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{{About||the classic hits radio station licensed to Greenville, Ohio, formerly known as WOLT|WRZX (FM)|the classic hits radio station licensed to Greer, South Carolina, formerly known as WOLT|WRTH (FM)}}

{{short description|Radio station in Indianapolis, Indiana}}
{{short description|Radio station in Indianapolis, Indiana}}
⚫
{{About||the classic hits radio station licensed to Greenville, Ohio, formerly known as WOLT|WTKD (FM)|the classic hits radio station licensed to Greer, South Carolina, formerly known as WOLT|WLTS (FM)}}

{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WOLT
| name = WOLT
⚫
| logo =
| logo = [[File:WOLT alt103.3 logo.png|150px]]<br><br>[[Image:W248AW,_Business_News_97.5FM_logo,_Indianapolis.png|125px]]<br>Logo's for WOLT-FM HD1 and<br>& HD3/W248AW
| city = [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]]
| city = [[Indianapolis|Indianapolis, Indiana]]
| area = [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]]
| area = [[Indianapolis metropolitan area]]
| branding = ''Alt 103.3''
| branding = ''Indy 103-3''
| slogan = Indy's Alternative
| frequency = 103.3 [[Megahertz|MHz]] {{HD Radio}}
| frequency = 103.3 [[Megahertz|MHz]] {{HD Radio}}
| translator = 97.5 [[W248AW]] (Indianapolis, relays HD3)
| translator = {{Radio Relay|97.5|[[W248AW]]|Indianapolis|HD2}}
| airdate = [[1964 in radio|1964]] (as WGEE-FM)
| airdate = {{start date and age|1964|5|15}} (as WGEE-FM)
| format = [[Alternative rock]]
| format = [[Classic alternative]]
| subchannels = HD2: [[Urban contemporary]] ([[WZRL]] simulcast)<br>HD3: [[Business news]] "[[W248AW|Business News 97.5]]"
| subchannels = HD1: WOLT analog<br>HD2: [[Business news]] ([[Bloomberg Radio]])
| erp = 18,000 [[watt]]s
| erp = 18,000 [[watt]]s
| haat = {{convert|259|m|ft|sp=us}}
| haat = {{convert|259|m|ft|sp=us}}
| class = B
| class = B
| facility_id = 59589
| facility_id = 59589
| affiliations = [[Premiere Networks]]
| callsign_meaning = phonetically pronounced as "alt"
| callsign_meaning = Phonetically similar to "alt" if said as "[[Vowel length|ŏ]]lt";<br>Calls similarly rhyme with "[[Indianapolis Colts|Colt]]"
| former_callsigns = WGEE-FM (1964–1972)<br>WXTZ (1972–1989)<br>WMJC (1989–1990)<br>WFXF (8/1990-11/1990)<br>WFXF-FM (1990–1992)<br>WRZX (1992-2014)
| former_callsigns = WGEE-FM (1964–1972)<br>WXTZ (1972–1989)<br>WMJC (1989–1990)<br>WFXF (8/1990-11/1990)<br>WFXF-FM (1990–1992)<br>WRZX (1992–2014)
⚫
| owner = [[iHeartMedia]]
| owner = [[iHeartMedia, Inc.]]
| licensee = iHM Licenses, LLC
| licensee = iHM Licenses, LLC
| sister_stations = [[WFBQ]], [[WNDE]], [[WZRL]], [[W248AW]]
| sister_stations = [[WFBQ]], [[WNDE]], [[WZRL]], [[W248AW]]
| webcast = [https://www.iheart.com/live/alt-1033-909/ Listen Live]<br>[https://www.iheart.com/live/business-news-975-8376/ Listen Live (HD3)]
| webcast = [https://www.iheart.com/live/indy-1033-909/ Listen Live]<br>[https://www.iheart.com/live/business-news-975-8376/ Listen Live (HD2)]
| website = [https://alt1033.iheart.com/ alt1033.iheart.com]<br>[https://businessnews975fm.iheart.com businessnews975fm.iheart.com] (HD3)
| website = [https://indy1033.iheart.com/ indy1033.iheart.com]<br>[https://businessnews975fm.iheart.com businessnews975fm.iheart.com] (HD3)
| licensing_authority= [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
}}
}}


