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WOR

WOR (710 AM), branded as 710 WOR, is a commercial clear-channel radio station licensed to New York, New York, operating on the AM band at a frequency of 710 kHz with a power output of 50,000 watts from a three-tower directional antenna array located in Rutherford, New Jersey.^[1] Owned by iHeartMedia, it serves the New York metropolitan area with a news/talk format, featuring a mix of syndicated conservative talk programs, local news updates, and traffic reports, and is known as "The Voice of New York" for its long-standing role in regional broadcasting.^[2]^[3] Founded on February 22, 1922, by the Bamberger's Department Store in Newark, New Jersey, WOR was established to demonstrate and sell radios, beginning operations from the store's roof with an initial 250-watt transmitter under the call letters assigned by the U.S. Department of Commerce.^[4] The station quickly expanded, moving its studios to New York City in 1924 and then to 1440 Broadway by 1926, while increasing power and affiliating with the Columbia Broadcasting System in 1927 as the first New York station to air its programs.^[5] A major upgrade came in 1934 with the construction of a new $300,000 transmitter facility in Carteret, New Jersey, boosting its signal to cover a wider audience, and by 1941, WOR relocated its main operations fully to New York City.^[6]^[7] Throughout its history, WOR has been a pioneer in radio programming, hosting the longest-running morning show dynasty in U.S. broadcasting with the Gambling family—"Rambling with Gambling"—from 1925 to 2013 across three generations, and serving as the flagship for national shows like Larry King's overnight program in the late 1970s and 1980s.^[5]^[8] It also innovated with live helicopter traffic reports via "Helicopter 710" and became a vital source for school closings and emergency information in the region.^[5] Ownership evolved from Bamberger's (part of R.H. Macy & Company after 1929) to RKO General in 1951, Buckley Broadcasting in 1989, and iHeartMedia (then Clear Channel Communications) in 2012 for $13.6 million, reflecting its enduring commercial value.^[9] In 1984, under RKO, the station donated its extensive archives—over 20,000 acetate tapes documenting news, dramas, and commercials from six decades—to the Library of Congress, preserving its contributions to American audio history.^[10] As of 2025, WOR continues as a key outlet for political commentary, with hosts like Mark Simone, Larry Mendte in mornings, and syndicated personalities such as Sean Hannity, maintaining its status as one of the nation's oldest continuously operating radio stations.^[2]^[11]

Overview

Station Profile

WOR (710 AM) is a commercial clear-channel AM radio station licensed to New York, New York, and owned by iHeartMedia.^[1]^[2] Broadcasting at 710 kHz with a power of 50,000 watts as a Class A station, it serves the New York metropolitan area during the day and extends its reach across much of the Eastern United States and into parts of Canada at night due to its protected status on the AM band.^[1] The station's studios are located at 125 West 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan, while its transmitter site is in Rutherford, New Jersey.^[12] Launched on February 22, 1922, WOR holds the distinction of being the oldest three-letter call sign still in continuous use among New York City radio stations.^[13] The call letters were originally assigned sequentially from the maritime radio service and later interpreted as standing for "World of Radio," though they have no formal meaning today.^[14] WOR primarily focuses on news and talk radio programming, providing local, national, and syndicated content to its audience.^[2]

