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Coordinates: 43°6′48″N 75°15′25″W / 43.11333°N 75.25694°W / 43.11333; -75.25694 (WUSP)
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{{Short description|Radio station in Utica, New York}}
{{more sources|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WUSP / WRCK
| name = WUSP / WRCK
| logo = WUSP 95.5TheHeat logo.png
| logo = WUSP 95.5TheHeat logo.png
| logo_size = 150px
| logo_size = 150px
| city = '''WUSP''': [[Utica, New York|Utica]], [[New York (state)|New York]]<br>'''WRCK''': [[Remsen (town), New York|Remsen, New York]]
| city = '''WUSP''': [[Utica, New York|Utica]], [[New York (state)|New York]]<br />'''WRCK''': [[Remsen (town), New York|Remsen, New York]]
| area = [[Central New York Region]]
| area = [[Central New York Region]]
| branding = 95.5 The Heat
| branding = 95.5 The Heat
| frequency = '''WUSP''': 1550 [[kHz]]<br>'''WRCK''': 1480 [[kHz]]
| frequency = '''WUSP''': 1550 [[kHz]]<br />'''WRCK''': 1480 [[kHz]]
| translator = 95.5 [[MHz]] - W238CA (Utica, relays WUSP)<br>94.1 MHz - W231DZ (Remsen, relays WRCK)
| translator = 95.5 [[MHz]] - W238CA (Utica, relays WUSP)<br />94.1 MHz - W231DZ (Remsen, relays WRCK)
| airdate = '''WUSP''': {{start date|1962}} (as WBVM)<br>'''WRCK''': {{start date|1958}} (as WREM)
| airdate = '''WUSP''': {{start date and age|1962}} (as WBVM)<br />'''WRCK''': {{start date and age|1958}} (as WREM)
| format = [[Urban Contemporary]] - [[Hip hop music]]
| format = [[Urban Contemporary]] - [[Hip hop music]]
| power = '''WUSP''': 1,000 [[watt]]s day<br>3 watts nights<br>'''WRCK''': 5,000 watts [[daytimer|days only]]
| power = '''WUSP''': 1,000 [[watt]]s day<br />3 watts nights<br />'''WRCK''': 5,000 watts [[daytimer|days only]]
| class = '''WUSP''': D<br>'''WRCK''': D
| class = '''WUSP''': D<br />'''WRCK''': D
| facility_id = '''WUSP''': 4680<br>'''WRCK''': 466
| facility_id = '''WUSP''': 4680<br />'''WRCK''': 466
| coordinates = '''WUSP''':<br>{{coord|43|6|48|N|75|15|25|W|region:US-NY_type:landmark|name=WUSP|display=inline,title}}<br>'''WRCK''':<br>{{coord|43|19|31|N|75|10|29|W|region:US-NY_type:landmark|name=WRCK}}
| coordinates = '''WUSP''':<br />{{coord|43|6|48|N|75|15|25|W|region:US-NY_type:landmark|name=WUSP|display=inline,title}}<br />'''WRCK''':<br />{{coord|43|19|31|N|75|10|29|W|region:US-NY_type:landmark|name=WRCK}}
| callsign_meaning = '''WUSP''': '''U'''tica '''SP'''orts (former sports radio format)<br>'''WRCK''': '''R'''o'''CK''' 107 (former slogan of [[WKVU|107.3 FM]] under the classic rock and CHR formats)
| callsign_meaning = '''WUSP''': Formerly a Utica-based sports radio station<br />'''WRCK''': [[Rock music]] for former pre-2008 format of [[WKVU]]
| former_callsigns = '''WUSP''':<br>WBVM (1962–1980)<br>WUTQ (1980–2012)<br>'''WRCK''':<br>WREM (1958–1966)<br>WADR (1966–2012)
| former_callsigns = '''WUSP''':<br>WBVM (1962–1980)<br>WUTQ (1980–2012)<br />'''WRCK''':<br>WREM (1958–1966)<br />WADR (1966–2012)
| affiliations =
| affiliations =
| owner = ''[[Utica Phoenix]]''
| owner = ''Utica Phoenix''
| licensee = Phoenix Radio, Inc.
| licensee = Phoenix Radio, Inc.
| sister_stations =
| sister_stations =
| webcast = {{listenlive|https://stream.radio.co/s8cdb7071c/listen}}
| webcast = {{listenlive|https://stream.radio.co/s8cdb7071c/listen}}
| website =
| website = [http://www.955theheat.com 955theheat.com]
| licensing_authority= [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
}}
}}


