WLPO

WLPO (1220 AM) is a radio station licensed to LaSalle, Illinois covering Northern Illinois, including LaSalle, Ottawa, and Princeton from the heart of Starved Rock Country. The station features news and talk in conjunction with a classic rock format. WLPO-AM/FM is ranked #6 in the market ratings. Station personalities include Rod (Thorson) and Tom (Henson) in the morning, Clare Bennett middays and Jeremy Aitken (news director) afternoons. On January 1, 2020, the stations were purchased by Starved Rock Media, Inc.  Starved Rock Media is a company formed by long-time employees Steve Vogler and John Spencer.[2]

WLPO
Broadcast areaNorthern Illinois / LaSalle - Peru
Frequency1220 kHz
Branding103.9 WLPO
Programming
FormatNews-Talk-Rock
Ownership
Owner
  • John Spencer
  • (Starved Rock Media, Inc.)
WAJK, WLWF
History
First air date
November 16, 1947[1]
Call sign meaning
LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby
Technical information
Facility ID36645
ClassB
Power1,000 watts day
500 watts night
Translator(s)103.9 W280EG (Peru)
Links
WebcastListen Live
WebsiteWLPO Online

History

The station began broadcasting on November 16, 1947, and originally ran 250 watts during daytime hours only.[1][3] In 1957, the station's power was increased to 1,000 watts, and it began using a directional array.[3] For many years, the station aired an MOR format, with farm and talk programming as well.[1][4][5][6] By 1988, the station had added nighttime operations, running 500 watts at night.[7] By 1997, the station's music programming would be changed to oldies.[8] The station was branded the "Spirit of the Valley".[9]

By 2005, the station was completely airing a news-talk format branded the "Voice of the Valley".[10][11] It would later be branded the "News and Talk of the Valley".[12] During this period, the station variety of local programming as well as nationally syndicated shows, such as Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Dave Ramsey, Dennis Miller, and Dr. Joy Browne.[12] On December 26, 2013, the station began airing a classic hits format.

Translator

In June 2013, 103.9 signed on as a 24-hour simulcast of WLPO AM 1220. The FM simulcast gives the station better coverage over the Illinois Valley and Starved Rock areas, especially at night when WLPO AM is legally required to lower their power so they don't interfere with other stations on the frequency.

Call signFrequencyCity of licenseERP (W)HAATClassFCC info
W280EG 103.9 FMPeru, Illinois25062.6 m (205 ft)DFMQ

References
  1. 1972 Broadcasting Yearbook, Broadcasting, 1972. p. B-64. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  2. WLPO lcbcradio.com/site/about
  3. History Cards for WLPO, fcc.gov. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  4. Broadcasting Yearbook 1979, Broadcasting, 1979. p. B-67. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  5. Broadcasting Cablecasting Yearbook 1986, Broadcasting/Cablecasting, 1986. p. B-88. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  6. Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1996, Broadcasting & Cable, 1996. p. B-129. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  7. Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook 1988, Broadcasting/Cablecasting, 1988. p. B-88. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  8. Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1997, Broadcasting & Cable, 1997. p. B-138. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  9. "WKOT". WKOT. Archived from the original on December 1, 2002. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  10. "WKOT". WKOT. Archived from the original on November 16, 2005. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  11. The Radio Book. 2005-2006. p. 198. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  12. "WLPO Show Schedule". WLPO. Archived from the original on September 9, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2018.

41°18′14″N 89°05′44″W

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