Current Programming

WOR operates a conservative-leaning news/talk format, emphasizing local New York issues such as politics, traffic, and weather alongside national commentary.^[2] The station's weekday programming centers on syndicated conservative talk shows, with local elements integrated throughout the day. The weekday lineup begins with "Mendte in the Morning," hosted by Larry Mendte from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET since early 2025. This is followed by "The Mark Simone Show" from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET, offering political analysis and interviews.^[15] From 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET, "The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show" provides syndicated conservative commentary on current events.^[16] "The Sean Hannity Show" airs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, focusing on political debates and listener calls.^[17] Evenings feature "The Jesse Kelly Show" from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, known for its hard-hitting conservative perspectives. Note that while the prompt listed Mark Simone in the evening slot, current scheduling places it mid-morning; this reflects verified 2025 programming. Weekend programming consists primarily of brokered time blocks, including health and financial shows such as "Financial Quarterback" with Josh Jalinski, "Radio Surgery," and "Invite Health," alongside sports updates and repeats of popular programs like "Coast to Coast AM" overnight.^[18] The station provides news updates at regular intervals, typically every 30 minutes during key daytime hours, drawing from local reporters and affiliates.^[19] Traffic reports incorporate aerial perspectives via helicopter, a tradition dating back decades but now supported by enhanced safety protocols following the tragic 1969 crash of WOR's traffic helicopter in Queens, which killed pilot Frank McDermott.^[20] WOR has maintained a partnership with NBC News since 2011 for national and international coverage, ensuring comprehensive reporting integrated into its talk segments.^[21] The station ceased sports broadcasts after the New York Mets ended their affiliation in 2018, shifting focus exclusively to news and talk.^[22]

History

Origins and Early Broadcasting

WOR was founded by L. Bamberger & Co., a prominent department store in Newark, New Jersey, as a means to promote the sale of radio receivers and demonstrate the technology to customers.^[4] The station's establishment reflected early retail interest in broadcasting as a novel advertising tool, with the transmitter installed on the roof of the store at 131 Market Street.^[23] Under the L. Bamberger Broadcasting Service, WOR signed on February 22, 1922, operating initially with a 250-watt transmitter on the frequency of 833 kHz (360 meters).^[4]^[23]^[24] The debut broadcast originated from a small studio on the sixth floor of the department store, utilizing a Western Electric condenser microphone for audio transmission.^[23] Store president Louis Bamberger delivered an opening address emphasizing the potential of radio to connect communities and enhance commerce.^[4] Early programming focused on music performances, educational lectures, and promotional content for Bamberger's merchandise, aligning with the station's commercial origins while experimenting with live audio dissemination.^[23] Regular schedules soon incorporated weather reports and local Newark news, providing practical value to listeners and establishing WOR as a community resource in its formative months.^[4] By 1924, WOR had grown in scope, opening a second studio in Manhattan at 27 West 57th Street to accommodate expanding operations and reach broader audiences.^[5] This expansion coincided with an increase in transmitter power to 500 watts, enhancing signal reliability and coverage beyond Newark.^[23] These developments solidified the station's role in early broadcasting experiments, bridging retail innovation with the emerging medium of radio.^[4]

Frequency Shifts and Network Affiliations

WOR's early frequency assignments reflected the chaotic state of U.S. radio regulation in the 1920s. The station signed on February 22, 1922, operating initially on 833 kHz with a 250-watt transmitter from the roof of Bamberger's department store in Newark, New Jersey, sharing the channel with other stations to avoid interference.^[25]^[24] By late 1922, it moved to 750 kHz as a Class B station to support higher power and better signal quality, then shifted again to 740 kHz on May 15, 1923, under ongoing reallocation efforts by the Department of Commerce.^[26] In 1927, the newly formed Federal Radio Commission (FRC) implemented General Order 40, a major reorganization of the AM band to reduce congestion and designate clear-channel frequencies for high-power stations with minimal domestic interference. WOR was reassigned to 710 kHz on June 17, 1927, initially sharing the channel with WCAZ in Carthage, New York, under a time-sharing agreement that limited WOR's operations to specific hours.^[27] This arrangement ended on November 11, 1928, when WCAZ relocated to 1310 kHz, granting WOR exclusive full-time use of 710 kHz and enabling significant power upgrades. By the mid-1930s, WOR increased to 50,000 watts— the maximum allowed for clear-channel stations—using a new transmitter in Carteret, New Jersey, which dramatically extended its reach, particularly at night when skywave propagation allowed signals to cover much of North America.^[28]^[29] Network affiliations played a crucial role in WOR's growth during this period. On September 18, 1927, WOR became the first New York station to air Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) programming, serving as a key affiliate and helping establish the network's presence in the Northeast.^[29] In 1934, WOR co-founded the Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS) alongside WGN (Chicago), WLW (Cincinnati), and WXYZ (Detroit), with WOR acting as a flagship outlet for the cooperative network aimed at challenging the dominance of CBS and NBC.^[30] MBS quickly became known for dramatic programming, including "The Shadow," which originated from WOR studios and aired nationally starting in 1937, captivating audiences with its mystery adventures.^[31] By the late 1950s, following ownership changes at MBS, WOR transitioned toward more independent operation. This shift allowed WOR greater flexibility in local programming amid the rise of television, solidifying its clear-channel status as a cornerstone for regional and national audio distribution.^[32]