'''WUSP''' (1550 [[Hertz|kHz]]) is an [[AM radio|AM]] [[radio station]] in [[Utica, New York]]. Programming is [[simulcast]] on '''WRCK''' 1480 [[hertz|kHz]] in [[Remsen, New York]]. Two [[FM translator]]s also carry the programming, 95.5 [[Hertz|MHz]] '''W238CA''' in Utica, relaying WUSP, and 94.1&nbsp;MHz '''W231DZ''' Remsen, relaying WRCK. The stations are owned by the ''[[Utica Phoenix]]'', a local alternative newspaper, and air an [[urban contemporary]] - [[hip hop music]] [[radio format]].
'''WUSP''' (1550 [[Hertz|kHz]]) is an [[AM radio|AM]] [[radio station]] in [[Utica, New York]]. Programming is [[simulcast]] on '''WRCK''' 1480 [[hertz|kHz]] in [[Remsen, New York]]. Two [[FM translator]]s also carry the programming, 95.5 [[Hertz|MHz]] '''W238CA''' in Utica, relaying WUSP, and 94.1&nbsp;MHz '''W231DZ''' Remsen, relaying WRCK. The stations are owned by the ''Utica Phoenix'', a local alternative newspaper, and air an [[urban contemporary]] - [[hip hop music]] [[radio format]].

WUSP has been silent for approximately two years yet its 95.5 FM translator continues transmitting programming.


== WUSP History ==
== WUSP History ==
In 1962, WBVM 1550 [[sign-on|signed on]], owned by Michael and Danial Fusco.<ref>[https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1963/B%20Radio%20Broadcasting%20Yearbook%201963.pdf Information] from the [[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting Yearbook]] 1963 page B-127</ref> WBVM was named after the [[Blessed Virgin Mary]]. It was a 1,000 watt [[daytimer]], required to go off the air at night to avoid interfering with [[CBEF|CBE]] [[Windsor, Ontario]], the [[List of North American broadcast station classes|Class I-A]] station on [[AM 1550]].
In 1962, WBVM 1550 [[sign-on|signed on]], owned by Michael and Daniel Fusco.<ref>[https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1963/B%20Radio%20Broadcasting%20Yearbook%201963.pdf Information] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703024351/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1963/B%20Radio%20Broadcasting%20Yearbook%201963.pdf |date=2020-07-03 }} from the [[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting Yearbook]] 1963 page B-127</ref> WBVM was named after the [[Blessed Virgin Mary]]. It was a 1,000 watt [[daytimer]], required to go off the air at night to avoid interfering with [[CBEF|CBE]] [[Windsor, Ontario]], the [[List of North American broadcast station classes|Class I-A]] station on [[AM 1550]].


WBVM became WUTQ in 1980.<ref name="fcc-wutqcards">{{cite web |title=WUTQ (WUSP) history cards |url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=68129 |website=CDBS Public Access |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=November 21, 2018 |format=PDF}}</ref>
WBVM became WUTQ in 1980.<ref name="fcc-wutqcards">{{cite web |title=WUTQ (WUSP) history cards |url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=68129 |website=CDBS Public Access |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=November 21, 2018 |format=PDF |archive-date=November 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122010333/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=68129 |url-status=live }}</ref>


