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{{other uses}}
{{other uses}}
{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WCAR
| name = WCAR
| logo =
| logo =
| city = [[Livonia, Michigan]], U.S.
| above = Simulcasts [[WSDS]] [[Salem Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan|Salem Township]]
| city = [[Livonia, Michigan]]
| area = [[Metro Detroit]]<br>[http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/pat?call=WCAR&service=AM&status=L&hours=D] (Daytime)<br>[http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/pat?call=WCAR&service=AM&status=L&hours=N] (Nighttime)
| country = US
⚫
| branding =
| area = [[Metro Detroit]]
| slogan =
⚫
| branding = La Explosvia
| frequency = 1090 [[Hertz|kHz]]
| frequency = 1090 [[Hertz|kHz]]
| airdate = May 23, 1961 (as WERB in [[Garden City, Michigan|Garden City]])
| airdate = {{start date and age|1961|5|23|p=y|br=yes}}
| format = [[Sports radio|Sports]]
| format = [[Spanish language|Spanish]]
| power = 250 [[watt]]s day<br>500 watts night
| power = 250 [[watt]]s day<br />500 watts night
| class = B
| class = B
| facility_id = 73397
| facility_id = 73397
| callsign_meaning = '''W [[Car|CAR]]''' (a reference to Detroit's [[automotive industry]])
| callsign_meaning = A reference to Detroit's [[automotive industry]]
| former_callsigns = WERB (1961-1966)<br>WTAK (1966-1970)<br>WIID (1/15/70-7/18/79)
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WERB (1961–1966)|WTAK (1966–1970)|WIID (1979)}}
| affiliations = [[SportsMap]], [[Fox Sports Radio]]
| owner = Sima Birach
| owner = Sima Birach
| licensee = [[Birach Broadcasting Corporation]]
| licensee = [[Birach Broadcasting Corporation]]
⚫
| coordinates = {{coord|42|19|46|N|83|21|43|W|type:landmark_region:US_source:FCC}}
| webcast =
| website = [http://www.birach.com/wcar.htm Birach.com/WCAR.htm]
| webcast = [http://audio.birach.com:9018/listen.pls Listen Live]
| website = {{url|http://www.birach.com/wcar.htm}}
| licensing_authority = [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
}}
}}


'''WCAR''' (1090 [[Hertz|kHz]]) is a [[commercial radio|commercial]] [[AM radio|AM]] [[radio station]] [[city of license|licensed]] to [[Livonia, Michigan]] and serving the [[Metro Detroit]] [[media market|radio market]]. It airs a [[sports radio|sports]] [[radio format]] and is owned by the [[Birach Broadcasting Corporation]]. Most of the programming comes from the [[SportsMap]] Network.
'''WCAR''' (1090 [[AM broadcasting|AM]]) is a commercial [[Radio broadcasting|radio station]] licensed to [[Livonia, Michigan]], and serving the [[Metro Detroit]] [[media market|radio market]]. It airs a [[Spanish language]] format as a simulcast of [[WSDS]] in [[Salem Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan|Salem Township]] and is owned by the [[Birach Broadcasting Corporation]].


Because [[AM 1090]] is a [[clear channel station|clear channel frequency]] reserved for [[List of North American broadcast station classes|Class A]] stations in [[Little Rock]], [[Baltimore]] and [[Tijuana]], [[Mexico]], WCAR must broadcast at a low power and with a [[directional antenna]] to avoid interference. By day, it is powered at 250 [[watt]]s and at night with 500 watts. By contrast, other Detroit AM stations, such as [[WJR]] and [[WWJ (AM)|WWJ]], are powered at 50,000 watts around the clock.
Because [[AM 1090]] is a [[clear channel station|clear channel frequency]] reserved for [[List of North American broadcast station classes|Class A]] stations in [[Little Rock]], [[Baltimore]], and [[Tijuana]], [[Mexico]], WCAR must broadcast at a lower power and with a [[directional antenna]] to avoid interference. By day, it transmits 250 [[watt]]s and at night its power increases to 500 watts.