Expansion to FM and TV

In 1941, WOR expanded into frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting with the launch of experimental station W71NY on April 1, operating at 47.1 MHz and serving an 8,500-square-mile area around New York City.^[33]^[34] This marked one of the earliest commercial FM ventures in the U.S., featuring a mix of WOR and Mutual Network programs alongside original high-fidelity content, and it secured the first FM advertising contract on April 14 with Longines-Wittnauer for time checks.^[35] By November 1943, amid the FCC's reallocation of the FM band from 42–50 MHz to 88–108 MHz, W71NY went silent temporarily before relaunching in June 1948 as WOR-FM at 98.7 MHz, simulcasting much of its AM counterpart's programming to promote stereo capabilities and expand WOR's reach.^[36]^[26] WOR further diversified into television on October 11, 1949, when WOR-TV signed on as channel 9, becoming the seventh commercial TV station in the New York metropolitan area and emphasizing local programming such as live events, variety shows, and news from temporary studios at the New Amsterdam Theatre's roof garden.^[37]^[38] The station's early broadcasts highlighted WOR's commitment to multimedia expansion, including sports coverage and public affairs content tailored to the growing New York audience. In December 1952, Bamberger Broadcasting Service sold its entire portfolio—including WOR-AM, WOR-FM, and WOR-TV—to General Teleradio (later RKO General), integrating the outlets into a larger national broadcasting network while maintaining their focus on regional content.^[39] Under RKO ownership, WOR's FM and TV operations evolved separately from the AM station. WOR-FM adhered to FCC mandates by ending full simulcasts with WOR-AM after 1967 diversification rules, culminating in its October 23, 1972, rebranding to WXLO with independent progressive rock programming to differentiate from the AM's talk format.^[40]^[41] The FM retained the WOR calls until further changes in later decades, eventually becoming WEPN-FM in 2012. Similarly, WOR-TV served the New York metro area as an independent station until its April 21, 1987, rebranding to WWOR-TV following RKO's sale to MCA/Universal, which added an extra "W" to comply with FCC call sign rules.^[26] WWOR-TV continued local and syndicated fare until affiliating with MyNetworkTV in 2006, shifting toward national network content.^[42]^[43] Early cross-promotions across WOR's platforms included simulcasts of news bulletins, special events, and music programs between AM, FM, and TV to leverage shared infrastructure and build audience synergy, such as joint broadcasts of Mutual Network feeds and local announcements from the 1940s through the 1960s.^[44]^[45] These efforts, particularly in the pre-diversification era, helped establish WOR as a pioneering multimedia broadcaster in the New York market.