From the late 1990s onward, WUTQ and sister station [[#WRCK|WADR]] were two of the four stations collectively known as the "Sports Stars Radio Network," a collection of four AM radio stations ([[WIXT (AM)|WLFH]] Little Falls and [[WRNY (AM)|WRNY]] Rome being the others) carrying a mix of local and national sports talk. When station owner [[iHeartMedia|Clear Channel Communications]] exited most of its small markets in 2007, the network was broken up: WLFH (now WIXT) and WRNY went to [[Galaxy Communications]] (who joined them with [[WTLB]] to form a new sports network) while WUTQ and WADR were sold to Ken Roser and became [[full service (radio format)|full-service]] outlets. In 2012, Roser moved WUTQ's programming to FM 100.7, which was rechristened [[WUTQ-FM]].
From the late 1990s onward, WUTQ and sister station [[#WRCK|WADR]] were two of the four stations collectively known as the "Sports Stars Radio Network," a collection of four AM radio stations ([[WIXT (AM)|WLFH]] Little Falls and [[WRNY (AM)|WRNY]] Rome being the others) carrying a mix of local and national sports talk. When station owner [[iHeartMedia|Clear Channel Communications]] exited most of its small markets in 2007, the network was broken up: WLFH (now WIXT) and WRNY went to [[Galaxy Communications]] (who joined them with [[WTLB]] to form a new sports network) while WUTQ and WADR were sold to Ken Roser and became [[full service (radio format)|full-service]] outlets. In 2012, Roser moved WUTQ's programming to FM 100.7, which was rechristened [[WUTQ-FM]].


On July 27, 2012, it was announced that Good Guys Broadcasting Corporation, a company led by two former executives at [[WKTV]], would be purchasing WRCK and WUTQ from Roser and converting the two stations to [[sports radio]].<ref>[http://www.cnyradio.com/2012/07/24/update-three-utica-radio-stations-going-sports-to-be-sold-not-leased/]</ref> The purchase was consummated on December 21, 2012, at a purchase price of $350,000. The stations then began airing programming from [[Sports Byline USA]] and the [[USA Radio Network]], with Tom Coyne (one of the two stations' owners) hosting [[morning drive]] and longtime radio host Hank Brown returning for his third stint at the station in middays. Since April 2014, the late morning timeslot has featured the Mohawk Valley Memories musical program, featuring music from the 1940s up to the 1980s.<ref>[http://www.cnyradio.com/2012/08/06/new-lineup-begins-on-wusp-wrck-and-95-5fm/]</ref> Sports included the [[New York Mets]] and the [[New England Patriots]]. The stations' previous format moved to FM 100.7 and kept the WUTQ call sign and branding, while the former WUTQ was renamed WUSP. Ethnic/specialty programming such as "The Saturday Polka Review" Polish/American show with Gary Sroka, "Radio 202" Bosnian Radio Show, The 95.5FM Hispanic Show, all on Saturday, and on Sunday; "The Family Rosary Radio" followed by "The Voice Of The New Italy" were retained by WUSP. (When WUSP ceased operations, "Radio 202" and "The Voice of New Italy" both returned to WUTQ; Sroka took his polka show to [[WHCL]].)
On July 27, 2012, it was announced that Good Guys Broadcasting Corporation, a company led by two former executives at [[WKTV]], would be purchasing WRCK and WUTQ from Roser and converting the two stations to [[sports radio]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-24 |title=UPDATE: Three Utica Radio Stations Going Sports to be LMA'ed then Sold • CNYRadio.com / CNYTVNews.com |url=https://cnyradio.com/2012/07/24/update-three-utica-radio-stations-going-sports-to-be-sold-not-leased/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=cnyradio.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018134749/https://cnyradio.com/2012/07/24/update-three-utica-radio-stations-going-sports-to-be-sold-not-leased/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The purchase was consummated on December 21, 2012, at a purchase price of $350,000. The stations then began airing programming from [[Sports Byline USA]] and the [[USA Radio Network]], with Tom Coyne (one of the two stations' owners) hosting [[morning drive]] and longtime radio host Hank Brown returning for his third stint at the station in middays. Since April 2014, the late morning timeslot has featured the Mohawk Valley Memories musical program, featuring music from the 1940s up to the 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-06 |title=New Lineup Begins on WUSP, WRCK and 95.5FM • CNYRadio.com / CNYTVNews.com |url=https://cnyradio.com/2012/08/06/new-lineup-begins-on-wusp-wrck-and-95-5fm/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=cnyradio.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-08-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801042422/https://cnyradio.com/2012/08/06/new-lineup-begins-on-wusp-wrck-and-95-5fm/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sports included the [[New York Mets]] and the [[New England Patriots]]. The stations' previous format moved to FM 100.7 and kept the WUTQ call sign and branding, while the former WUTQ was renamed WUSP. Ethnic/specialty programming such as "The Saturday Polka Review" Polish/American show with Gary Sroka, "Radio 202" Bosnian Radio Show, The 95.5FM Hispanic Show, all on Saturday, and on Sunday; "The Family Rosary Radio" followed by "The Voice Of The New Italy" were retained by WUSP. (When WUSP ceased operations, "Radio 202" and "The Voice of New Italy" both returned to WUTQ; Sroka took his polka show to [[WHCL]].)


