WION
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| City of license | Ionia, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | [1] (Daytime) [2] (Nighttime) |
| Branding | I-1430 |
| Slogan | "The Music You Know, The Information You Need" |
| Frequency | 1430 kHz |
| First air date | 1953 |
| Format | Full-Service Adult Hits |
| Power | 5,000 Watts (day) 330 Watts (night) |
| Class | B |
| Callsign meaning | Ionia, Michigan |
| Owner | Packer Radio WION, LLC |
| Website | http://www.i1430.com/ |
WION (1430 AM, "I-1430") is a radio station broadcasting what the radio-industry terms "full service" (a mix of locally programmed Music, News, and Sports) format to the Ionia, Michigan area. The completion of an FCC construction permit project in 2009 provided an upgrade in which the daytime coverage was switched from a Directional pattern to the North, to a Non-directional signal, thus providing better signal for a larger stretch of I-96 and towns to the East, South, and West. 2009 brought the purchase of an FM translator license. In 2010, WION changed the translator frequency and moved it from Clyde Road, Ionia to the studio's location on Haynor Road, Ionia. This allowed the FM translator to be upgraded in power, enough to cover all of Ionia county 24/7 on 92.7 FM. The AM signal was unaffected and is still used for long-distance listening. Only in recent FCC history have AM stations been allowed to own and operate FM translators for their stations, and there are not many AM stations operating them; WION is one of only a handful such stations in Michigan (others include WBRN in Big Rapids, WNWN in Kalamazoo, and WGTO in Cassopolis). Its Signal Can Be Heard As Far East As Flint, Michigan, Far South As Tekonsha, Michigan And As Far North As Marion, Michigan
The station returned to being an affiliate of the CBS radio network in 2010, with updates at top and bottom of each hour, and a "hybrid" mix of music which includes adult contemporary, classic rock, and oldies formats. The station adds to its usual format by carrying the "Twilight Zone Radio Dramas", "Edwards Archives", "Retro Stars, the 90's show" and other feature programming on weekends.
WION began broadcasting in 1953. The owners of WION kept the call letters which stand for "Ionia County" and gave the station a new image in 2004 with a logo, website, and consistent full-service programming.
WION is a member of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, and an active opponent of the proposed "performance tax" on radio airplay of music.
[edit] Sources
[edit] External links
- Query the FCC's AM station database for WION
- Radio-Locator Information on WION
- Query Arbitron's AM station database for WION
Coordinates: 43°00′16″N 85°05′09″W / 43.00444°N 85.08583°W
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