Evolution to Full-Service and Talk Format

During the 1930s through the 1960s, WOR operated as a full-service radio station, blending music programming—such as big band and emerging rock selections—with talk shows, news bulletins, and sports coverage to appeal to a broad audience.^[5] This format emphasized local relevance and variety, exemplified by long-running programs like "Rambling with Gambling," which debuted in 1925 under John B. Gambling and continued through multiple generations of the family until John R. Gambling's departure from WOR in 2000; Gambling then hosted on WABC from 2000 to 2008 before returning to WOR until his retirement in December 2013, ending the family's 88-year dynasty in New York morning radio.^[5]^[8]^[46] The station's sports commitments included early broadcasts of New York Mets games from 1962 to 1981, initially shared across radio and its affiliated television outlet, reinforcing WOR's role in community entertainment.^[47] In the 1970s and 1980s, WOR expanded its offerings to include ethnic programming targeted at diverse immigrant communities and adult contemporary music tracks, reflecting New York City's demographic shifts while competing with the rise of FM stations dominating music playback.^[48] As FM outlets captured younger music listeners by the mid-1980s, WOR began transitioning toward talk-heavy content around 1985, reducing musical segments to differentiate itself on the AM dial and capitalize on the format's growing appeal for discussion-based shows.^[49] This shift aligned with broader industry trends where AM stations pivoted to talk amid FM's music dominance, allowing WOR to retain its news-oriented core while phasing out lighter entertainment.^[49] By the 1990s, WOR completed its evolution to an all-talk format, fully eliminating music programming to focus exclusively on conversational and opinion-driven content, particularly conservative talk that resonated with its audience.^[50] A pivotal figure in this era was Bob Grant, whose combative conservative commentary aired on WOR starting in 1996 following his tenure at rival WABC, helping solidify the station's identity as a hub for right-leaning discourse.^[51] Concurrently, the news department expanded operations to provide round-the-clock coverage, integrating frequent updates into the talk schedule to enhance WOR's reliability as an information source.^[2] Sports programming persisted selectively, with WOR reclaiming Mets baseball as its radio flagship from 2014 to 2018, broadcasting games alongside analysis to bridge historical ties.^[47] Following iHeartMedia's acquisition of WOR in 2012, the station deepened integration with Premiere Networks—iHeart's syndication arm—incorporating national shows like those from Sean Hannity and others to bolster its lineup and revenue.^[9] This partnership facilitated a hybrid of local and syndicated talk, culminating in notable 2025 adjustments, including Larry Mendte's permanent installation as morning host in March, the addition of "Rich on Tech" on Sundays starting February 9, and the debut of "FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla" in evenings starting June, reflecting ongoing adaptations to listener preferences and content availability.^[52]^[53]^[54]

Ownership Transitions

WOR was founded and initially owned by Bamberger's Department Store in Newark, New Jersey, as a promotional tool for selling radio receivers; the station remained under Bamberger Broadcasting Service ownership until 1952, when it was sold to the General Tire and Rubber Company, which reorganized its broadcasting interests as RKO General in 1959.^[55] RKO General held WOR until 1989, when it sold the station to Buckley Broadcasting Corporation for $24 million amid RKO's divestitures following regulatory pressures.^[56] Buckley maintained ownership for over two decades, preserving WOR's talk radio format while navigating industry consolidation. In 2012, Buckley sold WOR to Clear Channel Communications (later rebranded iHeartMedia in 2014) for $30 million, marking a significant shift as the acquisition dissolved the independent WOR Radio Network, integrating its remaining syndicated programming into iHeartMedia's Premiere Networks.^[57]^[9] This transition emphasized national syndication over local operations. iHeartMedia's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in March 2018, aimed at restructuring $20 billion in debt, and its emergence in 2019 under a confirmed plan reducing obligations to $5.75 billion, prompted widespread cost-cutting across the company, including staffing reductions at stations like WOR without affecting the broadcast license.^[58] By late 2024, ongoing financial pressures led to further layoffs impacting WOR's morning show, with hosts Len Berman and Michael Riedel departing as part of broader iHeartMedia reductions.^[59] These ownership changes accelerated WOR's reliance on syndicated content from Premiere Networks, diminishing local production and reflecting broader trends in radio consolidation toward centralized programming.^[60]

