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{{short description|Radio station in Palmetto–Atlanta, Georgia}}
{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WALR-FM
| name = WALR-FM
| image = WALR_logo.gif
| logo = WALR_logo.gif
| city = [[Palmetto, Georgia|Palmetto]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]
| city = [[Palmetto, Georgia]]
| area = [[Atlanta metropolitan area|Metro Atlanta]]
| area = [[Atlanta metropolitan area]]
| branding = ''Kiss 104''
| branding = ''Kiss 104.1''
| slogan = Atlanta's R&B
| airdate = {{start date and age|1947|09|01}}
| airdate = {{start date and age|1947|9|1}}
| frequency = {{Frequency|104.1|[[Hertz#SI multiples|MHz]]}} {{HD Radio}}
| frequency = 104.1 [[MHz]] {{HD Radio}}
| language = [[American English|English]]
| translator = 93.5 W228CA ([[Suwanee, Georgia|Suwanee]])
| format = [[Urban adult contemporary]]
| format = FM/HD1: [[Urban AC]]<br>HD2: [[Dance music|Dance]] ("The Surge")
| erp = {{val|100000|u=[[watt]]s|fmt=commas}}
| erp = 100,000 [[watt]]s
| haat = {{convert|283|m|ft|sp=us}}
| haat = {{convert|283|m|ft|sp=us}}
| class = C1
| licensing_authority = [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
| class = C1
| facility_id = 48728
| facility_id = 48728
| callsign_meaning = '''W A'''tlanta's '''L'''ight '''R'''ock (previous [[Adult contemporary music|light rock]] format on 104.7)
| callsign_meaning = Previously used on WALR (104.7&nbsp;FM), now [[WFSH-FM]], standing for that station's previous run as "Atlanta's [[Adult contemporary music|light rock]]"
| former_callsigns = WLAG-FM (1947–1977)<br>WWCG (1977–1984)<br>WJYF (1985–1987)<br>WEKS (1987–1989)<br>WYAI (1989–1994)<br>WHTK-FM (1994)<br>WJZF-FM (1994-2000)
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WLAG-FM (1947–1977)|WWCG (1977–1984)|WJYF (1985–1987)|WEKS (1987–1989)|WYAI (1989–1994)|WHTK-FM (1994)|WJZF-FM (1994–2000)}}
| affiliations =
| owner = [[Cox Media Group]]
| owner = [[Cox Media Group]]
| licensee = Cox Radio, LLC
| affiliations = {{ubl|[[Compass Media Networks]]|[[Premiere Networks]]|[[Westwood One]]}}
| licensee = Cox Radio, Inc.
| sister_stations = [[WSB (AM)|WSB]], [[WSB-FM]], [[WSBB-FM]], [[WSRV]], [[WSB-TV]]
| sister_stations = {{hlist|[[WSB (AM)|WSB]]|[[WSB-FM]]|[[WSB-TV]]|[[WSBB-FM]]|[[WSRV]]}}
| webcast = [http://www.kiss104fm.com/stream/ Listen Live]
| webcast = {{ubl|{{listenlive|http://www.kiss104fm.com/stream}}|{{Audacy.com|kiss1041}}|{{iHeartRadio|kiss-1041-5885}}}}
| website = [http://www.kiss104fm.com/ Kiss104fm.com]
| website = {{url|https://www.kiss104fm.com}}
| coordinates = {{coord|33.4121|N|84.8341|W|type:landmark_region:US_source:FCC}}
|coordinates=}}
| logo_size = 150px
}}


'''WALR-FM''' (104.1 [[Hertz|MHz]] '''Kiss 104''') is a [[commercial radio|commercial]] [[FM broadcasting|FM]] [[radio station]] [[city of license|licensed]] to [[Palmetto, Georgia]] and serving [[Atlanta metropolitan area|Metro Atlanta]]. It is owned by the [[Cox Media Group]] and airs an [[urban adult contemporary]] [[radio format]]. The studios are co-located with other Cox-owned radio stations and [[WSB-TV]] in [[Midtown Atlanta]] on West [[Peachtree Street]].
'''WALR-FM''' (104.1 [[Hertz|MHz]] ''Kiss 104.1'') is a [[commercial radio|commercial]] [[radio station]] [[city of license|licensed]] to [[Palmetto, Georgia]] and serving [[Atlanta metropolitan area|Metro Atlanta]]. It is owned by the [[Cox Media Group]] and airs an [[urban adult contemporary]] [[radio format]]. The studios are co-located with other Cox-owned radio stations and [[WSB-TV]] in [[Midtown Atlanta]] on West [[Peachtree Street]].


