Editing WMMR

{{Short description|Active rock radio station in Philadelphia}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{more citations needed|date=December 2011}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox radio station
| name               = WMMR
| logo               = WMMR logo.png
| logo_size          = <!-- optional when used with image parameter, specifies image size -->
| logo_alt           = <!-- optional when used with image parameter, specifies image alternate (alt) text -->
| caption            = <!-- optional when used with image parameter, specifies image caption -->
| city               = [[Philadelphia|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]
| country            = US
| area               = [[Delaware Valley]]
| branding           = 93-3 WMMR
| frequency          = {{Frequency|93.3|[[MHz]]}} {{HD Radio}}
| translator         =
| repeater           = 
| airdate            = {{Start date and age|1942|4|20}} (as W49PH)<ref name="BPP">{{cite web |url=http://www.broadcastpioneers.com/w53ph-1942.html |title=The Beginning of FM Broadcasting in Philadelphia |date=2007 |website=broadcastpioneers.com |access-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref>
| format             = [[Active rock]]
| subchannels        = HD2: Live rock
| language           = English
| erp                = {{ubl|16,500 watts (analog)|165 watts (digital)<ref name="digital notif">{{cite web |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1575385&Service=FD&Form_id=335&Facility_id=25438 |title=FCC 335-FM Digital Notification [WMMR] |date=September 19, 2013 |website=fcc.gov |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref>}}
| haat               = {{convert|264|m|ft|sp=us}}
| class              = B
| facility_id        = 25438
| coordinates        = {{coord|39|57|9.4|N|75|10|3.6|W|region:US-PA_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| callsign_meaning   = [[Metromedia]] Radio
| former_callsigns   = {{ubl|W47PH (1941)|W49PH (1941&ndash;1943)|WIP-FM (1943&ndash;1966)}}
| former_frequencies = {{ubl|44.7 MHz (1941)|44.9 MHz (1941&ndash;1946)|97.5 MHz (1946&ndash;1948)}}
| affiliations       = {{ubl|[[United Stations Radio Networks]]|[[Philadelphia Flyers]] Radio Network}}
| operator           = 
| owner              = [[Beasley Broadcast Group]]
| licensee           = Beasley Media Group Licenses, LLC
| sister_stations    = [[WBEN-FM]], [[WMGK]], [[WPEN (FM)|WPEN]], [[WTEL (AM)|WTEL]], [[WTMR]], [[WWDB]], [[WXTU]]
| webcast            = {{ubl|{{Listen live|url=http://wmmr.com}}|{{IHeartRadio|933-wmmr-5296}}}}
| website            = {{URL|wmmr.com}} 
| licensing_authority= [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
}}
'''WMMR''' (93.3 [[FM broadcasting|FM]], "93-3 WMMR") is a commercial radio station licensed to serve [[Philadelphia|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]. The station is owned by the [[Beasley Broadcast Group]] through licensee Beasley Media Group, LLC and broadcasts an [[active rock]] [[radio format]]. The station's studios and offices are located in [[Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania|Bala Cynwyd]] and the transmitter is atop [[Liberty Place|One Liberty Place]] at ({{coord|39|57|9.4|N|75|10|3.6|W}}) in [[Center City, Philadelphia|Center City Philadelphia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=WMMR |title=FM Query Results for WMMR |website=fcc.gov |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref>

WMMR broadcasts using [[HD Radio]].<ref name="digital notif"/> Its HD2 subchannel plays live rock performances and sessions in WMMR's studios.

WMMR carries [[Philadelphia Flyers]] [[ice hockey|hockey]] games when its [[sports radio|all-sports]] [[sister station]] 97.5 [[WPEN (FM)|WPEN]] is airing another sporting event and cannot broadcast the Flyers game. WMMR is the home of ''[[Preston and Steve]]'', heard weekday mornings, and midday personality [[Pierre Robert (DJ)|Pierre Robert]], heard on WMMR since 1981.

In 2014, WMMR was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in its "Heritage Rock Stations" category.

==History==
===1940s===
On February 11, 1941, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] granted Pennsylvania Broadcasting Company a construction permit for a new FM station on 44.7&nbsp;MHz on the original 42-50&nbsp;MHz FM broadcast band with the W47PH [[call sign]]. The construction permit was modified on November 4, 1941, when the FCC reallocated the station to 44.9&nbsp;MHz with a corresponding call sign change to W49PH. The FCC also on this date granted the station authority for the first time to begin broadcasting.<ref name="historycards">{{cite web|url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=82052 |title=History Cards for WMMR |website=fcc.gov |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref> The station [[sign-on|signed on]] for the first time on April 20, 1942,<ref name="BPP"/> and was granted its first license on March 2, 1943.<ref name="historycards"/> Programming was initially a [[simulcast]] of sister station [[AM 610]] [[WTEL (AM)#History|WIP]].

