WVBO (103.9 FM) is a classic hits formatted radio station licensed to Winneconne, Wisconsin, that serves the Appleton-Oshkosh area. The station is owned by Cumulus Media.
History
This station began broadcasting in the fall of 1966 as WOSH-FM from studios at 2333 Bowen Street, Oshkosh. Its first format included a range from musical comedy, show tunes, Broadway music, and "semi-classical" music.[1] Early in the 1970s, WOSH-FM changed its call letters to WYTL, and adopted a modern country format. This was maintained until August 1, 1975, at which time 103.9 FM regained the WOSH callsign and changed format to top 40/contemporary hits. Effectively this was advertised as a "frequency swap" to listeners, where WYTL-FM "moved" along with its country format to AM 1490, and WOSH-AM "moved" to FM 103.9 with its top 40 format.[2]
On October 1, 1984, WOSH changed its call letters to WMGV, and at approximately the same time, increased its transmitting power. At this time it began branding itself as "Magic 104".[3]
At 10 a.m. on April 30, 1994, WMGV began stunting as "Louie 103.9", with a format of "All Louie, All the Time", playing 21 different versions of the song "Louie Louie" made popular by The Kingsmen.[4] Stunting continued until 7 a.m. May 3, 1994, at which time the station changed formats and its callsign to WVBO, as the "Valley's Best Oldies".[5]
In 2001, WVBO and sister stations 96.9 The Fox WWWX, 99.5 Nash FM, NewsTalk 1490 WOSH and 1280 WNAM, moved from the Bowen Street facility to Washburn Street, next to Interstate 41.
The former station mascot was named Louie the Cool Cat.
References
- ^ Weitz, Dave (1968-09-15). "Television, Radio Stations Set New Formats for Fall Airing". The Post-Crescent. p. 66. Retrieved 2020-07-18.
- ^ "At Midnight Thursday the Big Switch is On! (WOSH-WYTL advertisement)". The Post-Crescent. 1975-07-31. p. 29. Retrieved 2020-07-18.
- ^ Richards, Tom (1984-09-28). "Oshkosh airwaves altered, given boost". The Post-Crescent. p. 16. Retrieved 2020-07-18.
- ^ Richards, Tom (1994-04-30). "FM station goes crazy over 'Louie'". The Post-Crescent. p. 19. Retrieved 2020-07-18.
- ^ "You can relax: Louie is gone". The Post-Crescent. 1994-05-03. p. 11. Retrieved 2020-07-18.
External links
- Cumulus Broadcasting
- WVBO in the FCC FM station database
- WVBO in Nielsen Audio's FM station database