WALR-FM is a [[List of North American broadcast station classes|Class C0]] station with an [[effective radiated power]] (ERP) of 100,000 [[watt]]s. The [[transmitter]] is on Duncan Memorial Highway (Route 166) in [[Winston, Georgia]].<ref>[https://radio-locator.com/info/WALR-FM?loc=33.75951%2C-84.40318&locn=Atlanta%2C%20Georgia Radio-Locator.com/WALR-FM]</ref> WALR-FM broadcasts in the [[HD Radio]] hybrid format. Its HD2 [[digital subchannel]] carries a [[dance music]] format known as "The Surge."
WALR-FM is a [[List of North American broadcast station classes|Class C1]] station with an [[effective radiated power]] (ERP) of 100,000 [[watt]]s. The [[transmitter]] is on Duncan Memorial Highway (Route 166) in [[Winston, Georgia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=WALR-FM 104.1 MHz - Palmetto, GA |url=https://radio-locator.com/info/WALR-FM?loc=33.75951,-84.40318&locn=Atlanta,%20Georgia |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=radio-locator.com}}</ref> WALR-FM broadcasts in the [[HD Radio]] hybrid format. Its HD2 [[digital subchannel]] carries a [[dance music]] format known as "The Surge."


==Programming==
==Programming==
Weekdays begin with "The Morning Groove," hosted by Art Terrell and Cory "Zooman" Miller. In middays, Dyron Ducati is heard, followed by British rapper [[Monie Love]] in afternoons. In the evening, a "Slow Jamz" show is heard until midnight. Sunday mornings, ordained minister Twanda Black hosts an [[urban gospel]] program. In 2018, Terri Avery became the Program Director.
Mornings begin with Atlanta radio legend Frank Rodriguez, known professionally as [[Frank Ski]]. Middays are hosted by Dyron Ducati, followed by British rapper [[Monie Love]] in afternoons. In the evening, a "Slow Jamz" show is heard until midnight. On Sunday mornings, ordained minister Twanda Black hosts an [[urban gospel]] program. In 2018, Terri Avery became the Program Director.


==History==
==History==
[[File:WALR logo 1.gif|thumb|Former Kiss 104 logo.]]
[[File:WALR logo 1.gif|thumb|Former Kiss 104 logo.]]


===Early Years===
===Early years===
On September 1, 1947, the station first [[sign-on|signed on]] as '''WLAG-FM'''.<ref>[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1950/RADIO%20&%20TV%20ALL%20YB%201950%20B&W-11.pdf Broadcasting Yearbook 1950 page 124]</ref> It's [[city of license]] was [[LaGrange, Georgia]], about {{convert|40|mi|km|abbr=}} southwest of Atlanta and near the [[Alabama]] border. It was the FM counterpart to [[WLAG]] [[1240 AM]], owned by the LaGrange Broadcasting Company. Both stations [[simulcast]] a [[country music]] format. WLAG-FM's power was 29,500 watts and the antenna height was {{convert|220|ft|m|abbr=}}, so it was not heard in the Atlanta area. The station changed its [[call sign]] to '''WWCG''' in 1977 and continued with a country format.
On September 1, 1947, the station first [[sign-on|signed on]] as WLAG-FM.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Broadcasting Yearbook 1950 |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1950/RADIO%20&%20TV%20ALL%20YB%201950%20B&W-11.pdf |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref> Its [[city of license]] was [[LaGrange, Georgia]], about {{convert|40|mi|km|abbr=}} southwest of Atlanta and near the [[Alabama]] border. It was the FM counterpart to [[WLAG]] [[1240 AM]], owned by the LaGrange Broadcasting Company. Both stations [[simulcast]] a [[country music]] format. WLAG-FM's power was 29,500 watts and the antenna height was {{convert|220|ft|m|abbr=}}, so it was not heard in the Atlanta area. The station changed its [[call sign]] to WWCG in 1977 and continued with a country format.


