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Coordinates: 41°28′34″N 75°29′41″W / 41.47611°N 75.49472°W / 41.47611; -75.49472
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{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WQOR
| name = WGMF
| above = Simulcasting [[WGMM]] [[Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania|Tunkhannock]]
| above = Simulcasting [[WGMM]] [[Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania|Tunkhannock]]
| logo =
| logo =
| city = [[Olyphant, Pennsylvania]]
| city = [[Olyphant, Pennsylvania]]
| area = [[Scranton, Pennsylvania|Scranton]]/[[Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania|Wilkes-Barre]]
| area = [[Wilkes-Barre]]/[[Scranton, Pennsylvania|Scranton]]
| branding = ''Gem 99 & 100''
| branding = ''Gem 99 & 100''
| airdate = {{start date|1984}} (as WRGE)
| airdate = {{Start date and age|1986|12|23}} (as WRGE)
| frequency = 750 [[kilohertz|kHz]]
| frequency = 750 [[kilohertz|kHz]]
| translator = {{Radio Relay|98.9|W255BO|Scranton}}<br>{{Radio Relay|103.9|W280CV|Scranton Etc.}}
| translator = {{Radio Relay|98.9|W255BO|Scranton}}<br>{{Radio Relay|103.9|W280CV|Scranton Etc.}}
| format = [[Classic hits]]
| format = [[Classic Hits]]
| power = 1,600 [[watt]]s day
| power = 1,600 [[watt]]s [[daytimer|days only]]
| class = D
| class = D
| facility_id = 8092
| facility_id = 8092
| coordinates = {{Coord|41|28|34|N|75|29|41|W|format=dms|display=inline,title|type:landmark_region:US-PA}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|41|28|34|N|75|29|41|W|format=dms|display=inline,title|type:landmark_region:US-PA}}
| callsign_meaning = "Queen of the Rosary" (previous format)
| callsign_meaning = "Gem"
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WRGE (1984-1987)|WWAX (1997-1993)|WMXH (1993-1998)|WAAT (1998-2003)}}
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WRGE (1984–1987)|WWAX (1987–1993)|WMXH (1993–1998)|WAAT (1998–2003)|WQOR (2003–2023)}}
| owner = J.M.J. Radio Inc.
| owner = Kevin Fitzgerald and Benjamin Smith
| operator = Geos Communications
| licensee = Geos Communications, LLC
| affiliations = [[Premiere Networks]]
| operator =
| affiliations = [[Premiere Networks]]
| sister_stations = [[WAZL]], [[WCOZ (FM)|WCOZ]], [[WMMH]]
| sister_stations = [[WAZL (AM)|WAZL]], [[WGMA (AM)|WGMA]], [[WGMF-FM]], [[WGMM]]
| webcast = [https://www.gem104.com/player/?playerID=795 Listen Live]
| webcast = [https://www.gem104.com/player/?playerID=795 Listen Live]
| website = [https://www.gem104.com gem104.com]
| website = [https://www.gem104.com gem104.com]
| licensing_authority = [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
}}
}}


'''WQOR''' (750 [[AM broadcasting|AM]]) is a [[classic hits]] [[radio station]] broadcasting from [[Olyphant, Pennsylvania]], serving the [[Scranton, Pennsylvania|Scranton]]/[[Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania|Wilkes-Barre]] area. WQOR covers much of northeastern [[Pennsylvania]], including Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Referred to as "Gem 99 and 100", WQOR is owned by J.M.J. Radio Inc.; it is programmed by Geos Communications, owner of [[WGMM]] in [[Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania|Tunkhannock]], [[WGMF (AM)|WGMF]] in [[Nanticoke, Pennsylvania|Nanticoke]], and [[WGMF-FM]] in [[Dushore, Pennsylvania|Dushore]]. WQOR broadcasts at 1.6 [[kilowatt]]s during the daytime.
'''WGMF''' (750 [[Hertz|kHz]]) is a [[commercial radio|commercial]] [[AM radio|AM]] [[radio station]] [[city of license|licensed]] to [[Olyphant, Pennsylvania]], and serving the [[Wilkes-Barre]]/[[Scranton, Pennsylvania|Scranton]] [[media market|radio market]]. Known as "Gem 99 and 100", it airs a [[classic hits]] [[radio format|format]] and is owned by Kevin Fitzgerald and Benjamin Smith, through licensee Geos Communications, LLC. WGMF is [[simulcast]] with co-owned 1460 [[WGMM]] in [[Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania|Tunkhannock]], 1490 [[WGMA (AM)|WGMA]] in [[Hazleton, Pennsylvania|Hazleton]] and 103.9 [[WGMF-FM]] in [[Dushore, Pennsylvania|Dushore]].