In August 2013, WUSP/WRCK dropped its Sports Byline USA affiliation and affiliated with [[CBS Sports Radio]] and [[Yahoo! Sports Radio]].<ref>[http://wuspfm.com/recent-news/68740]</ref>
In August 2013, WUSP/WRCK dropped its Sports Byline USA affiliation and affiliated with [[CBS Sports Radio]] and [[Yahoo! Sports Radio]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://wuspfm.com/recent-news/68740 | url-status=usurped | title=Wusp-Fm | access-date=2014-03-12 | archive-date=2014-03-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313031242/http://wuspfm.com/recent-news/68740 }}</ref>


On August 5, 2015, WUSP and WRCK both went [[silent (broadcasting)|silent]] as a result of financial and some ongoing technical problems.<ref>[http://mohawkvalleymemories.com/]</ref> The ownership's last public statement was to quote the last line of "[[A Visit from Saint Nicholas]]" ("merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.") put out through its social media pages on Christmas Eve 2015.
On August 5, 2015, WUSP and WRCK both went [[silent (broadcasting)|silent]] as a result of financial and some ongoing technical problems.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://mohawkvalleymemories.com/ |title=Mohawk Valley Memories |access-date=2016-03-21 |archive-date=2015-08-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822114434/http://mohawkvalleymemories.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ownership's last public statement was to quote the last line of "[[A Visit from Saint Nicholas]]" ("merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.") put out through its social media pages on Christmas Eve 2015.


As of July 2017, the WUSP and WRCK licenses were still active but silent. Good Guys Broadcasting was attempting to sell the stations and had sustained major financial losses during their ownership, having temporarily turned the stations back on to keep the license operational on June 28, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/167495|title = Amarillo AM-Translator Combo Sold}}</ref> Effective March 16, 2018, WUSP found a buyer in Phoenix Radio, Inc, a Utica, New York-based corporation owned by Cassandra Harris-Lockwood, CEO.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.955theheat.com/contact.html|title=Contact}}</ref> Ms. Harris-Lockwood is also CEO and president of For The Good, Inc and Editor-in-Chief of the successful ''Utica Phoenix'' newsmagazine in continuous publication since 2002. (It is not to be confused with William "Wolf" Berry's "Phoenix Radio" that operated radio stations in the [[Southern Tier]] of New York.) The purchase, at a price of $125,000, also included WUSP's translator on 95.5 FM.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/168074|title = Sold: Stations in Oregon, Washington, Arkansas, New York State}}</ref>
As of July 2017, the WUSP and WRCK licenses were still active but silent. Good Guys Broadcasting was attempting to sell the stations and had sustained major financial losses during their ownership, having temporarily turned the stations back on to keep the license operational on June 28, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/167495|title=Amarillo AM-Translator Combo Sold|access-date=2017-07-12|archive-date=2017-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729190628/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/167495|url-status=live}}</ref> Effective March 16, 2018, WUSP was purchased by Phoenix Radio, Inc, a corporation affiliated with the ''Utica Phoenix'' independent newspaper.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.955theheat.com/contact.html|title=Contact|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024192407/https://www.955theheat.com/contact.html|url-status=live}}</ref> (It is unrelated to William "Wolf" Berry's "Phoenix Radio" that operated radio stations in the [[Southern Tier]] of New York.) The purchase, at a price of $125,000, also included WUSP's translator on 95.5 FM.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/168074|title=Sold: Stations in Oregon, Washington, Arkansas, New York State|access-date=2017-07-29|archive-date=2017-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729184924/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/168074|url-status=live}}</ref>