In the early 1980s, the station got a big boost in power. It increased to 100,000 watts, using a tower taller than the [[Empire State Building]], giving it coverage of much of the Atlanta [[media market|radio market]]. It began broadcasting Al Ham's [[radio syndication|syndicated]] "[[Music Of Your Life]]" [[adult standards]] format with call signs '''WJYF''' and '''WJYA-FM'''. It was a [[simulcast]] partner with WJYA [[AM 1080]] (now [[Korean language]] [[WFTD (AM)|WFTD]]).<ref>[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1985/B-Radio-All-BC-YB-1985.pdf Broadcasting Yearbook 1985 page B-69]</ref>
In the early 1980s, the station got a big boost in power. It increased to 100,000 watts, using a tower taller than the [[Empire State Building]], giving it coverage of much of the Atlanta [[media market|radio market]]. It began broadcasting Al Ham's [[radio syndication|syndicated]] "[[Music Of Your Life]]" [[adult standards]] format with call signs WJYF and WJYA-FM, a simulcast partner with [[WFTD (AM)|WJYA (1080 AM)]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Broadcasting Yearbook 1985 |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1985/B-Radio-All-BC-YB-1985.pdf |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref>


In 1985, it was acquired by Zapis Communications, headed by Lee Zapis. In 1987, he switched the format to [[urban contemporary]] as WEKS, "Urban Kiss 104."
===Urban, Country and Jazz===
In 1985, it was acquired by Zapis Communications, headed by Lee Zapis. In 1987, he switched the format to [[urban contemporary]] as '''WEKS''', "Urban Kiss 104." The urban format lasted four years. Zapis then sold the station.


In 1989, it was acquired by NewCity Communications.<ref>[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1994/B-All-Radio-BC-YB-1994-B&W.pdf Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1994 page B-95]</ref> NewCity had a plan to pair two different FM stations surrounding Atlanta to create one facility covering the market. WEKS switched back to [[country music]] as '''WYAI''' (Y104), simulcasting with [[WAKL (FM)|WYAY]] FM (Y106.7) on the other side of Atlanta. The two stations began competing with long-time Atlanta country leader [[WKHX]].
Zapis then sold the station to NewCity Communications in 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1994 |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1994/B-All-Radio-BC-YB-1994-B&W.pdf |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref> NewCity had a plan to pair two different FM stations surrounding Atlanta to create one facility covering the market. To bring attention to the change, on June 21, WEKS went [[dark (broadcasting)|silent]]. The station signed back on the air on June 28, and began [[stunting (broadcasting)|stunting]] with music played by local celebrities, including then-Atlanta mayor [[Andrew Young]]. Finally, at 3 p.m. on June 30, WEKS switched back to [[country music]] as WYAI ("Y104"), simulcasting with [[WAKL (FM)|WYAY]] FM (Y106.7) on the other side of Atlanta.<ref>L. Eric Elie, "Atlanta FM Station OKs Deal for Another...," ''The Atlanta Journal-Constitution'', March 11, 1989.</ref><ref>Phil Kloer, "Blacks upset about loss of KISS-104," ''The Atlanta Journal-Constitution'', June 28, 1989.</ref> The two stations began competing with long-time Atlanta country leader [[WKHX]].


In 1994, the simulcast ended, and 104.1 switched to a [[smooth jazz]] format.<ref name=Vox94>{{cite journal|title=Vox Jox|last=Stark|first=Phyllis|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=January 15, 1994|volume=106|issue=3|page=64}}</ref> The call letters were '''WJZF''' and the station called itself "Jazz Flavors 104.1."
On January 1, 1994, the simulcast ended, with 104.1 flipping to a [[smooth jazz]] format as "Jazz Flavors 104.1". In addition, the station changed calls to WJZF to match the new branding.<ref>Steve Dollar, "New FM jazz station gives listeners another option," ''The Atlanta Journal-Constitution'', January 6, 1994.</ref><ref name=Vox94>{{cite magazine|title=Vox Jox|last=Stark|first=Phyllis|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=January 15, 1994|volume=106|issue=3|page=64}}</ref>