==History==
==History==
''For the history of the radio station formerly known as WCAR 1130 AM from 1939 to 1978, see [[WDFN]].''
''For the history of the radio station formerly known as WCAR 1130 AM from 1939 to 1978, see [[WDFN]].''


===Early Years===
===Early years===
On May 23, 1961, the station first [[sign-on]] as '''WERB''' in [[Garden City, Michigan]].<ref>[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1966/B-Section-Radio-A-M-BC-YB-1966.pdf Broadcasting Yearbook 1966 page B-75]</ref> It was co-owned with the now-defunct WBRB 1430 AM in [[Mount Clemens, Michigan|Mount Clemens]] and aired a [[full service (radio format)|full service]] [[middle of the road (music)|middle of the road]] music format aimed at the western suburbs of [[Wayne County, Michigan|Wayne County]]. The original owner was Milton Maltz, the founder of the [[Malrite Communications Group]] (now Raycom Media). WERB started as a [[daytimer]], required to go off the air at sunset to avoid interfering with other stations on AM 1090.
On May 23, 1961, the station first sign-on as WERB in [[Garden City, Michigan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archive BC YB |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1966/B-Section-Radio-A-M-BC-YB-1966.pdf }}{{dead link|date=November 2023}}</ref> It was co-owned with the now-defunct [[WBRB (Michigan)|WBRB]] in [[Mount Clemens, Michigan|Mount Clemens]] and aired a [[Full-service radio|full service]]/[[middle of the road (music)|middle of the road]] format aimed at the western suburbs of [[Wayne County, Michigan|Wayne County]]. The original owner was Milton Maltz, the founder of the [[Malrite Communications Group]] (now Raycom Media). WERB started as a [[daytimer]], required to go off the air at sunset to avoid interfering with other stations on AM 1090. In the 1964-1965 time frame, Gil Wuttke was the WERB radio station Chief Engineer and late afternoon/evening [[disc jockey|DJ]], playing [[easy listening]] music.


Around 1966, WERB became '''WTAK''', still under Malrite's ownership. WTAK was notable for being the Detroit area's first all-[[talk radio]] station. (The WTAK [[call sign]] referred to '''TA'''L'''K'''.) The air staff included such Detroit radio notables as [[Tom Clay]], Vic Caputo, and Paul Winter. WTAK's talk format went under around 1970, due to advertisers pulling their business from the station because of the controversial nature of some of the topics discussed.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}} Later, Gil Wuttke was the WERB radio station chief engineer and late afternoon/evening [[disc jockey|DJ]], playing [[easy listening]] music. Kathy Thiessen was an intern at WERB.
Around 1966, WERB became WTAK, still under Malrite's ownership. WTAK was notable for being the Detroit area's first all-[[talk radio]] station. (The WTAK [[call sign]] referred to TALK.) The air staff included such Detroit radio notables as [[Tom Clay]], Vic Caputo, and Paul Winter.


Following a sale to Wolpin Broadcasting in 1969, WTAK changed to '''WIID''' and went back to a suburban-oriented MOR format. It switched to [[Latin music]] programming by the mid 1970s. For years afterward, the bulk of AM 1090's programming, as WIID and later (starting in 1979) WCAR, consisted of paid [[brokered programming]], in foreign languages and some English-language talk.
Following a sale to Wolpin Broadcasting in 1969, WTAK changed to WIID ("wide") in January 1970 and went back to a suburban-oriented MOR format. By late 1973, polka musician Big Don Martin was serving as WIID's program director, with much Polish (and other ethnic) music airing on the station. For years afterward, the bulk of AM 1090's programming (as WIID and, starting in 1979, WCAR) consisted of paid [[brokered programming]], in foreign languages and some English-language talk.