==WRCK History==
==WRCK History==
WRCK was known as WREM from its sign on in 1958 by owners Ed Slusarczyk and Jerry Prouty, until 1966, when it became WADR.<ref name="fcc-wadrcards">{{cite web |title=WADR (WRCK) history cards |url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=46245 |website=CDBS Public Access |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=November 21, 2018 |format=PDF}}</ref> WREM was unusual in that it used a shunt fed antenna.
WRCK was known as WREM from its sign on in 1958 by owners Ed Slusarczyk and Jerry Prouty, until 1966, when it became WADR.<ref name="fcc-wadrcards">{{cite web |title=WADR (WRCK) history cards |url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=46245 |website=CDBS Public Access |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=November 21, 2018 |format=PDF |archive-date=November 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122010458/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=46245 |url-status=live }}</ref> WREM was unusual in that it used a shunt fed antenna.


1480 had simulcast 1550 since the late 1990s. In 2012, WADR was renamed WRCK, [[domain parking|parking]] the [[call sign|call letters]] that had previously been used on FM 107.3 (now a [[K-Love]] owned-and-operated station as [[WKVU]]). On June 26, 2018, the station separated from WUSP and went [[dark (broadcasting)|silent]]. On May 31, 2019, WRCK went back on the air in order to keep the license active and perform equipment testing. The station had a "we play anything" type format during this period.
1480 had simulcast 1550 since the late 1990s. In 2012, WADR was renamed WRCK, [[domain parking|parking]] the [[call sign|call letters]] that had previously been used on FM 107.3 (now a [[K-Love]] owned-and-operated station as [[WKVU]]). On June 26, 2018, the station separated from WUSP and went [[dark (broadcasting)|silent]]. On May 31, 2019, WRCK went back on the air in order to keep the license active and perform equipment testing. The station had a "we play anything" type format during this period.


In early November 2019, WRCK launched translator W231DZ 94.1 and began airing "Up Music Radio," a [[Christian Contemporary]] format. Studios were located at the Big Apple Music Plaza in [[New Hartford, New York]].
In early November 2019, WRCK launched translator W231DZ 94.1 and began airing "Up Music Radio," a [[Christian Contemporary]] format. Studios were located at the Big Apple Music Plaza in [[New Hartford, New York]].<ref>[https://www.fybush.com/nerw-20191118/#NY NorthEast Radio Watch/Scott Fybush - November 18, 2019]</ref>

Undated, WRCK 1480 dropped the "Up Music Radio" Christian contemporary format and left the air. In March 2024, WRCK returned to the air at 1480 AM including W231DZ 94.1 and began simulcasting the programming of WUSP 1550 AM and W238CA 95.5 FM ''95.5 The Heat''.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=We're simulcasting now! |date=2024-03-12 |url=https://www.facebook.com/reel/1611689436258627 |language=en |via=Facebook |last1=Klopfanstein |first1=Ron}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 52: Line 59:


==External links==
==External links==
{{AM station data|WUSP}}
{{AM station data|4680|WUSP}}
{{AM station data|WRCK}}
{{AM station data|466|WRCK}}
*{{FMQ|W238CA}}
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|139048|W238CA}}
*{{FXL|W238CA}}
*{{FXL|W238CA}}
*{{FMQ|W231DZ}}
*{{FXL|W231DZ}}
*{{FXL|W231DZ}}