[[Cox Enterprises]], owner of [[WSB (AM)|WSB]], [[WSB-FM]], [[WSB-TV]] and two newspapers, entered into a [[local marketing agreement]] (LMA) with WJZF.<ref name=Vox94/> Cox tried to buy the station in 1995. However, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) denied the request when challenged by [[Jacor|Jacor Broadcasting]], even though Cox intended to make changes to the WJZF signal "to avoid cross-ownership conflicts."<ref>{{cite journal|title=Vox Jox|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=May 20, 1995|volume=107|issue=20|page=100}}</ref>
[[Cox Enterprises]], owner of [[WSB (AM)|WSB]], [[WSB-FM]], [[WSB-TV]] and two newspapers, entered into a [[local marketing agreement]] (LMA) with WJZF.<ref name=Vox94/> Cox tried to buy the station in 1995. However, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) denied the request when challenged by [[Jacor|Jacor Broadcasting]], even though Cox intended to make changes to the WJZF signal "to avoid cross-ownership conflicts."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Vox Jox|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=May 20, 1995|volume=107|issue=20|page=100}}</ref>


===WALR "Kiss 104"===
===WALR "Kiss 104"===
The station that would later migrate to this frequency began in 1964 in [[Athens, Georgia]] as '''WDOL-FM''' at 104.7 MHz.<ref>[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1965/B-All-Radio-1965-YB-All.pdf Broadcasting Yearbook 1965 page B-39]</ref> At first it simulcast its AM sister station, 1370 WDOL. It later began airing separate programming, first as "Love 104," then as ''"Kiss 104.7"'', an urban contemporary station. (This new "Kiss" on 104.7 was a resurrection of the previous incarnation from WEKS mentioned above, although it only covered the eastern suburbs of the Atlanta market, from its Athens tower.)<ref>[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1990/RR-1990-10-19.pdf]</ref>
The station that would later migrate to this frequency began in 1964 in [[Athens, Georgia]] as WDOL-FM at 104.7&nbsp;MHz.<ref>[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1965/B-All-Radio-1965-YB-All.pdf Broadcasting Yearbook 1965 page B-39]</ref> At first it simulcast its AM sister station, 1370 WDOL. It later began airing separate programming, first as "Love 104," then as ''"Kiss 104.7"'', an urban contemporary station. (This new "Kiss" on 104.7 was a resurrection of the previous incarnation from WEKS mentioned above, although it only covered the eastern suburbs of the Atlanta market, from its Athens tower.)<ref>{{Cite web |title=RR-1990-10-19 |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1990/RR-1990-10-19.pdf |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref>


On August 30, 2000, Cox and [[Salem Communications]] swapped frequencies. Kiss 104.7 migrated to the 104.1 frequency, previously a [[Christian Contemporary music]] station known as "The Fish." The former WALR-FM at 104.7 became "104.7 the Fish" [[WFSH-FM]] and the 104.1 frequency became [[Urban adult contemporary#Hot urban AC|Hot Urban AC]], "Kiss 104.1," taking the '''WALR-FM''' call sign. The move displaced the smooth jazz format here, but the format was picked up the year after by WJZZ (now [[WAMJ]]). Also, the AM simulcast on what is now [[WIFN (AM)|WIFN]] ceased shortly after the switch although it continued to carry the WALR call sign under a changed format for sometime. In Atlanta, the rights to the "[[KISS-FM (brand)|Kiss FM]]" brand had been grandfathered; thus [[Clear Channel Communications]] (later iHeart), which trademarked the brand for its [[contemporary hit radio|Top 40]] stations, heard in many U.S. cities such as [[Los Angeles]] and [[Boston]], did not attempt to take legal action against Cox.
On August 30, 2000, Cox and [[Salem Communications]] swapped frequencies. "Kiss 104.7" migrated to the 104.1 frequency, previously a [[Christian Contemporary music]] station known as "The Fish." The former WALR-FM at 104.7 became "104.7 the Fish" [[WFSH-FM]] and the 104.1 frequency became [[Urban adult contemporary#Hot urban AC|Hot Urban AC]], "Kiss 104.1," taking the WALR-FM call sign.<ref>Miriam Longino, "Proposed deal could move around the local radio dial," ''The Atlanta Journal-Constitution'', June 3, 2000.</ref><ref>Miriam Longino, "Jazz purists may scoff, but city is losing some flavor," ''The Atlanta Journal-Constitution'', June 18, 2000.</ref><ref>Matt Kempner, "Radio stations hot properties in Atlanta area," ''The Atlanta Journal-Constitution'', June 21, 2000.</ref> The smooth jazz format was picked up the following year by WJZZ (now [[WAMJ]]). Also, the AM simulcast on what is now [[WIFN (AM)|WIFN]] ceased shortly after the switch although it continued to carry the WALR call sign under a changed format for some time. In Atlanta, the rights to the "[[KISS-FM (brand)|Kiss FM]]" brand had been grandfathered; thus [[Clear Channel Communications]] (later iHeart), which trademarked the brand for its [[contemporary hit radio|Top 40]] stations, heard in many U.S. cities such as [[Los Angeles]] and [[Boston]], did not attempt to take legal action against Cox.