WGMF is a [[daytimer]] radio station. By day, it is powered at 1,600 [[watt]]s using a [[omnidirectional antenna|non-directional antenna]]. But [[750 AM]] is a [[Clear-channel station|clear channel frequency]] reserved for [[list of broadcast station classes#AM|Class A]] [[WSB (AM)|WSB]] in [[Atlanta]]. So at night, WGMF must go off the air to avoid interference. Programming is heard around the clock on multiple [[FM translator]]s around [[Northeast Pennsylvania]]: 93.9 FM in [[North Abington Township, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania|The Abingtons]], 98.9 FM in Scranton, 99.9 FM in Wilkes-Barre, 100.1 FM in [[Hazleton, Pennsylvania|Hazleton]] and 100.9 FM in [[Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania|Tunkhannock]].<ref>[https://www.gem99and100.com/about-us/ Gem99and100.com/about-us]</ref>
The station's call letters, a remnant of its previous [[Catholic radio]] programming, are an [[acronym]] for Queen of the [[Rosary]], to whom this station is dedicated.<ref name="qorname">{{cite web | url=http://www.jmj750.com/ | title=WQOR 750 AM Home Page | access-date=January 26, 2012}}</ref> The station began broadcasting Catholic programming on June 17, 2003, under the previous owner [[Holy Family Communications]].

Because it shares the same frequency as "[[Clear-channel stations|clear channel]]" station [[WSB (AM)|WSB]] in [[Atlanta]], WQOR broadcasts only during the daytime hours.


==History==
==History==
===WRGE and WWAX===
WQOR began its broadcast history as WRGE in 1984.
The station [[sign-on|signed on]] the air on [[Christmas Eve]], {{Start date and age|1986|12|24}}.<ref>[https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1987/B-BC-YB-1987.pdf ''Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1987'' page B-244. Retrieved Nov. 13, 2024.]</ref> Its original [[call sign]] was WRGE, owned by Ernke Media Enterprises. It aired a [[middle of the road (music)|middle of the road]] format of popular adult music. It was powered at 400 watts, a quarter of its current output.


In 1987, after three years as WRGE, WWAX began its six-year run. James Emmel a former voice at WGBI took the reins of WWAX "Live 75". Broadcasting a bizarre combination of favorites, WWAX had its home on Lackawanna Ave. in Olyphant, PA.<ref>[http://www.radio-info.com/smf/index.php?topic=28494.msg205561 WITK-AM/Pittston (Wilkes Barre)has been sold<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The call letters changed to WWAX in 1987. James Emmel, a former voice at [[WAAF (AM)|WGBI]] 910, took the reins of WWAX "Live 75". Broadcasting a unusual [[playlist]] of songs, WWAX had its home on Lackawanna Avenue in Olyphant.<ref>[http://www.radio-info.com/smf/index.php?topic=28494.msg205561 WITK-AM/Pittston (Wilkes Barre)has been sold<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


===Mixed Up Music===
In 1993, Carmen Nordone (C.V. Nordone Broadcasting) purchased 750 and WMXH took over with the slogan "Our Music Is All Mixed Up". WMXH proudly operated under a nearly unidentifiable format which included [[Broadway musicals]], [[classic country]], [[big band music]], [[Polka music|polka]], 1950s and 1960s [[sock hop]], and religious favorites.
In 1993, Carmen Nordone (C.V. Nordone Broadcasting) purchased 750 AM. He changed the call sign to WMXH, using the slogan "Our Music Is All Mixed Up". WMXH operated under a multiple genre format that included [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] and [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] [[show tune]]s, [[classic country]], [[big band music]], [[Polka music|polka]], 1950s and 1960s [[sock hop]] [[oldies]] and even some [[Southern Gospel]] favorites.


Five years later in 1998, WMXH was purchased by Kevin Fennessy's Fennessy Broadcasting Stations Corporation to become WAAT, initially a leased-time and ethnic station. In 2001 Fennessy would change format with the addition of [[Laura Schlessinger|Dr. Laura Schlessinger]] and Sinatra in the mornings.<ref>[http://www.bostonradio.org/nerw/nerw-011217.html North East RadioWatch: December 17, 2001<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Earlier in his career, Fennessy had worked at [[WIMG|WAAT (1300 AM)]] in [[Trenton, New Jersey]].<ref>[http://www.440.com/namesf.html#_kfenne Radio Broadcasting History, Radio People (F)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Five years later, in 1998, WMXH was purchased by Kevin Fennessy's Fennessy Broadcasting Stations Corporation to become WAAT. It was initially a [[brokered programming|leased-time]] ethnic station. In 2001, Fennessy changed format with the addition of the [[radio syndication|nationally syndicated]] advice show ''Dr. Laura'' with [[Laura Schlessinger]] along with the music of [[Frank Sinatra]] in the mornings.<ref>[http://www.bostonradio.org/nerw/nerw-011217.html North East RadioWatch: December 17, 2001<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Earlier in his career, Fennessy had worked at [[WIMG|WAAT (1300 AM)]] in [[Trenton, New Jersey]].<ref>[http://www.440.com/namesf.html#_kfenne Radio Broadcasting History, Radio People (F)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


