WKLA-FM

WKLA-FM

Ludington, Michigan
Frequency	96.3 MHz
Branding	96.3 KLA
Programming
Format	Top 40 (CHR)
Affiliations	Local Radio Network (Hot Hits)
Ownership
Owner	Synergy Media, Inc.
Sister stations	WKLA, WKZC, WLDN, WWKR
History
First air date	August 15, 2016 (2016-08-15)
Former call signs	WNOM (09/17/2015-08/15/2016)
Call sign meaning	Karl L. Ashbacker (original owner)
Technical information
Licensing authority	FCC
Facility ID	191495
Class	A
ERP	3,400 watts
HAAT	118 meters
Transmitter coordinates	43°55′01″N 86°26′12″W
Links
Public license information	Public file LMS

WKLA-FM (96.3 FM, "96.3 KLA") is a radio station located in Ludington, Michigan broadcasting a Top 40 (CHR) format. According to http://www.gowithsynergy.com/ it is branded "Hits 96".

History

The original WKLA-FM

Main article: WWMN

The original WKLA-FM is what is now WWMN, which began operations in May 1971 and spent much of its programming day simulcasting its AM sister station throughout the 1970s. Around 1980, the station further separated programming from the AM's Middle of the Road format by moving into Adult Contemporary, which has been the station's format since, although the station still simulcast the AM during certain dayparts until 2000.

Synergy Broadcast Media purchased WKLA-FM in 2012 from Lake Michigan Broadcasting. The deal did not close until June 19, 2013, at a price of $580,000 for WKLA-FM and sister stations WKLA and WKZC. Almost immediately, Synergy announced that it was seeking FCC approval to move the areas oldest operating FM station to Thompsonville, Michigan. (FCC File #BPH-20130801A0K).

The station changed its call sign to the current WWMN on August 15, 2016.

On November 18, 2016, WWMN debuted its new adult album alternative format, branded as "106.3 The Mitten".

96.3 FM history

In 2013, the owners of WGHN-AM/FM applied for a construction permit on 97.7 FM in Ludington. In early 2016, the construction permit was moved to 96.3 to avoid interference from WMLQ in Manistee. In August 2016, WKLA-FM moved to 96.3 FM and continued the Westwood One Hot AC format as "Hits 96" (now "96-3 KLA" to avoid confusion with WSFQ, which, at the time, was known as "Hits 96" and also on 96.3; WKLA and WSFQ, along with WLXT in Petoskey, are known for interfering with each other in the Manistee area). Early 2019, 96.3 KLA flipped from Hot AC to Top 40 (CHR).

External links

• Facility details for Facility ID 740551 (WKLA) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
• WKLA in Nielsen Audio's FM station database