On November 1, 1943, the station was assigned the WIP-FM call sign.<ref name="historycards"/> After the FCC created the current FM broadcast band on June 27, 1945,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310574A1.pdf |title=In the Matter of Allocation of Frequencies to the Various Class of Non-Governmental Services in the Radio Spectrum from 10 Kilocycles to 30,000,000 Kilocycles (Docket No. 6651) |date=June 27, 1945 |website=fcc.gov |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=April 7, 2018}}</ref> Pennsylvania Broadcasting applied to the FCC for a construction permit on October 24, 1946, to install a new transmitter and antenna for operation on 97.5&nbsp;MHz. On July 10, 1947, the FCC reallocated the station to 93.3&nbsp;MHz, modifying the construction permit. The commission granted Pennsylvania Broadcasting a new license for the station for operation on 93.3&nbsp;MHz on December 22, 1948.<ref name="historycards"/>

===1950s and 1960s===
In the 1950s and 1960s, WIP-FM carried a [[Full service (radio format)|full service]] format of [[middle of the road (music)|middle of the road]] (MOR) music, news, sports and talk. The station's license was voluntarily reassigned by the FCC to WIP Broadcasting, Inc. on September 17, 1958, followed by another voluntary reassignment to Metropolitan Broadcasting Corporation on December 29, 1959. The FCC granted a licensee name change from Metropolitan Broadcasting Corporation to [[Metromedia|Metromedia, Inc.]] on May 11, 1961. On August 6, 1962, Metromedia applied for a construction permit to relocate the station's transmitter and antenna in Philadelphia from 35 South 9th Street to 12 South 12th Street at<ref name="historycards"/> the [[PSFS Building|Loews Philadelphia Hotel]]. This resulted in raising the station's [[height above average terrain]] (HAAT) from 430 feet to 668 feet, while decreasing the station's [[effective radiated power]] (ERP) from 20,000 watts to 7,500 watts. The FCC granted Metromedia a new license for the station with the new facilities on September 30, 1963.<ref name="historycards"/>

On July 1, 1966, the station's call sign was changed to WMMR.<ref name="historycards"/> The call sign reflected the name of the station's owner, "Metromedia" (and "Radio"). From 1948 to 1993, WMMR was used unofficially as a slogan by a local student-run [[carrier current]] radio station at the [[University of Minnesota]]. The MOR format was still being used, but with different programming from the AM side, although the AM disc jockeys' announcements were used for both stations. Studios of WIP and WMMR were on 19th Street near [[Rittenhouse Square]].

Beginning in 1968, WMMR began adopting a [[progressive rock (radio format)|progressive rock]] format, similar to that of several Metromedia-owned stations including [[WNEW-FM]] in New York City. WNEW-FM and WMMR had a close relationship, ran similar promotions, and sometimes featured each other's disc jockeys on the air. [[WMMS]] in [[Cleveland]], [[KTWV|KMET]] in Los Angeles, and [[KYLD|KSAN]] in San Francisco were also part of the Metromedia chain and also helped pioneer the progressive rock format in the 1960s.

[[Dave Herman (DJ)|Dave Herman]] was WMMR's first rock DJ. His show, dubbed ''The Marconi Experiment,'' debuted on April 29, 1968.<ref name="Phila Radio">{{cite book |last=Boris |first=Alan |date=2011 |title=Philadelphia Radio |location=Charleston, South Carolina |publisher=ArcadiaPublishing |page=101 |isbn=9780738575087}}</ref> Before Herman's arrival, WMMR ran an "MOR" format, including programs such as ''Sinatra and Company''. ''The Marconi Experiment'' was very much an experiment for the station, with progressive rock still new to the FM band. The first song played on the show was "[[Flying (Beatles instrumental)|Flying]]" by [[The Beatles]]. Over the instrumental song, Herman recited these words: "Arise my heart, and fill your voice with music. For he who shares not dawn with his song, is one of the sons of ever darkness." This was known as "The Incantation" and continued as the regular show opening.