===Switch to Urban Oldies===
===Switch to urban oldies===
On February 21, 2003, ''"Kiss 104.1"'' switched from Hot Urban AC to [[Urban Oldies]]. Cox wanted to draw a distinction between Kiss 104.1 and co-owned 97.1 WFOX (now [[WSRV-FM]]. At the time, WFOX was experimented with a format consisting of [[R&B]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]] and [[rap music]] from the 1980s to present. WALR-FM's longtime slogan changed from ''"Atlanta's R&B Station"'' to ''"Atlanta's Old School R&B Station"'' to stress the urban oldies format.
On February 21, 2003, WALR-FM switched to [[Urban Oldies]], while retaining the "Kiss" branding. Cox wanted to draw a distinction between "Kiss" and co-owned [[WSRV|WFOX (97.1 FM)]]. At the time, WFOX experimented with a format consisting of [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]] and [[rap music]] from the 1980s to present. With the format shift, WALR-FM's longtime slogan changed from ''Atlanta's R&B Station'' to ''Atlanta's Old School R&B Station''.


In late 2004, WALR switched to a new tower, closer to Atlanta. It also began broadcasting in [[IBOC]] [[digital radio]], using the [[HD Radio]] system from [[iBiquity]].
In late 2004, WALR switched to a new tower, closer to Atlanta. It also began broadcasting in [[IBOC]] [[digital radio]], using the [[HD Radio]] system from [[iBiquity]].


WALR-FM became the last Atlanta station owned by Cox Radio targeting the [[African-American]] audience. On August 16, 2010, co-owned WBTS flipped from [[rhythmic contemporary]] to [[WSBB-FM]], a [[talk radio|news-talk]] simulcast of [[WSB (AM)|WSB]]. Previously, co-owned WFOX had played [[urban contemporary]] music as "97-1 Jamz" until [[2006 in radio|2006]], when it flipped to [[classic hits]] and [[classic rock]] as [[WSRV]] "The River."
WALR-FM became the last Atlanta station owned by Cox Radio targeting the [[African-American]] audience. On August 16, 2010, co-owned WBTS flipped from [[rhythmic contemporary]] to [[WSBB-FM]], a [[talk radio|news-talk]] simulcast of [[WSB (AM)|WSB]]. Previously, co-owned WFOX had played [[urban contemporary]] music as "97.1 Jamz" until [[2006 in radio|2006]], when it flipped to [[classic hits]] and [[classic rock]] as [[WSRV]] "The River."


===Return to Urban AC===
===Return to urban AC===
Even so, WALR-FM did not return to Urban AC until June [[2011 in radio|2011]]; at that time, it added more [[contemporary R&B]] music and deleted some of the older titles, after spending eight years as a classic and gold-based R&B and [[soul music]] format. This helped WALR-FM increase its listeners, especially against longtime [[CBS]]-owned [[WVEE]] and direct format rival [[WAMJ]]/[[WUMJ]]. WALR-FM's logo and slogan were modified as well from ''"Atlanta's Old School R&B Station"'' to ''"Atlanta's R&B,"'' plus the branding was shortened to simply ''"Kiss 104"'', omitting the ".1".<ref>{{cite web|title=Atlanta Journal-Constitution Radio/TV blog|url=http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2011/05/27/kiss-104-1-to-get-a-more-youthful-musical-facelift/|publisher=Atlanta Journal Constitution}}</ref> At the same time, WALR-FM dropped all weekend mix shows, and expanded its nighttime slow jams show. As of February [[2012 in radio|2012]], the station has not been listed on the [[Mediabase]] urban AC add board.<ref>[http://addboard.mediabase.com/ReportingPanel.asp?format=U2][[Mediabase]]<span> Add Board -- Urban AC Stations</span></ref>
In June [[2011 in radio|2011]], WALR-FM shifted back to urban AC; the station added more [[contemporary R&B]] music and dropped some of the older titles, after spending eight years as a classic and gold-based R&B and [[soul music]] format. This helped WALR-FM increase its listeners, especially against longtime [[CBS]]-owned [[WVEE]] and direct format rival [[WAMJ]]/[[WUMJ]]. WALR-FM's logo and slogan were modified as well from ''Atlanta's Old School R&B Station'' to ''Atlanta's R&B''; in addition, the station's branding was shortened to simply ''Kiss 104'', omitting the ".1".<ref>{{cite web|title=Atlanta Journal-Constitution Radio/TV blog|url=http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2011/05/27/kiss-104-1-to-get-a-more-youthful-musical-facelift/|publisher=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref> At the same time, WALR-FM dropped all weekend mix shows, and expanded its nighttime slow jams show. As of February [[2012 in radio|2012]], the station has not been listed on the [[Mediabase]] urban AC add board.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Add Board -- Urban AC Stations |url=http://addboard.mediabase.com/ReportingPanel.asp?format=U2 |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=mediabase.com}}</ref>