Revision as of 13:09, 10 September 2024

WUSP / WRCK
Broadcast areaCentral New York Region
FrequencyWUSP: 1550 kHz
WRCK: 1480 kHz
Branding95.5 The Heat
Programming
FormatUrban Contemporary - Hip hop music
Ownership
Owner
  • Utica Phoenix
  • (Phoenix Radio, Inc.)
History
First air date
WUSP: 1962; 62 years ago (1962) (as WBVM)
WRCK: 1958; 66 years ago (1958) (as WREM)
Former call signs
WUSP:
WBVM (1962–1980)
WUTQ (1980–2012)
WRCK:
WREM (1958–1966)
WADR (1966–2012)
Call sign meaning
WUSP: Formerly a Utica-based sports radio station
WRCK: Rock music for former pre-2008 format of WKVU
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility IDWUSP: 4680
WRCK: 466
ClassWUSP: D
WRCK: D
PowerWUSP: 1,000 watts day
3 watts nights
WRCK: 5,000 watts days only
Transmitter coordinates
WUSP:
43°6′48″N 75°15′25″W / 43.11333°N 75.25694°W / 43.11333; -75.25694 (WUSP)
WRCK:
43°19′31″N 75°10′29″W / 43.32528°N 75.17472°W / 43.32528; -75.17472 (WRCK)
Translator(s)95.5 MHz - W238CA (Utica, relays WUSP)
94.1 MHz - W231DZ (Remsen, relays WRCK)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen live
Website955theheat.com

WUSP (1550 kHz) is an AM radio station in Utica, New York. Programming is simulcast on WRCK 1480 kHz in Remsen, New York. Two FM translators also carry the programming, 95.5 MHz W238CA in Utica, relaying WUSP, and 94.1 MHz W231DZ Remsen, relaying WRCK. The stations are owned by the Utica Phoenix, a local alternative newspaper, and air an urban contemporary - hip hop music radio format.

WUSP has been silent for approximately two years yet its 95.5 FM translator continues transmitting programming.

WUSP History

In 1962, WBVM 1550 signed on, owned by Michael and Daniel Fusco.[2] WBVM was named after the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was a 1,000 watt daytimer, required to go off the air at night to avoid interfering with CBE Windsor, Ontario, the Class I-A station on AM 1550.

WBVM became WUTQ in 1980.[3]

From the late 1990s onward, WUTQ and sister station WADR were two of the four stations collectively known as the "Sports Stars Radio Network," a collection of four AM radio stations (WLFH Little Falls and WRNY Rome being the others) carrying a mix of local and national sports talk. When station owner Clear Channel Communications exited most of its small markets in 2007, the network was broken up: WLFH (now WIXT) and WRNY went to Galaxy Communications (who joined them with WTLB to form a new sports network) while WUTQ and WADR were sold to Ken Roser and became full-service outlets. In 2012, Roser moved WUTQ's programming to FM 100.7, which was rechristened WUTQ-FM.

On July 27, 2012, it was announced that Good Guys Broadcasting Corporation, a company led by two former executives at WKTV, would be purchasing WRCK and WUTQ from Roser and converting the two stations to sports radio.[4] The purchase was consummated on December 21, 2012, at a purchase price of $350,000. The stations then began airing programming from Sports Byline USA and the USA Radio Network, with Tom Coyne (one of the two stations' owners) hosting morning drive and longtime radio host Hank Brown returning for his third stint at the station in middays. Since April 2014, the late morning timeslot has featured the Mohawk Valley Memories musical program, featuring music from the 1940s up to the 1980s.[5] Sports included the New York Mets and the New England Patriots. The stations' previous format moved to FM 100.7 and kept the WUTQ call sign and branding, while the former WUTQ was renamed WUSP. Ethnic/specialty programming such as "The Saturday Polka Review" Polish/American show with Gary Sroka, "Radio 202" Bosnian Radio Show, The 95.5FM Hispanic Show, all on Saturday, and on Sunday; "The Family Rosary Radio" followed by "The Voice Of The New Italy" were retained by WUSP. (When WUSP ceased operations, "Radio 202" and "The Voice of New Italy" both returned to WUTQ; Sroka took his polka show to WHCL.)