Several Philadelphia FM stations tried to compete with WMMR in the late 1960s, including [[WXTU|WIFI]] and [[WDAS-FM]]. Neither station stayed with the rock format for long. In 1970, WIFI switched to a [[contemporary hit radio|Top 40]] format, while WDAS-FM changed format around 1971 to reflect its AM counterpart as an [[urban contemporary]] station.<ref>{{cite book |last=Boris |first=Alan |date=2011 |title=Philadelphia Radio |location=Charleston, South Carolina |publisher=ArcadiaPublishing |page=105 |isbn=9780738575087}}</ref>

===1970s===
Michael Cuscuna from the [[University of Pennsylvania]]'s [[WXPN]] replaced Herman in 1970, but was quickly hired away by WABC-FM (now [[WPLJ]]) in New York City. [[Michael Tearson]], also from WXPN, replaced Cuscuna and remained a mainstay at WMMR for over 20 years. Herman went to WABC-FM and then for a couple of decades on WNEW-FM, and later on [[WINS-FM|WXRK]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.citypaper.net/articles/112698/coverstory.shtml |title=Glory Days |access-date=July 9, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219203855/http://www.citypaper.net/articles/112698/coverstory.shtml |archive-date=December 19, 2007 }}</ref> Tearson later worked at [[WMGK]] in Philadelphia, from April 2002 until January 2013. He was also heard on [[Sirius XM Radio|Sirius XM]]'s [[Deep Tracks]] channel.

Later in the 1970s, two other Philadelphia radio stations became competitors: [[WIP-FM|WYSP]] (formerly WIBG-FM) and [[WIOQ]]. WYSP later became a [[classic rock]] outlet while WIOQ became a Top 40 radio station.

One of WMMR's most influential disc jockeys during the 1970s was [[Ed Sciaky]], who was known for playing and boosting the careers of new artists such as [[Billy Joel]] and [[Yes (band)|Yes]]. Sciaky is credited with introducing [[Bruce Springsteen]] to Philadelphia, and decades later, the city remains one of Springsteen's strongest fan bases and the scenes of many of his best-received concerts. WMMR alumni include [[David Dye (broadcaster)|David Dye]], host of the ''[[World Cafe (radio program)|World Cafe]]'' on [[WXPN]] and [[radio syndication|syndicated]] on many [[NPR]] stations. Another former WMMR DJ is Nick Spitzer, now a [[New Orleans]] resident and host of "[[American Routes]]" on NPR. One-time WMMR midday DJ Dick Hungate later switched to [[WIP-FM|WYSP]], pioneering the [[classic rock]] format in Philadelphia. [[John DeBella]], now hosting mornings on co-owned [[WMGK]], was the morning [[drive time]] DJ for many years, alongside newscaster and sidekick Mark "The Shark" Drucker, who later was a reporter on [[all-news]] [[KYW (AM)|KYW]]. Some WMMR DJs such as Dave Herman and [[Carol Miller (disc jockey)|Carol Miller]] would later go onto longtime careers on New York stations.

===1980s===
On July 17, 1980, Metromedia applied for a construction permit to increase the station's ERP to 29,000 watts. The FCC granted the permit on July 17, 1981, followed by a new license with the upgraded facilities on August 1, 1981.<ref name="historycards"/>

WMMR's license was transferred to Metropolitan Broadcasting Corporation on October 22, 1986.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=93169 |title=Assignment of License [WMMR] |date=October 22, 1986 |website=fcc.gov |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref>

On October 26, 1987, Metropolitan Broadcasting applied for a construction permit to change the transmitter location to "Building Rooftop 1650 Market St., Philadelphia, PA" (the address of [[Liberty Place|One Liberty Place]]) and increase the station's HAAT to {{convert|271|m|ft|sp=us}}. The FCC granted the permit on May 1, 1989.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=105957 |title=Minor Change to a Licensed Facility [WMMR] |date=October 26, 1987 |website=fcc.gov |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref> On October 26, 1989, WMMR was purchased by [[Westinghouse Broadcasting|Group W]] Radio Acquisition Company, with the sale consummating on December 7, 1989, thus becoming a sister station to [[KYW-TV]] and [[KYW (AM)|KYW radio]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=131372 |title=Transfer of Control [WMMR] |date=December 7, 1989 |website=fcc.gov |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref>

===1990s===
Group W Radio modified the construction permit on February 12, 1992, by decreasing the HAAT to {{convert|252|m|ft|sp=us}} and changing the ERP to 18,000 watts. The FCC granted the change on March 9, 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=168862 |title=Minor Modification to a Construction Permit [WMMR] |date=February 12, 1992 |website=fcc.gov |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref> The FCC granted a new license with the new facilities on January 6, 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=172740 |title=License to Cover [WMMR] |date=January 6, 1997 |website=fcc.gov |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref>

Greater Los Angeles Radio, Inc., a division of [[Greater Media]], purchased WMMR, with the sale consummating on August 22, 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=242186 |title=Assignment of License [WMMR] |date=August 22, 1997 |website=fcc.gov |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref>