In 2017, WALR-FM switched its [[city of license]] from LaGrange to [[Palmetto, Georgia]], a suburban community about 15 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta. WALR-FM had been the longtime Atlanta [[network affiliate|affiliate]] for "The [[Tom Joyner]] Morning Show" and also carried the [[radio syndication|syndicated]] "[[Michael Baisden]] Show" in afternoons. The morning [[drive time]] show was replaced with Art Terrell and comedian [[Roy Wood Jr.]] on November 27, 2017.<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/121288/walr-drops-tom-joyner-goes-local-drive-time/ RadioInsight.com "WALR Drops Tom Joyner" November 27, 2017 (retrieved 7/14/19)]</ref> Wood decided to concentrate on his TV appearances and was replaced by Cory "Zooman" Miller. Baisden's show was replaced by Sasha the Diva, who in turn was replaced by British rapper [[Monie Love]] in afternoons.
In 2017, WALR-FM changed its [[city of license]] from LaGrange to [[Palmetto, Georgia]], a suburban community about 15 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta. WALR-FM had been the longtime Atlanta [[network affiliate|affiliate]] for "The [[Tom Joyner]] Morning Show" and also carried the [[radio syndication|syndicated]] "[[Michael Baisden]] Show" in afternoons. The morning [[drive time]] show was replaced with Art Terrell and comedian [[Roy Wood Jr.]] on November 27, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2017 |title=WALR Drops Tom Joyner |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/121288/walr-drops-tom-joyner-goes-local-drive-time/ |access-date=July 14, 2019 |website=RadioInsight.com}}</ref> Wood decided to concentrate on his TV appearances and was replaced by Cory "Zooman" Miller. Baisden's show was replaced by Sasha the Diva, who in turn was replaced by British rapper [[Monie Love]] in afternoons.


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.kiss104fm.com}}
*[http://kiss1041fm.com Kiss 104.1 Atlanta's Old School R&B Station]
*{{FM station data|WALR}}
*{{FMQ|W228CA}}
*{{FXL|W228CA}}


{{Atlanta Radio}}
{{Atlanta Radio}}
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{{Kiss FM Radio stations}}
{{Kiss FM Radio stations}}
{{COXMG}}
{{COXMG}}

{{coord|33.4121|N|84.8341|W|type:landmark_region:US_source:FCC|display=title}}


[[Category:Cox Media Group]]
[[Category:Cox Media Group]]
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[[Category:Radio stations in Georgia (U.S. state)|ALR-FM]]
[[Category:Radio stations in Georgia (U.S. state)|ALR-FM]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1947]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1947]]
[[Category:Urban adult contemporary radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:1947 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:1947 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)]]

Latest revision as of 21:23, 16 December 2024

WALR-FM
Broadcast areaAtlanta metropolitan area
Frequency104.1 MHz (HD Radio)
BrandingKiss 104.1
Programming
Language(s)English
FormatUrban adult contemporary
Affiliations
Ownership
Owner
History
First air date
September 1, 1947; 77 years ago (1947-09-01)
Former call signs
  • WLAG-FM (1947–1977)
  • WWCG (1977–1984)
  • WJYF (1985–1987)
  • WEKS (1987–1989)
  • WYAI (1989–1994)
  • WHTK-FM (1994)
  • WJZF-FM (1994–2000)
Call sign meaning
Previously used on WALR (104.7 FM), now WFSH-FM, standing for that station's previous run as "Atlanta's light rock"
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID48728
ClassC1
ERP100,000 watts
HAAT283 meters (928 ft)
Transmitter coordinates
33°24′44″N 84°50′03″W / 33.4121°N 84.8341°W / 33.4121; -84.8341
Links
Public license information
Webcast
Websitewww.kiss104fm.com

WALR-FM (104.1 MHz Kiss 104.1) is a commercial radio station licensed to Palmetto, Georgia and serving Metro Atlanta. It is owned by the Cox Media Group and airs an urban adult contemporary radio format. The studios are co-located with other Cox-owned radio stations and WSB-TV in Midtown Atlanta on West Peachtree Street.