===Catholic programming===
WQOR was inaugurated on June 17, 2003. The third station acquired by Buffalo-based [[Holy Family Communications]], WQOR joined ''[[The Station of the Cross]]''. Named for "The Queen of the Rosary", WQOR began broadcasting Catholic programming provided primarily by [[EWTN]]. On April 1, 2008, Holy Family Communications sold WQOR to J.M.J. Radio, a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA based non-profit broadcaster.<ref>[http://citizensvoice.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19481503&BRD=2259&PAG=461&dept_id=571464&rfi=6 WQOR owners bring Catholic radio to airways]</ref>
The call letters were switched to WQOR on June 17, 2003. It was the third station acquired by [[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo]]-based [[Holy Family Communications]], a [[Roman Catholic]] [[non-profit organization|non-profit]] broadcasting organization. WQOR joined ''[[The Station of the Cross]]'' network. Named for "The Queen of the Rosary", WQOR began broadcasting Catholic programming provided primarily by the [[EWTN]] Radio Network. On April 1, 2008, Holy Family Communications sold WQOR to J.M.J. Radio, a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre based non-profit broadcaster.<ref>[http://citizensvoice.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19481503&BRD=2259&PAG=461&dept_id=571464&rfi=6 WQOR owners bring Catholic radio to airways]</ref>


On December 1, 2010, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] issued a Notice of Apparent Liability against J.M.J. Radio, Inc., in the amount of $10,000 for failing to maintain a management and staff presence at the site of WQOR's main studio.<ref>[http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2268A1.pdf FCC Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture]</ref>
On December 1, 2010, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] issued a Notice of Apparent Liability against J.M.J. Radio, Inc., in the amount of $10,000 for failing to maintain a management and staff presence at the site of WQOR's main studio.<ref>[http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2268A1.pdf FCC Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture]</ref>


===Classic Hits===
On February 12, 2023, WQOR changed their format from Catholic religious to classic hits, branded as "Gem 99 & 100", simulcasting [[WGMM]]. The "JMJ" Catholic programming moved to [[FM translator]] W283BE (104.5), which had previously been part of the "Gem" network, and the HD4 channel of [[WEZX]].<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/248588/gem-moves-in-scranton/ Gem Moves in Scranton] Radioinsight - February 12, 2023</ref>
On February 12, 2023, WQOR announced it would end its Catholic religious shows. The "JMJ" Catholic programming would move to [[FM translator]] W283BE (104.5), which had previously been part of the "Gem" network, and the [[HD Radio|HD]]4 [[digital subchannel|subchannel]] of 106.9 [[WEZX]].<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/248588/gem-moves-in-scranton/ Gem Moves in Scranton] Radioinsight - February 12, 2023</ref>

Effective May 31, 2023, Geos Communications acquired WQOR, along with sister station WAZL and translator W261DQ, from J.M.J. Radio in exchange for W283BE 104.5 FM. On November 5, 2023, the station changed its call sign to WGMF. The format flipped to [[classic hits]], branded as "Gem 99 & 100". The station [[simulcast]]s with several AM stations and a network of [[FM translator]]s in Northeast Pennsylvania.


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{AM station data|WQOR}}
*{{AM station data|8092|WGMF}}
*{{FMQ|W255BO}}
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|144931|W255BO}}
*{{FXL|W255BO}}
*{{FXL|W255BO}}
*{{FMQ|W280CV}}
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|20846|W280CV}}
*{{FXL|W280CV}}
*{{FXL|W280CV}}


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{{Daytime-only radio stations in Pennsylvania}}
{{Daytime-only radio stations in Pennsylvania}}


[[Category:Radio stations in Pennsylvania|QOR]]
[[Category:Radio stations in Pennsylvania|GMF (AM)]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1984]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1984]]
[[Category:1984 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:1984 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Daytime-only radio stations in Pennsylvania|QOR]]
[[Category:Daytime-only radio stations in Pennsylvania|GMF]]
[[Category:Classic hits radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Classic hits radio stations in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 10:31, 15 November 2024