Technical Information

Studios and Operations

WOR's broadcasting journey began with its inaugural studio in Newark, New Jersey, on the sixth floor of Bamberger's Department Store at 131 Market Street, where it signed on February 22, 1922.^[5] In December 1924, the station established its first New York City studio on the ninth floor of Chickering Hall at 27 West 57th Street in Manhattan, marking an early expansion amid growing urban listenership.^[61] By 1941, WOR relocated its primary operations to 1440 Broadway in Midtown Manhattan, a site it occupied for over six decades, facilitating the station's shift toward network affiliations and expanded programming.^[5] In 2004, WOR moved to 111 Broadway near Wall Street, reflecting iHeartMedia's (then Clear Channel) efforts to modernize facilities with advanced digital infrastructure.^[62] This transition was short-lived; by 2013, the station shifted to 32 Avenue of the Americas in Tribeca, Lower Manhattan, a telecommunications hub shared with other iHeartMedia outlets including Z100 and Power 105.1.^[63] In December 2022, WOR relocated to its current studios at iHeartMedia's headquarters, 125 West 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan.^[64] The consolidated space supports collaborative production across sister stations, optimizing resources in a high-density media environment.^[65] Daily operations at the Midtown studios run 24/7, with a dedicated newsroom handling continuous updates on local and national events through iHeartMedia's integrated news partnerships.^[2] Programming is supplemented by digital streaming on the iHeartRadio app, enabling global access to WOR's talk and news content beyond traditional AM broadcast.^[2] Traffic reporting, a longstanding feature, incorporates remote contributions from New Jersey-based reporters to cover tri-state area congestion.^[66] A pivotal aspect of operations involved aerial traffic surveillance via helicopter, which resumed after a fatal 1969 crash in Queens that killed pilot Frank McDermott, incorporating enhanced safety protocols such as improved maintenance and pilot training.^[20] This service continued for decades until WOR grounded its fleet in 1993 due to rising costs and regulatory pressures.^[67] As of 2025, no major studio space alterations from iHeartMedia's post-2023 operational realignments have been reported for WOR, maintaining the Midtown facility's role in the network's New York cluster.

Transmitter and Signal Coverage

WOR's transmitter facilities have historically been situated in New Jersey to accommodate the construction of high-power antenna arrays, which face significant height and zoning limitations within New York City proper.^[4] From 1935 to 1966, the station operated from a site in Carteret, New Jersey, featuring a directional array with three 385-foot towers and approximately 40 miles of ground radials to support its 50,000-watt operations.^[4] In 1966, WOR relocated its transmitter to Lyndhurst, New Jersey, at 1585 Valley Brook Avenue, where it utilized three 689-foot towers until 2006; this site was a reclaimed landfill that allowed for the necessary space and grounding for high-efficiency broadcasting.^[68] In 2006, WOR moved to its current transmitter location in Rutherford, New Jersey, expanding the adjacent Lyndhurst property into a three-tower directional array to enhance signal directivity and compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) interference regulations.^[69] The facility operates at 50,000 watts around the clock as a Class A clear-channel station, employing two Harris 3DX50 transmitters and a GPS antenna for precise synchronization.^[69]^[5] The three-tower array utilizes phasor technology to adjust the radiation pattern, enabling non-directional operation during the day and a cardioid pattern at night to protect distant co-channel stations while maximizing coverage toward the Northeast.^[69] FCC records indicate no major outages or significant pattern deviations since the 2006 relocation, reflecting the site's stable engineering and minimal environmental disruptions.^[1] The towers, each approximately 668 feet tall, are optimized for antenna efficiency at the 710 kHz frequency, with radials scaled to the wavelength of roughly 422 meters to ensure low ground resistance and consistent radiation performance.^[70] As a clear-channel Class A station, WOR provides robust groundwave coverage exceeding 100 miles during daytime hours, reliably serving the New York metropolitan area and surrounding states without significant interference.^[1] At night, skywave propagation extends the signal across the Atlantic to Europe and across the Pacific to parts of Asia, leveraging the station's protected status to minimize disruptions from other broadcasters.^[68] This dual-mode coverage underscores WOR's role as one of the nation's dominant AM signals, with the Rutherford site's strategic positioning in the Meadowlands enhancing ground conductivity for optimal propagation.^[4]