'''WOLT''' (103.3 FM, "ALT 103.3") is an FM [[radio station]] in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]. The [[alternative rock]]-formatted station is owned by [[iHeartMedia]]. The studios are located at 6161 Fall Creek Road on the northeast side of Indianapolis. The transmitter and antenna are located on the northwest side of Indianapolis.
'''WOLT''' (103.3 [[FM broadcasting|FM]] "The New 103.3") is a [[commercial radio|commercial]] [[radio station]] in [[Indianapolis|Indianapolis, Indiana]]. It broadcasts a [[classic alternative]] [[radio format]] and is owned by [[iHeartMedia, Inc.]] WOLT carries the [[radio syndication|nationally syndicated]] "Woody Show" in morning [[drive time]] from co-owned [[KYSR]] [[Los Angeles]]. The studios are at 6161 Fall Creek Road on the northeast side of Indianapolis.


'''WOLT''' is licensed to broadcast in the hybrid ([[HD Radio]]) format.<ref>http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/sta_det.pl?Facility_id=59589</ref><ref>http://hdradio.com/station_guides/widget.php?id=41 HD Radio Guide for Indianapolis</ref>
WOLT has an [[effective radiated power]] (ERP) of 18,000 [[watt]]s. The [[transmitter]] and [[radio masts and towers|tower]] are on Township Drive near West 79th Street.<ref>[https://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/finder?call=wolt&x=0&y=0&sr=Y&s=C Radio-Locator.com/WOLT]</ref> WOLT is licensed to broadcast using [[HD Radio]] technology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/sta_det.pl?Facility_id=59589|title=Station Search Details}}</ref><ref>http://hdradio.com/station_guides/widget.php?id=41 HD Radio Guide for Indianapolis</ref> The HD2 [[digital subchannel]] airs a [[business news]] format branded as "Business News 97.5" (which feeds [[FM translator]] [[W248AW]] at 97.5&nbsp;MHz).


==History==
==History==
===WGEE (1964–1972)===
WOLT was originally known as '''WGEE-FM''', airing a country format, then top-40, before being sold to Mid America Radio in 1972 and becoming '''WXTZ''', broadcasting a [[beautiful music]] format. In 1989, the station flipped to an [[adult contemporary]] format, "Magic 103.3" and was identified by the [[call letters]] '''WMJC'''.<ref>{{cite news|work=Broadcasting|date=November 13, 1989|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-11-13.pdf|access-date=July 23, 2019|title=Call Letters|page=106}}</ref> Just prior to a purchase by [[Broadcast Alchemy]], a company that formed part of what is now Clear Channel, the station became '''WFXF-FM''' "The Fox", playing [[classic rock]] to compete with [[WFBQ]], which became its sister station following the sale.
On {{start date and age|1964|5|15}}, the station [[sign-on|signed on]] as '''WGEE-FM'''.<ref>[https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1966/B-Section-Radio-All-BC-YB-1966.pdf Broadcasting Yearbook 1966] page B-52, [[Broadcasting & Cable]]</ref> It was the FM counterpart to WGEE (1590 AM, now [[WNTS]]). The two stations [[simulcast]]ed a [[country music]] format. Because the AM station was a [[daytimer]], required to go off the air at sunset, WGEE-FM continued the programming into the night. Several years later, WGEE-AM-FM switched to a [[Top 40]] format.


=== Easy listening (1972–1989) ===
The station began broadcasting as '''WRZX''' "Solid Rock X-103" on August 21, 1992.[http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=59589&Callsign=WRZX] Later on around 1994 it became "X-103 Indy's New Rock Alternative." On June 12, 2014, 103.3 rebranded as "Alt 103.3." On June 20, the call letters changed to WOLT. The WRZX call letters are now on the station at 106.5 FM in Greenville, Ohio. This station was formerly WDSJ and plays classic hits. The station's current lineup has The Woody Show 6a-10a, Mel Taylor 10a-3p, Todd Violette 3p-7p and Mike Jones 7p-12m.
WGEE-FM was sold to Mid America Radio in 1972; upon the ownership change, it became '''WXTZ''', broadcasting a [[beautiful music]] format. (The [[call sign]] represented the word "[[ecstasy (emotion)|Ecstasy]].") WXTZ played quarter hour sweeps of soft, instrumental [[cover version]]s of popular adult songs, as well as [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] and [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] show tunes. WXTZ was one of the top stations in Indianapolis in the 1970s and early 1980s, but by the late 1980s, the audience for [[easy listening]] music was beginning to age, while most advertisers sought younger to middle aged listeners. The station added more soft vocals and reduced the instrumentals to appeal to younger music fans.