WGMF
Simulcasting WGMM Tunkhannock
Broadcast areaWilkes-Barre/Scranton
Frequency750 kHz
BrandingGem 99 & 100
Programming
FormatClassic Hits
AffiliationsPremiere Networks
Ownership
Owner
  • Kevin Fitzgerald and Benjamin Smith
  • (Geos Communications, LLC)
WAZL, WGMA, WGMF-FM, WGMM
History
First air date
December 23, 1986; 37 years ago (1986-12-23) (as WRGE)
Former call signs
  • WRGE (1984–1987)
  • WWAX (1987–1993)
  • WMXH (1993–1998)
  • WAAT (1998–2003)
  • WQOR (2003–2023)
Call sign meaning
"Gem"
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID8092
ClassD
Power1,600 watts days only
Transmitter coordinates
41°28′34″N 75°29′41″W / 41.47611°N 75.49472°W / 41.47611; -75.49472
Translator(s)98.9 W255BO (Scranton)
103.9 W280CV (Scranton Etc.)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen Live
Websitegem104.com

WGMF (750 kHz) is a commercial AM radio station licensed to Olyphant, Pennsylvania, and serving the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton radio market. Known as "Gem 99 and 100", it airs a classic hits format and is owned by Kevin Fitzgerald and Benjamin Smith, through licensee Geos Communications, LLC. WGMF is simulcast with co-owned 1460 WGMM in Tunkhannock, 1490 WGMA in Hazleton and 103.9 WGMF-FM in Dushore.

WGMF is a daytimer radio station. By day, it is powered at 1,600 watts using a non-directional antenna. But 750 AM is a clear channel frequency reserved for Class A WSB in Atlanta. So at night, WGMF must go off the air to avoid interference. Programming is heard around the clock on multiple FM translators around Northeast Pennsylvania: 93.9 FM in The Abingtons, 98.9 FM in Scranton, 99.9 FM in Wilkes-Barre, 100.1 FM in Hazleton and 100.9 FM in Tunkhannock.[2]

History

[edit]

WRGE and WWAX

[edit]

The station signed on the air on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1986; 37 years ago (1986-12-24).[3] Its original call sign was WRGE, owned by Ernke Media Enterprises. It aired a middle of the road format of popular adult music. It was powered at 400 watts, a quarter of its current output.

The call letters changed to WWAX in 1987. James Emmel, a former voice at WGBI 910, took the reins of WWAX "Live 75". Broadcasting a unusual playlist of songs, WWAX had its home on Lackawanna Avenue in Olyphant.[4]

Mixed Up Music

[edit]

In 1993, Carmen Nordone (C.V. Nordone Broadcasting) purchased 750 AM. He changed the call sign to WMXH, using the slogan "Our Music Is All Mixed Up". WMXH operated under a multiple genre format that included Broadway and Hollywood show tunes, classic country, big band music, polka, 1950s and 1960s sock hop oldies and even some Southern Gospel favorites.

Five years later, in 1998, WMXH was purchased by Kevin Fennessy's Fennessy Broadcasting Stations Corporation to become WAAT. It was initially a leased-time ethnic station. In 2001, Fennessy changed format with the addition of the nationally syndicated advice show Dr. Laura with Laura Schlessinger along with the music of Frank Sinatra in the mornings.[5] Earlier in his career, Fennessy had worked at WAAT (1300 AM) in Trenton, New Jersey.[6]

Catholic programming

[edit]

The call letters were switched to WQOR on June 17, 2003. It was the third station acquired by Buffalo-based Holy Family Communications, a Roman Catholic non-profit broadcasting organization. WQOR joined The Station of the Cross network. Named for "The Queen of the Rosary", WQOR began broadcasting Catholic programming provided primarily by the EWTN Radio Network. On April 1, 2008, Holy Family Communications sold WQOR to J.M.J. Radio, a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre based non-profit broadcaster.[7]

On December 1, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission issued a Notice of Apparent Liability against J.M.J. Radio, Inc., in the amount of $10,000 for failing to maintain a management and staff presence at the site of WQOR's main studio.[8]

Classic Hits

[edit]

On February 12, 2023, WQOR announced it would end its Catholic religious shows. The "JMJ" Catholic programming would move to FM translator W283BE (104.5), which had previously been part of the "Gem" network, and the HD4 subchannel of 106.9 WEZX.[9]

Effective May 31, 2023, Geos Communications acquired WQOR, along with sister station WAZL and translator W261DQ, from J.M.J. Radio in exchange for W283BE 104.5 FM. On November 5, 2023, the station changed its call sign to WGMF. The format flipped to classic hits, branded as "Gem 99 & 100". The station simulcasts with several AM stations and a network of FM translators in Northeast Pennsylvania.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WGMF". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ Gem99and100.com/about-us
  3. ^ Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1987 page B-244. Retrieved Nov. 13, 2024.
  4. ^ WITK-AM/Pittston (Wilkes Barre)has been sold
  5. ^ North East RadioWatch: December 17, 2001
  6. ^ Radio Broadcasting History, Radio People (F)
  7. ^ WQOR owners bring Catholic radio to airways
  8. ^ FCC Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture
  9. ^ Gem Moves in Scranton Radioinsight - February 12, 2023
[edit]
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