WALR-FM is a Class C1 station with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100,000 watts. The transmitter is on Duncan Memorial Highway (Route 166) in Winston, Georgia.[2] WALR-FM broadcasts in the HD Radio hybrid format. Its HD2 digital subchannel carries a dance music format known as "The Surge."

Programming

[edit]

Mornings begin with Atlanta radio legend Frank Rodriguez, known professionally as Frank Ski. Middays are hosted by Dyron Ducati, followed by British rapper Monie Love in afternoons. In the evening, a "Slow Jamz" show is heard until midnight. On Sunday mornings, ordained minister Twanda Black hosts an urban gospel program. In 2018, Terri Avery became the Program Director.

History

[edit]
Former Kiss 104 logo.

Early years

[edit]

On September 1, 1947, the station first signed on as WLAG-FM.[3] Its city of license was LaGrange, Georgia, about 40 miles (64 km) southwest of Atlanta and near the Alabama border. It was the FM counterpart to WLAG 1240 AM, owned by the LaGrange Broadcasting Company. Both stations simulcast a country music format. WLAG-FM's power was 29,500 watts and the antenna height was 220 feet (67 m), so it was not heard in the Atlanta area. The station changed its call sign to WWCG in 1977 and continued with a country format.

In the early 1980s, the station got a big boost in power. It increased to 100,000 watts, using a tower taller than the Empire State Building, giving it coverage of much of the Atlanta radio market. It began broadcasting Al Ham's syndicated "Music Of Your Life" adult standards format with call signs WJYF and WJYA-FM, a simulcast partner with WJYA (1080 AM).[4]

In 1985, it was acquired by Zapis Communications, headed by Lee Zapis. In 1987, he switched the format to urban contemporary as WEKS, "Urban Kiss 104."

Zapis then sold the station to NewCity Communications in 1989.[5] NewCity had a plan to pair two different FM stations surrounding Atlanta to create one facility covering the market. To bring attention to the change, on June 21, WEKS went silent. The station signed back on the air on June 28, and began stunting with music played by local celebrities, including then-Atlanta mayor Andrew Young. Finally, at 3 p.m. on June 30, WEKS switched back to country music as WYAI ("Y104"), simulcasting with WYAY FM (Y106.7) on the other side of Atlanta.[6][7] The two stations began competing with long-time Atlanta country leader WKHX.

On January 1, 1994, the simulcast ended, with 104.1 flipping to a smooth jazz format as "Jazz Flavors 104.1". In addition, the station changed calls to WJZF to match the new branding.[8][9]

Cox Enterprises, owner of WSB, WSB-FM, WSB-TV and two newspapers, entered into a local marketing agreement (LMA) with WJZF.[9] Cox tried to buy the station in 1995. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) denied the request when challenged by Jacor Broadcasting, even though Cox intended to make changes to the WJZF signal "to avoid cross-ownership conflicts."[10]

WALR "Kiss 104"

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The station that would later migrate to this frequency began in 1964 in Athens, Georgia as WDOL-FM at 104.7 MHz.[11] At first it simulcast its AM sister station, 1370 WDOL. It later began airing separate programming, first as "Love 104," then as "Kiss 104.7", an urban contemporary station. (This new "Kiss" on 104.7 was a resurrection of the previous incarnation from WEKS mentioned above, although it only covered the eastern suburbs of the Atlanta market, from its Athens tower.)[12]

On August 30, 2000, Cox and Salem Communications swapped frequencies. "Kiss 104.7" migrated to the 104.1 frequency, previously a Christian Contemporary music station known as "The Fish." The former WALR-FM at 104.7 became "104.7 the Fish" WFSH-FM and the 104.1 frequency became Hot Urban AC, "Kiss 104.1," taking the WALR-FM call sign.[13][14][15] The smooth jazz format was picked up the following year by WJZZ (now WAMJ). Also, the AM simulcast on what is now WIFN ceased shortly after the switch although it continued to carry the WALR call sign under a changed format for some time. In Atlanta, the rights to the "Kiss FM" brand had been grandfathered; thus Clear Channel Communications (later iHeart), which trademarked the brand for its Top 40 stations, heard in many U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and Boston, did not attempt to take legal action against Cox.