Notable Personalities

Historical Figures

Ed and Pegeen Fitzgerald hosted a pioneering husband-and-wife morning talk show on WOR from 1939 until 1973, with a revival from 1975 until Ed's death in 1982, broadcasting live from their New York apartment in a family-friendly format that blended casual conversation, listener call-ins, and light-hearted discussions on everyday topics.^[71] Their program, which ran for over 40 years and attracted a devoted audience by fostering an intimate, homey atmosphere, helped establish WOR as a hub for relatable, community-oriented broadcasting during the post-war era.^[72] Ed, a former newspaper reporter who entered radio in 1933, and Pegeen, who began her career in the 1930s, innovated the couple dynamic on air, influencing future talk formats with their warm, collaborative style.^[73] Arlene Francis contributed to WOR's early programming legacy through her extensive radio work in the 1930s and 1950s, including roles in soap operas like Portia Faces Life and as a panelist on various game shows, before transitioning to her long-running daily interview program on the station from 1960 to 1984.^[74] As a versatile performer who debuted on New York radio in the 1930s, Francis brought wit and poise to WOR's airwaves, appearing in dramatic serials and quiz formats that highlighted her skills as an engaging conversationalist and actress.^[75] Her early contributions to daytime radio, including panel work on shows that emphasized listener interaction, underscored WOR's role in developing women's voices in broadcasting during the mid-20th century.^[76] The John Gambling family defined WOR's morning slot across three generations with Rambling with Gambling, a program that aired from 1925 to 2013 and became one of the longest-running shows in radio history. John B. Gambling launched the interactive talk format in 1925 as an engineer at WOR, focusing on news, weather, and audience participation that built strong local ties in the New York area.^[77] His son, John A. Gambling, took over in 1959 and expanded the show to emphasize traffic reports and community issues, maintaining high ratings through the 1970s and 1980s by adapting to commuter needs.^[78] John R. Gambling continued the tradition until 2013, with the family's multi-generational stewardship—spanning over 88 years—solidifying WOR's reputation for consistent, engaging morning programming that connected with everyday listeners.^[8] Bob Grant emerged as a trailblazing conservative talk host on WOR in the 1970s, pioneering the combative, opinion-driven format that influenced the station's shift toward political commentary and helped popularize right-wing talk radio nationally. Joining WOR in 1977 after his stint at WMCA starting in 1970, Grant's afternoon show featured sharp critiques of liberal policies and caller debates, drawing controversy but also a loyal following that boosted WOR's profile during a period of format experimentation.^[51] Credited with refining the "combat talk" style, he returned briefly to WOR in the late 1990s after time at WABC, contributing to the station's evolution into a platform for syndicated conservative voices through the 20th century.^[79] Henry Gladstone served as a steadfast news anchor at WOR for over 35 years, beginning in 1942 and covering major events from World War II through post-war developments, including early international conflicts as the station's United Nations correspondent after 1945.^[80] His tenure, which extended until 1977, included delivering detailed hourly news reports that emphasized factual reporting and global context, helping WOR maintain credibility during turbulent times like the Cold War era.^[81] Gladstone's long career, marked by clear narration and on-site coverage, exemplified WOR's commitment to authoritative journalism. These historical figures collectively built WOR's enduring legacy by prioritizing local engagement through interactive formats and community-focused content, while enabling national syndication of programs like Rambling with Gambling that reached beyond New York audiences.^[5] Their innovations in talk, news, and family-oriented broadcasting during the 20th century positioned the station as a vital voice for diverse listener perspectives, fostering loyalty and influencing broader radio trends.^[82]

