supporting local causes. The station's commitment to community service is evident in its numerous charitable initiatives.
43. The WHIO building features a showcase of historical material, providing a glimpse into the station's rich history. Visitors can walk past the base of the big self-supporting tower to enter the lobby, which leads into a large sales area.
44. The original radio studios were designed to be easily converted into additional TV studios if needed. The layout included high-ceilinged radio studios on the north side, looking out to a large master-control area, and a big TV studio on the south side ready for live productions.
45. The original WHIO-TV studio from 1949 features a big window that looks down into the studio from the control room. This design was state-of-the-art for its time and is still visible today.
46. A corner of the original WHIO-TV studio has been walled off for use as a weather office. This addition reflects the evolving needs of the station over time.
47. The addition on the front of the building, which housed executive offices and a small lobby, dated to sometime in the early 1980s. This expansion reflects the growth and development of the station over the years.
48. The radio master control area, once visible through big windows to the left of the air talent, has been converted into a rack room with engineering offices behind it. This change reflects the evolving needs of the station over time.
49. WHIO has left an indelible mark on Dayton's broadcasting history. From its early days as WLBW to its current status as a leading news and talk radio station, WHIO continues to be a cornerstone of local media, providing essential information and entertainment to the community.
50. WHIO's journey from its humble beginnings in Oil City, Pennsylvania, to its current status as a leading news and talk radio station in Dayton, Ohio, is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. With a rich history spanning nearly a century, WHIO continues to be an integral part of the local community, providing essential information and entertainment to its listeners.

WHIO's Enduring Legacy

WHIO has been a cornerstone of Dayton's media landscape for nearly a century. From its early days as WLBW in Pennsylvania to becoming "The Voice of Dayton," WHIO has consistently evolved to meet the needs of its audience. The station's rich history includes notable figures like Phil Donahue and Lou Emm, groundbreaking programming, and a deep commitment to community involvement. WHIO's transition from beautiful music to country and its current news/talk format showcases its adaptability. The station's dedication to local sports, community service, and historical preservation further cements its role as a vital part of Dayton's cultural fabric. WHIO continues to provide essential news, entertainment, and sports coverage, ensuring its place in the hearts of Daytonians for years to come.