===2000s===
In May 2005, the station began airing the ''[[Preston & Steve]]'' show in morning drive, which was previously heard on [[WRNB|WPLY]]. In early 2006, WMMR launched its digital HD2 subchannel with the "WMMaRchives" format, airing the station's archive of live and studio performances.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Tucker|first1=Ken|title=Greater Media, Emmis Unveil HD2 Strategies|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1358988/greater-media-emmis-unveil-hd2-strategies|access-date=January 19, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=January 19, 2006}}</ref>

===2010s===
On July 19, 2016, [[Beasley Broadcast Group|Beasley Media Group]] announced it would acquire Greater Media and its 21 stations (including WMMR) for $240 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/107315/beasley-acquires-greater-media/ |title=Beasley Acquires Greater Media |last=Venta |first=Lance |date=August 3, 2016 |website=radioinsight |publisher=radioINSIGHT |access-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref> The FCC approved the sale on October 6, and the sale closed on November 1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/108958/beasley-closes-on-greater-media-purchase-makes-multiple-staff-moves/ |title=Beasley Closes on Greater Media Purchase; Makes Multiple Staff Moves |last=Venta |first=Lance |date=November 1, 2016 |website=radioinsight |publisher=radioINSIGHT |access-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref>

===2020s===
In 2021, midday DJ [[Pierre Robert (DJ)|Pierre Robert]] celebrated his 40th year on the air at WMMR. The Philadelphia City Council passed a resolution to declare November 24 as Pierre Robert Day.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wmmr.com/2021/11/24/pierre-robert-day-in-philadelphia/ | title=November 24th is Officially Pierre Robert Day in Philadelphia | date=November 24, 2021 }}</ref>

For many years, WMMR prided itself on having live and local DJs 24/7/365, a rarity in modern radio. This run would end in October 2022, when owners Beasley Media made major cuts to the staff of WMMR and other stations, resulting in the elimination of the live overnight block. Among those laid off were 18-year WMMR afternoon host Paul Jaxon.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/243706/layoffs-ongoing-at-beasley-media-group/ | title=More Names from the Beasley Media Layoffs as Additional Markets Affected }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.phillymag.com/news/2022/10/12/wmmr-jaxon-firings/ | title=Chaos at WMMR: "A Really Dark Day in the Station’s History" | date=October 12, 2022 | website=Philadelphia Magazine }}</ref>

==Awards==
In 2007, WMMR was nominated for the ''[[Radio & Records]]'' magazine award for "[[Active rock|Active Rock]] Station of the Year" in a top 25 market. Other nominees included [[WIYY]] in [[Baltimore]], [[WKVB (FM)|WAAF]] in [[Boston]], [[KBPI]] in [[Denver]], [[WRIF]] in Detroit, and [[KISW]] in [[Seattle]].<ref name="randrawards">{{cite news| title=2007 Industry Achievement Awards| date=September 28, 2008| url=http://www.radioandrecords.com/Conventions/con2007/awards/rockFinal.asp| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011192834/http://www.radioandrecords.com/Conventions/con2007/awards/rockFinal.asp| url-status=dead| archive-date=October 11, 2007| work=Radio and Records}}</ref>

In 2010, the station was honored by the [[National Association of Broadcasters]] with the [[NAB Marconi Radio Awards|Marconi Award]] for "Rock Station of the Year".<ref>{{cite web|title=2010 Marconi Awards|url=http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=1971394&spid=1314|publisher=FMQB|access-date=December 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307013402/http://fmqb.com/article.asp?id=1971394&spid=1314|archive-date=March 7, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> WMMR has also been honored as the Major Market Radio Station of the Year by the rock community [[RadioContraband]] in both 2011 and 2012.<ref>[http://www.radiocontraband.com/ Radio Contraband.com]</ref> In the late 1980s, WMMR was recognized as one of the best rock stations in America by ''[[Rolling Stone]] Magazine''.{{citation needed|date=October 2013}}

In 2014, WMMR was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in the "Heritage Rock Stations" category.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
<!-- per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only -->
*{{Official website|http://www.wmmr.com/}}
*{{FM station data|25438|WMMR}}

{{Philly Radio}}
{{Philadelphia Morning Drive}}
{{Active Rock Radio Stations in Pennsylvania}}
{{Beasley Broadcast Group}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1942 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Active rock radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Beasley Broadcast Group radio stations|MMR]]
[[Category:Metromedia]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1942]]
[[Category:Radio stations in Philadelphia|MMR]]