===Soft adult contemporary (1989–1991)===
On November 2, 1989, the station completed its transition to a [[soft adult contemporary]] format as "Magic 103.3." The call letters were changed to '''WMJC''' to represent the word "Magic."<ref>Steve Hall, "WIRE has new call letters," ''The Indianapolis Star'', November 3, 1989.</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=Broadcasting|date=November 13, 1989|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-11-13.pdf|access-date=July 23, 2019|title=Call Letters|page=106}}</ref>

=== Classic rock (1991–1992) ===
Just prior to a purchase by Broadcast Alchemy, a company that formed part of what is now [[Clear Channel Communications]], the station became '''WFXF-FM''' on August 17, 1990. "The Fox" played [[classic rock]] to compete with highly rated [[WFBQ]].<ref>Steve Hall, "Magic out, classic rock in," ''The Indianapolis Star'', August 18, 1990.</ref> Following the sale, however, the two classic rock outlets became sister stations.

===Active rock/Alternative (1992–present)===
The station flipped to an [[active rock]] format as '''WRZX''' "Solid Rock X-103" on August 21, 1992.<ref>Steve Hall, "WFXF goes hard rock; WTUX halts broadcasting," ''The Indianapolis Star'', August 22, 1992.</ref> In late 1993, WRZX shifted to [[alternative rock|alternative]] and rebranded as "X-103 Indy's New Rock Alternative."<ref>Steve Hall, "WRZX gets new home with 'enemy'," ''The Indianapolis Star'', January 11, 1994.</ref> On June 12, 2014, WRZX rebranded as "Alt 103-3." On June 20, the call letters changed to '''WOLT'''. (The [[WRZX (AM)|WRZX]] call letters now reside on a sister station in [[Newnan, Georgia]].)

WOLT's current lineup has "The Woody Show" from [[KYSR]] [[Los Angeles]] in morning drive time, Theresa in middays, Ben in afternoon drive and Mike Jones evenings. Outside of afternoons, all DJs shifts are syndicated from out of state.

At 12:01&nbsp;a.m. on August 25, 2022, after playing "[[My Ex's Best Friend]]" by [[Machine Gun Kelly (musician)|Machine Gun Kelly]] featuring [[Blackbear (musician)|Blackbear]], WOLT shifted to a "classic" alternative rock format, with the playlist now focusing on classic alternative music from between the 1980s and mid-2000s, rebranding as "Indy 103.3"; the first song as "Indy" was "[[American Idiot (song)|American Idiot]]" by [[Green Day]]. No changes in personnel or programming were made otherwise.<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/239375/wolt-indianapolis-moves-to-classic-alternative/ WOLT Indianapolis Moves to Classic Alternative] Radioinsight - August 25, 2022</ref>


==HD Radio==
==HD Radio==
WOLT airs a simulcast of urban contemporary-formatted [[WZRL]] 98.3 FM Plainfield on its HD2 subchannel.
WOLT airs a [[simulcast]] of [[mainstream urban]] sister station [[WZRL]] on its HD2 subchannel.


On August 15, 2019, WOLT launched a top 40/CHR format on its HD3 subchannel, branded as "97.5 Kiss FM" (simulcast on translator [[W248AW]] 97.5 FM Indianapolis).<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/179696/iheartmedia-launches-97-5-kiss-fm-indianapolis/ iHeartMedia Launches 97.5 Kiss FM Indianapolis] Radioinsight - August 15, 2019</ref>
On August 15, 2019, WOLT launched a [[contemporary hit radio|Top 40/CHR]] format on its HD3 subchannel, branded as "97.5 Kiss FM." The subchannel feeds [[FM translator]] '''[[W248AW]]''' at 97.5 FM in Indianapolis.<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/179696/iheartmedia-launches-97-5-kiss-fm-indianapolis/ iHeartMedia Launches 97.5 Kiss FM Indianapolis] Radioinsight - August 15, 2019</ref>


On June 1, 2020, WOLT-HD3/W248AW changed their format from top 40/CHR to business news, branded as "Business News 97.5".<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/188474/iheartmedia-debuts-business-news-97-5-in-indianapolis/ iHeartMedia Debuts Business News 97.5 In Indianapolis] Radioinsight - June 1, 2020</ref>
On June 1, 2020, WOLT-HD3 and W248AW changed to business and financial news and information, branded as "Business News 97.5".<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/188474/iheartmedia-debuts-business-news-97-5-in-indianapolis/ iHeartMedia Debuts Business News 97.5 In Indianapolis] Radioinsight - June 1, 2020</ref> It carries mostly programming from [[Bloomberg Radio]].