===Children's Radio===
===Children's radio===
During the mid-1990s, WCAR 1090 was also briefly the Detroit [[network affiliate]] station for [[Radio AAHS]], a now-defunct nationwide radio network featuring programming for children. Then, after Radio AAHS shut down in 1998, it aired the [[Minneapolis]]-based [[dance music]] format "[[Beat Radio]]" which replaced AAHS on all ten of the company-owned former AAHS stations around the country.
On July 29, 1996, WCAR 1090 became the Detroit [[network affiliate]] station for [[Radio AAHS]], a now-defunct nationwide radio network featuring programming for children. Then, after Radio AAHS shut down on January 30, 1998, it aired the [[Minneapolis]]-based [[dance music]] format "[[Beat Radio]]" which replaced AAHS overnights on all ten of the company-owned former AAHS stations around the country.


In the late 1990s, much of WCAR's programming had been [[simulcast]] on [[sister station]] [[WOAP]] [[1080 AM]] in [[Owosso, Michigan|Owosso]], focused on the [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]] radio market. The two stations aired ethnic brokered programming, along with religious content from Michigan Catholic Radio. (WOAP now airs an [[adult hits]] format.)
In the late 1990s, much of WCAR's programming had been [[simulcast]] on [[sister station]] [[WOAP]] [[1080 AM]] in [[Owosso, Michigan|Owosso]], focused on the [[Lansing, Michigan|Lansing]] radio market. The two stations aired ethnic brokered programming, along with religious content from Michigan Catholic Radio. (WOAP now airs an [[adult hits]] format.)


===Talk Format===
===Talk format===
In May 2009, WCAR and WOAP were sold to [[Birach Broadcasting]]. Michigan Catholic Radio ended its broadcasts on WCAR on July 31, 2009 when Birach took over the station. Beginning in 2009, the station aired a [[radio syndication|syndicated]] talk format with [[Imus in the Morning]], [[Brian Kilmeade]], [[Robert Wuhl]], [[Jim Bohannon]] and [[Red Eye Radio]], using newscasts from [[CNN]], [[Fox News Radio]] and [[MarketWatch]].
In May 2009, WCAR and WOAP were sold to [[Birach Broadcasting]]. Michigan Catholic Radio ended its broadcasts on WCAR on July 31, 2009 when Birach took over the station. Beginning in 2009, the station aired a [[radio syndication|syndicated]] talk format with [[Imus in the Morning]], [[Brian Kilmeade]], [[Robert Wuhl]], [[Jim Bohannon]] and [[Red Eye Radio]], using newscasts from [[CNN]], [[Fox News Radio]] and [[MarketWatch]].


A new afternoon [[drive time]] show featuring local legendary broadcasters [[Bill Bonds]] & Rich Fisher (Bonds & Fisher) debuted on October 3, 2011. The show was cancelled in late December 2011. The station considered retooling the talk format, but management decided to go in a different direction.
A new afternoon [[drive time]] show featuring local legendary broadcasters [[Bill Bonds]] & Rich Fisher (Bonds & Fisher) debuted on October 3, 2011. The show was cancelled in late December 2011. The station considered retooling the talk format, but management decided to go in a different direction.


===All Sports===
===All sports===
On February 1, 2012, WCAR switched from a talk format to all-sports, featuring [[ESPN Radio]] programming.<ref>[http://www.radio-info.com/news/detroits-wcar-to-go-all-sports-ESPN-1090-tomorrow]</ref><ref>[http://www.michiguide.com/archives2012/2012/01/detroit-to-get-full-time-espn.html]</ref> The change was mentioned by [[Mike Tirico]] during the Illinois-Michigan State basketball game on January 31, 2012, on [[ESPN]]. The flip signified the return of ESPN Radio to the Detroit market for the first time since 2007.
On February 1, 2012, WCAR switched from a talk format to all-sports, featuring [[ESPN Radio]] programming.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit's WCAR to go All Sports ESPN Tomorrow |url=http://www.radio-info.com/news/detroits-wcar-to-go-all-sports-ESPN-1090-tomorrow}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.michiguide.com/archives2012/2012/01/detroit-to-get-full-time-espn.html |title=Detroit to get full time ESPN Radio station tomorrow - Michiguide.com: Michigan's Guide to Radio and Television Broadcasting |website=www.michiguide.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616063508/http://www.michiguide.com/archives2012/2012/01/detroit-to-get-full-time-espn.html |archive-date=2012-06-16}}</ref> The change was mentioned by [[Mike Tirico]] during the Illinois-Michigan State basketball game on January 31, 2012, on [[ESPN]]. The flip signified the return of ESPN Radio to the Detroit market for the first time since 2007.