Switch to urban oldies

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On February 21, 2003, WALR-FM switched to Urban Oldies, while retaining the "Kiss" branding. Cox wanted to draw a distinction between "Kiss" and co-owned WFOX (97.1 FM). At the time, WFOX experimented with a format consisting of R&B, hip hop and rap music from the 1980s to present. With the format shift, WALR-FM's longtime slogan changed from Atlanta's R&B Station to Atlanta's Old School R&B Station.

In late 2004, WALR switched to a new tower, closer to Atlanta. It also began broadcasting in IBOC digital radio, using the HD Radio system from iBiquity.

WALR-FM became the last Atlanta station owned by Cox Radio targeting the African-American audience. On August 16, 2010, co-owned WBTS flipped from rhythmic contemporary to WSBB-FM, a news-talk simulcast of WSB. Previously, co-owned WFOX had played urban contemporary music as "97.1 Jamz" until 2006, when it flipped to classic hits and classic rock as WSRV "The River."

Return to urban AC

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In June 2011, WALR-FM shifted back to urban AC; the station added more contemporary R&B music and dropped some of the older titles, after spending eight years as a classic and gold-based R&B and soul music format. This helped WALR-FM increase its listeners, especially against longtime CBS-owned WVEE and direct format rival WAMJ/WUMJ. WALR-FM's logo and slogan were modified as well from Atlanta's Old School R&B Station to Atlanta's R&B; in addition, the station's branding was shortened to simply Kiss 104, omitting the ".1".[16] At the same time, WALR-FM dropped all weekend mix shows, and expanded its nighttime slow jams show. As of February 2012, the station has not been listed on the Mediabase urban AC add board.[17]

In 2017, WALR-FM changed its city of license from LaGrange to Palmetto, Georgia, a suburban community about 15 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta. WALR-FM had been the longtime Atlanta affiliate for "The Tom Joyner Morning Show" and also carried the syndicated "Michael Baisden Show" in afternoons. The morning drive time show was replaced with Art Terrell and comedian Roy Wood Jr. on November 27, 2017.[18] Wood decided to concentrate on his TV appearances and was replaced by Cory "Zooman" Miller. Baisden's show was replaced by Sasha the Diva, who in turn was replaced by British rapper Monie Love in afternoons.

References

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  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WALR-FM". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ "WALR-FM 104.1 MHz - Palmetto, GA". radio-locator.com. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  3. ^ "Broadcasting Yearbook 1950" (PDF). americanradiohistory.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  4. ^ "Broadcasting Yearbook 1985" (PDF). americanradiohistory.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  5. ^ "Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1994" (PDF). americanradiohistory.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  6. ^ L. Eric Elie, "Atlanta FM Station OKs Deal for Another...," The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 11, 1989.
  7. ^ Phil Kloer, "Blacks upset about loss of KISS-104," The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 28, 1989.
  8. ^ Steve Dollar, "New FM jazz station gives listeners another option," The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 6, 1994.
  9. ^ a b Stark, Phyllis (January 15, 1994). "Vox Jox". Billboard. Vol. 106, no. 3. p. 64.
  10. ^ "Vox Jox". Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 20. May 20, 1995. p. 100.
  11. ^ Broadcasting Yearbook 1965 page B-39
  12. ^ "RR-1990-10-19" (PDF). americanradiohistory.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  13. ^ Miriam Longino, "Proposed deal could move around the local radio dial," The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 3, 2000.
  14. ^ Miriam Longino, "Jazz purists may scoff, but city is losing some flavor," The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 18, 2000.
  15. ^ Matt Kempner, "Radio stations hot properties in Atlanta area," The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 21, 2000.
  16. ^ "Atlanta Journal-Constitution Radio/TV blog". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  17. ^ "Add Board -- Urban AC Stations". mediabase.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  18. ^ "WALR Drops Tom Joyner". RadioInsight.com. November 27, 2017. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
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