In August 2013, WUSP/WRCK dropped its Sports Byline USA affiliation and affiliated with CBS Sports Radio and Yahoo! Sports Radio.[6]

On August 5, 2015, WUSP and WRCK both went silent as a result of financial and some ongoing technical problems.[7] The ownership's last public statement was to quote the last line of "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" ("merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.") put out through its social media pages on Christmas Eve 2015.

As of July 2017, the WUSP and WRCK licenses were still active but silent. Good Guys Broadcasting was attempting to sell the stations and had sustained major financial losses during their ownership, having temporarily turned the stations back on to keep the license operational on June 28, 2017.[8] Effective March 16, 2018, WUSP was purchased by Phoenix Radio, Inc, a corporation affiliated with the Utica Phoenix independent newspaper.[9] (It is unrelated to William "Wolf" Berry's "Phoenix Radio" that operated radio stations in the Southern Tier of New York.) The purchase, at a price of $125,000, also included WUSP's translator on 95.5 FM.[10]

WRCK History

WRCK was known as WREM from its sign on in 1958 by owners Ed Slusarczyk and Jerry Prouty, until 1966, when it became WADR.[11] WREM was unusual in that it used a shunt fed antenna.

1480 had simulcast 1550 since the late 1990s. In 2012, WADR was renamed WRCK, parking the call letters that had previously been used on FM 107.3 (now a K-Love owned-and-operated station as WKVU). On June 26, 2018, the station separated from WUSP and went silent. On May 31, 2019, WRCK went back on the air in order to keep the license active and perform equipment testing. The station had a "we play anything" type format during this period.

In early November 2019, WRCK launched translator W231DZ 94.1 and began airing "Up Music Radio," a Christian Contemporary format. Studios were located at the Big Apple Music Plaza in New Hartford, New York.[12]

Undated, WRCK 1480 dropped the "Up Music Radio" Christian contemporary format and left the air. In March 2024, WRCK returned to the air at 1480 AM including W231DZ 94.1 and began simulcasting the programming of WUSP 1550 AM and W238CA 95.5 FM 95.5 The Heat.[13]

References

  1. ^ WUSP: 4680
    WRCK: 466 "Facility Technical Data for WUSP / WRCK"    . Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.     {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  2. ^ Information Archived 2020-07-03 at the Wayback Machine from the Broadcasting Yearbook 1963 page B-127
  3. ^ "WUTQ (WUSP) history cards" (PDF). CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. Archived from the original on November 22, 2018. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  4. ^ "UPDATE: Three Utica Radio Stations Going Sports to be LMA'ed then Sold • CNYRadio.com / CNYTVNews.com". cnyradio.com. 2012-07-24. Archived from the original on 2021-10-18. Retrieved 2022-08-08.
  5. ^ "New Lineup Begins on WUSP, WRCK and 95.5FM • CNYRadio.com / CNYTVNews.com". cnyradio.com. 2012-08-06. Archived from the original on 2021-08-01. Retrieved 2022-08-08.
  6. ^ "Wusp-Fm". Archived from the original on 2014-03-13. Retrieved 2014-03-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  7. ^ "Mohawk Valley Memories". Archived from the original on 2015-08-22. Retrieved 2016-03-21.
  8. ^ "Amarillo AM-Translator Combo Sold". Archived from the original on 2017-07-29. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  9. ^ "Contact". Archived from the original on 2018-10-24. Retrieved 2018-10-24.
  10. ^ "Sold: Stations in Oregon, Washington, Arkansas, New York State". Archived from the original on 2017-07-29. Retrieved 2017-07-29.
  11. ^ "WADR (WRCK) history cards" (PDF). CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. Archived from the original on November 22, 2018. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  12. ^ NorthEast Radio Watch/Scott Fybush - November 18, 2019
  13. ^ Klopfanstein, Ron (2024-03-12). "We're simulcasting now!" (Press release) – via Facebook.
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