WCAR began locally produced sports talk programming in April 2012 with a one-hour [[Detroit Red Wings]] playoff show. That expanded into a daily afternoon drive time program with more local shows being added until the station was running local programming from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on most weekdays.
WCAR began locally produced sports talk programming in April 2012 with a one-hour [[Detroit Red Wings]] playoff show. That expanded into a daily afternoon drive time program with more local shows being added until the station was running local programming from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on most weekdays.
Line 53: Line 55:
The locally produced programming abruptly ended on May 3, 2013, and WCAR switched over to 100% syndicated programming.
The locally produced programming abruptly ended on May 3, 2013, and WCAR switched over to 100% syndicated programming.


At 10 p.m. on July 12, 2013, ESPN Radio pulled its programming off WCAR ending its relationship with the station, with the ESPN [[Network affiliate|affiliation]] going to [[WMGC-FM]] as that station switched to a sports format. WCAR picked up [[NBC Sports Radio]] in its place.<ref>[http://gregghenson.com/?post_type=post&p=7635]</ref> WCAR began using 100% of NBC Sports Radio's national programming with no local programming announced.
At 10 p.m. on July 12, 2013, ESPN Radio pulled its programming off WCAR ending its relationship with the station, with the ESPN [[Network affiliate|affiliation]] going to [[WMGC-FM]] as that station switched to a sports format. WCAR picked up [[NBC Sports Radio]] in its place.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Post |url=http://gregghenson.com/?post_type=post&p=7635 }}{{dead link|date=November 2023}}</ref> WCAR began using 100% of NBC Sports Radio's national programming with no local programming announced.


WCAR is directly competing with [[WXYT (AM)|WXYT]], [[WXYT-FM]], and [[WDFN]] as the four sports stations in Detroit. [[WMGC-FM]] was a competitor until June 2016, when it dropped the format due to low ratings. On May 9, 2014, WCAR announced it was switching from NBC Sports Radio to [[Yahoo! Sports Radio]], effective May 12.<ref>[http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2788789&spid=24698]</ref> Yahoo! was renamed "SB Nation Radio" in 2016.
WCAR is directly competing with [[WXYT (AM)|WXYT]], [[WXYT-FM]], and [[WDFN]] as the four sports stations in Detroit. WMGC-FM was a competitor until June 2016, when it dropped the format due to low ratings. On May 9, 2014, WCAR announced it was switching from NBC Sports Radio to [[Yahoo! Sports Radio]], effective May 12.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2788789&spid=24698| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140512220157/http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2788789&spid=24698| archive-date = 2014-05-12| title = Radio Ink Magazine}}</ref> Yahoo! was renamed "SB Nation Radio" in 2016.


On May 7, 2018, the format flipped again, this time to [[hip hop]] and [[R&B]] music, as "The Switch."<ref>[http://theswitchdetroit.com/ TheSwitchDetroit.com]</ref> This format was short-lived, as WCAR returned to all-sports in early June 2018, again carrying SB Nation Radio.
On May 7, 2018, the format flipped again, this time to [[hip hop]] and [[R&B]] music, as "The Switch."<ref>{{Cite web |title=site cannot be reached |url=http://theswitchdetroit.com/ |access-date=2018-07-13 |archive-date=2018-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518130637/http://theswitchdetroit.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This format was short-lived, as WCAR returned to all-sports in early June 2018, again carrying SB Nation Radio.