==Events==
==Events==
WOLT currently presents its annual Birthday Show in the summertime and The Night ALT 103-3 Stole Christmas late November and early December. Previous Birthday shows featured The Killers, Kings Of Leon, Foster The People, Cage The Elephant, Young the Giant, 311, Dirty Heads, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Sir Sly and more.
WOLT currently presents two major station-sponsored concerts each year: its annual "Birthday Show" is held in the summertime, and "The Night ALT 103-3 Stole Christmas" is held in late November and early December.
Previous Birthday Shows featured The Killers, Kings of Leon, Foster the People, Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, 311, Dirty Heads, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Sir Sly and more.


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[https://alt1033.iheart.com/ WOLT website]
*[https://indy1033.iheart.com/ WOLT website]
*{{FM station data|WOLT}}
*{{FM station data|59589|WOLT}}
*{{FMQ|W248AW}}
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|140551|W248AW}}
*{{FXL|W248AW}}
*{{FXL|W248AW}}
*[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=83888 FCC History Cards for WOLT]
*[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=83888 FCC History Cards for WOLT]

Latest revision as of 11:45, 25 August 2024

For the classic hits radio station licensed to Greenville, Ohio, formerly known as WOLT, see WTKD (FM). For the classic hits radio station licensed to Greer, South Carolina, formerly known as WOLT, see WLTS (FM).
WOLT
Broadcast areaIndianapolis metropolitan area
Frequency103.3 MHz (HD Radio)
BrandingIndy 103-3
Programming
FormatClassic alternative
SubchannelsHD1: WOLT analog
HD2: Business news (Bloomberg Radio)
AffiliationsPremiere Networks
Ownership
Owner
WFBQ, WNDE, WZRL, W248AW
History
First air date
May 15, 1964; 60 years ago (1964-05-15) (as WGEE-FM)
Former call signs
WGEE-FM (1964–1972)
WXTZ (1972–1989)
WMJC (1989–1990)
WFXF (8/1990-11/1990)
WFXF-FM (1990–1992)
WRZX (1992–2014)
Call sign meaning
Phonetically similar to "alt" if said as "ŏlt";
Calls similarly rhyme with "Colt"
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID59589
ClassB
ERP18,000 watts
HAAT259 meters (850 ft)
Translator(s)HD2: 97.5 W248AW (Indianapolis)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen Live
Listen Live (HD2)
Websiteindy1033.iheart.com
businessnews975fm.iheart.com (HD3)

WOLT (103.3 FM "The New 103.3") is a commercial radio station in Indianapolis, Indiana. It broadcasts a classic alternative radio format and is owned by iHeartMedia, Inc. WOLT carries the nationally syndicated "Woody Show" in morning drive time from co-owned KYSR Los Angeles. The studios are at 6161 Fall Creek Road on the northeast side of Indianapolis.

WOLT has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 18,000 watts. The transmitter and tower are on Township Drive near West 79th Street.[2] WOLT is licensed to broadcast using HD Radio technology.[3][4] The HD2 digital subchannel airs a business news format branded as "Business News 97.5" (which feeds FM translator W248AW at 97.5 MHz).

History

[edit]

WGEE (1964–1972)

[edit]

On May 15, 1964; 60 years ago (1964-05-15), the station signed on as WGEE-FM.[5] It was the FM counterpart to WGEE (1590 AM, now WNTS). The two stations simulcasted a country music format. Because the AM station was a daytimer, required to go off the air at sunset, WGEE-FM continued the programming into the night. Several years later, WGEE-AM-FM switched to a Top 40 format.