The station affiliated with Fox Sports Radio November 2020.
The station affiliated with Fox Sports Radio November 2020.

WCAR is currently simulcasting WSDS.

==Former logos==
==Former logos==
[[File:ESPNDetroitlogo.png|200px]]
[[File:ESPNDetroitlogo.png|200px]]
Line 72: Line 77:


==External links==
==External links==
{{AM station data|WCAR}}
{{AM station data|73397|WCAR}}
*[http://www.michiguide.com/dials/rad-a/wcar.html Michiguide.com - WCAR History]
*[http://www.michigancatholicradio.org/programming.php Michigan Catholic Radio - Programming Guide]
*[http://www.michigancatholicradio.org/programming.php Michigan Catholic Radio - Programming Guide]


{{Detroit Radio}}
{{Detroit Radio}}
{{Sports Radio Stations in Michigan}}
{{Spanish Radio Stations in Michigan}}
{{SportsMap Radio stations}}
{{Fox Sports Radio stations}}
{{Birach Broadcasting}}
{{Birach Broadcasting}}
⚫
{{coord|42|19|46|N|83|21|43|W|type:landmark_region:US_source:FCC|display=title}}


[[Category:Radio stations in Detroit|CAR]]
[[Category:Radio stations in Detroit|CAR]]
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[[Category:1963 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:1963 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:Birach Broadcasting Corporation stations]]
[[Category:Birach Broadcasting Corporation stations]]
[[Category:Spanish-language radio stations in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 08:34, 24 July 2024

For other uses, see WCAR (disambiguation).
WCAR
Simulcasts WSDS Salem Township
Broadcast areaMetro Detroit
Frequency1090 kHz
BrandingLa Explosvia
Programming
FormatSpanish
Ownership
Owner
History
First air date
May 23, 1961
(63 years ago) (1961-05-23)
Former call signs
  • WERB (1961–1966)
  • WTAK (1966–1970)
  • WIID (1979)
Call sign meaning
A reference to Detroit's automotive industry
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID73397
ClassB
Power250 watts day
500 watts night
Transmitter coordinates
42°19′46″N 83°21′43″W / 42.32944°N 83.36194°W / 42.32944; -83.36194
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen Live
Websitewww.birach.com/wcar.htm

WCAR (1090 AM) is a commercial radio station licensed to Livonia, Michigan, and serving the Metro Detroit radio market. It airs a Spanish language format as a simulcast of WSDS in Salem Township and is owned by the Birach Broadcasting Corporation.

Because AM 1090 is a clear channel frequency reserved for Class A stations in Little Rock, Baltimore, and Tijuana, Mexico, WCAR must broadcast at a lower power and with a directional antenna to avoid interference. By day, it transmits 250 watts and at night its power increases to 500 watts.

History

[edit]

For the history of the radio station formerly known as WCAR 1130 AM from 1939 to 1978, see WDFN.

Early years

[edit]

On May 23, 1961, the station first sign-on as WERB in Garden City, Michigan.[2] It was co-owned with the now-defunct WBRB in Mount Clemens and aired a full service/middle of the road format aimed at the western suburbs of Wayne County. The original owner was Milton Maltz, the founder of the Malrite Communications Group (now Raycom Media). WERB started as a daytimer, required to go off the air at sunset to avoid interfering with other stations on AM 1090. In the 1964-1965 time frame, Gil Wuttke was the WERB radio station Chief Engineer and late afternoon/evening DJ, playing easy listening music.

Around 1966, WERB became WTAK, still under Malrite's ownership. WTAK was notable for being the Detroit area's first all-talk radio station. (The WTAK call sign referred to TALK.) The air staff included such Detroit radio notables as Tom Clay, Vic Caputo, and Paul Winter.

Following a sale to Wolpin Broadcasting in 1969, WTAK changed to WIID ("wide") in January 1970 and went back to a suburban-oriented MOR format. By late 1973, polka musician Big Don Martin was serving as WIID's program director, with much Polish (and other ethnic) music airing on the station. For years afterward, the bulk of AM 1090's programming (as WIID and, starting in 1979, WCAR) consisted of paid brokered programming, in foreign languages and some English-language talk.

Children's radio

[edit]

On July 29, 1996, WCAR 1090 became the Detroit network affiliate station for Radio AAHS, a now-defunct nationwide radio network featuring programming for children. Then, after Radio AAHS shut down on January 30, 1998, it aired the Minneapolis-based dance music format "Beat Radio" which replaced AAHS overnights on all ten of the company-owned former AAHS stations around the country.

In the late 1990s, much of WCAR's programming had been simulcast on sister station WOAP 1080 AM in Owosso, focused on the Lansing radio market. The two stations aired ethnic brokered programming, along with religious content from Michigan Catholic Radio. (WOAP now airs an adult hits format.)

Talk format

[edit]

In May 2009, WCAR and WOAP were sold to Birach Broadcasting. Michigan Catholic Radio ended its broadcasts on WCAR on July 31, 2009 when Birach took over the station. Beginning in 2009, the station aired a syndicated talk format with Imus in the Morning, Brian Kilmeade, Robert Wuhl, Jim Bohannon and Red Eye Radio, using newscasts from CNN, Fox News Radio and MarketWatch.

A new afternoon drive time show featuring local legendary broadcasters Bill Bonds & Rich Fisher (Bonds & Fisher) debuted on October 3, 2011. The show was cancelled in late December 2011. The station considered retooling the talk format, but management decided to go in a different direction.

All sports

[edit]

On February 1, 2012, WCAR switched from a talk format to all-sports, featuring ESPN Radio programming.[3][4] The change was mentioned by Mike Tirico during the Illinois-Michigan State basketball game on January 31, 2012, on ESPN. The flip signified the return of ESPN Radio to the Detroit market for the first time since 2007.

WCAR began locally produced sports talk programming in April 2012 with a one-hour Detroit Red Wings playoff show. That expanded into a daily afternoon drive time program with more local shows being added until the station was running local programming from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on most weekdays.

The locally produced programming abruptly ended on May 3, 2013, and WCAR switched over to 100% syndicated programming.

At 10 p.m. on July 12, 2013, ESPN Radio pulled its programming off WCAR ending its relationship with the station, with the ESPN affiliation going to WMGC-FM as that station switched to a sports format. WCAR picked up NBC Sports Radio in its place.[5] WCAR began using 100% of NBC Sports Radio's national programming with no local programming announced.

WCAR is directly competing with WXYT, WXYT-FM, and WDFN as the four sports stations in Detroit. WMGC-FM was a competitor until June 2016, when it dropped the format due to low ratings. On May 9, 2014, WCAR announced it was switching from NBC Sports Radio to Yahoo! Sports Radio, effective May 12.[6] Yahoo! was renamed "SB Nation Radio" in 2016.

On May 7, 2018, the format flipped again, this time to hip hop and R&B music, as "The Switch."[7] This format was short-lived, as WCAR returned to all-sports in early June 2018, again carrying SB Nation Radio.

The station affiliated with Fox Sports Radio November 2020.

WCAR is currently simulcasting WSDS.

Former logos

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WCAR". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ "Archive BC YB" (PDF).[dead link‍]
  3. ^ "Detroit's WCAR to go All Sports ESPN Tomorrow".
  4. ^ "Detroit to get full time ESPN Radio station tomorrow - Michiguide.com: Michigan's Guide to Radio and Television Broadcasting". www.michiguide.com. Archived from the original on 2012-06-16.
  5. ^ "Post".[dead link‍]
  6. ^ "Radio Ink Magazine". Archived from the original on 2014-05-12.
  7. ^ "site cannot be reached". Archived from the original on 2018-05-18. Retrieved 2018-07-13.
[edit]
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