Easy listening (1972–1989)

[edit]

WGEE-FM was sold to Mid America Radio in 1972; upon the ownership change, it became WXTZ, broadcasting a beautiful music format. (The call sign represented the word "Ecstasy.") WXTZ played quarter hour sweeps of soft, instrumental cover versions of popular adult songs, as well as Broadway and Hollywood show tunes. WXTZ was one of the top stations in Indianapolis in the 1970s and early 1980s, but by the late 1980s, the audience for easy listening music was beginning to age, while most advertisers sought younger to middle aged listeners. The station added more soft vocals and reduced the instrumentals to appeal to younger music fans.

Soft adult contemporary (1989–1991)

[edit]

On November 2, 1989, the station completed its transition to a soft adult contemporary format as "Magic 103.3." The call letters were changed to WMJC to represent the word "Magic."[6][7]

Classic rock (1991–1992)

[edit]

Just prior to a purchase by Broadcast Alchemy, a company that formed part of what is now Clear Channel Communications, the station became WFXF-FM on August 17, 1990. "The Fox" played classic rock to compete with highly rated WFBQ.[8] Following the sale, however, the two classic rock outlets became sister stations.

Active rock/Alternative (1992–present)

[edit]

The station flipped to an active rock format as WRZX "Solid Rock X-103" on August 21, 1992.[9] In late 1993, WRZX shifted to alternative and rebranded as "X-103 Indy's New Rock Alternative."[10] On June 12, 2014, WRZX rebranded as "Alt 103-3." On June 20, the call letters changed to WOLT. (The WRZX call letters now reside on a sister station in Newnan, Georgia.)

WOLT's current lineup has "The Woody Show" from KYSR Los Angeles in morning drive time, Theresa in middays, Ben in afternoon drive and Mike Jones evenings. Outside of afternoons, all DJs shifts are syndicated from out of state.

At 12:01 a.m. on August 25, 2022, after playing "My Ex's Best Friend" by Machine Gun Kelly featuring Blackbear, WOLT shifted to a "classic" alternative rock format, with the playlist now focusing on classic alternative music from between the 1980s and mid-2000s, rebranding as "Indy 103.3"; the first song as "Indy" was "American Idiot" by Green Day. No changes in personnel or programming were made otherwise.[11]

HD Radio

[edit]

WOLT airs a simulcast of mainstream urban sister station WZRL on its HD2 subchannel.

On August 15, 2019, WOLT launched a Top 40/CHR format on its HD3 subchannel, branded as "97.5 Kiss FM." The subchannel feeds FM translator W248AW at 97.5 FM in Indianapolis.[12]

On June 1, 2020, WOLT-HD3 and W248AW changed to business and financial news and information, branded as "Business News 97.5".[13] It carries mostly programming from Bloomberg Radio.

Events

[edit]

WOLT currently presents two major station-sponsored concerts each year: its annual "Birthday Show" is held in the summertime, and "The Night ALT 103-3 Stole Christmas" is held in late November and early December.

Previous Birthday Shows featured The Killers, Kings of Leon, Foster the People, Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, 311, Dirty Heads, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Sir Sly and more.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WOLT". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ Radio-Locator.com/WOLT
  3. ^ "Station Search Details".
  4. ^ http://hdradio.com/station_guides/widget.php?id=41 HD Radio Guide for Indianapolis
  5. ^ Broadcasting Yearbook 1966 page B-52, Broadcasting & Cable
  6. ^ Steve Hall, "WIRE has new call letters," The Indianapolis Star, November 3, 1989.
  7. ^ "Call Letters" (PDF). Broadcasting. November 13, 1989. p. 106. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  8. ^ Steve Hall, "Magic out, classic rock in," The Indianapolis Star, August 18, 1990.
  9. ^ Steve Hall, "WFXF goes hard rock; WTUX halts broadcasting," The Indianapolis Star, August 22, 1992.
  10. ^ Steve Hall, "WRZX gets new home with 'enemy'," The Indianapolis Star, January 11, 1994.
  11. ^ WOLT Indianapolis Moves to Classic Alternative Radioinsight - August 25, 2022
  12. ^ iHeartMedia Launches 97.5 Kiss FM Indianapolis Radioinsight - August 15, 2019
  13. ^ iHeartMedia Debuts Business News 97.5 In Indianapolis Radioinsight - June 1, 2020
[edit]

39°53′42″N 86°12′04″W / 39.895°N 86.201°W / 39.895; -86.201

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