Modern Hosts

In the 21st century, WOR's talk format has been shaped by a mix of veteran broadcasters and syndicated conservatives, emphasizing opinionated commentary on local New York issues alongside national politics. Following the 2024 iHeartMedia layoffs that ended the long-running morning show hosted by Len Berman and Michael Riedel, the station stabilized its lineup with fresh voices while retaining established figures. This period reflects broader industry shifts toward cost efficiency, yet WOR maintained its focus on engaging, personality-driven content that blends news, humor, and debate.^[59] Len Berman, a longtime sports anchor at WNBC for 27 years until 2009, transitioned to radio in 2013 as a morning co-host on WOR, bringing his Emmy-winning expertise in covering Major League Baseball and the NFL to infuse sports segments into the talk format. His tenure, spanning over a decade, included partnerships with various co-hosts and emphasized accessible, light-hearted discussions on New York sports and current events, contributing to WOR's appeal as a full-service outlet. Berman's departure in November 2024 amid iHeart's restructuring marked the end of an era, but his legacy endures in bridging television sports legacy with radio talk.^[83]^[84] Michael Riedel, a prominent New York Post theater columnist since 1998, joined Berman as co-host in March 2018, extending the morning show through 2024 and adding sharp cultural critique to the mix. Riedel's background in Broadway journalism, including co-hosting PBS's "Theater Talk" from 1992 to 2017, brought insider perspectives on entertainment and media, often sparking lively debates on local arts and politics. Their partnership, which lasted until the November 2024 layoffs, highlighted WOR's commitment to opinionated local news, with segments that dissected New York theater scandals and city governance.^[85]^[86] Larry Mendte emerged as the station's morning anchor following the layoffs, debuting "Mendte in the Morning" on January 23, 2025, and securing a permanent role by March 10, 2025, as both host and news director. A veteran TV news anchor with stints at Philadelphia's CBS 3 and NBC 10, as well as the inaugural host of Access Hollywood in the 1990s, Mendte's radio style delivers hard-hitting local reporting on New York issues like government shutdowns and urban policy, directly addressing the void left by iHeart's cuts through focused, investigative segments. His weekday 6-10 a.m. show has stabilized WOR's mornings, prioritizing conceptual depth in opinionated news over fluff.^[11]^[53]^[87] Mark Simone has anchored WOR's mid-morning slot since 2014, hosting weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon with a blend of conservative commentary rooted in his comedy and entertainment background. As a show business historian who produced over 250 PBS specials on topics like Sinatra, rock 'n' roll, and comedy legends, Simone infuses his program with witty, insider anecdotes while tackling national politics and local New York stories, such as mayoral races and media critiques. His three-year contract renewal in 2023 underscores his role in maintaining WOR's high ratings in the time slot, emphasizing high-impact conservative voices amid industry volatility.^[88]^[89]^[90] Sean Hannity's syndicated show has been a cornerstone of WOR's afternoon lineup since January 1, 2014, following its move from rival WABC in a strategic affiliation shift that integrated national conservatism with local New York flavor. Originally launching in the 1990s, Hannity's four-hour daily program on WOR post-2012 emphasized seamless local tie-ins, such as discussions on tri-state area policies, solidifying its place in the station's talk evolution. This integration enhanced WOR's reach, drawing millions through radio, TV, and online platforms.^[88] As of late 2025, WOR's host lineup under Mendte and Simone shows stability post-iHeart's 2024-2025 adjustments, with no major changes reported and a continued emphasis on opinionated local news to navigate ongoing industry consolidation.^[91]

References

[1]
WOR-AM 710 kHz - New York, NY - Radio-Locator.com
Station Owner: Ihm Licenses, LLC find stations owned by Ihm Licenses ... Power, 50,000 Watts. Number of Towers, 3. Transmitter Location, 40° 47' 50" N, 74 ...Missing: frequency | Show results with:frequency
[2]
710 WOR - The Voice of New York With Your Latest Local and ...
710 WOR - The Voice of New York With Your Latest Local and National News!On-Air ScheduleMark SimoneThe Clay Travis and Buck ...iHeartRadio LIVEThe Sean Hannity Show
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710 WOR (WOR-AM) New York, NY - Listen Live - USA radio stations
710 WOR (WOR-AM 710 AM) is a News/Talk radio station licensed to New York, NY, and serves the New York radio market. The station is currently owned by ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[4]
WOR radio came alive 100 years ago on Bamberger's roof in ...
Feb 18, 2022 · WOR radio started with less power than a microwave oven 100 years ago. For WOR's first few months, it relied on a tiny 250-watt transmitter.Missing: frequency | Show results with:frequency
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12 Key Moments In WOR History | WOR 100th Year Anniversary
Feb 8, 2022 · WOR was the first major radio station to feature three generations of one family as morning show hosts. The Gambling family hosted the morning ...Missing: ownership | Show results with:ownership
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New WOR Station Started. - The New York Times
CARTERET, N. J., July 23.— Ground was broken here today for the new WOR radio station of L. Bamberger & Co., which when completed will have cost $300,000.
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WOR 710 AM moves to New York City in 1941 - Facebook
Jan 31, 2025 · WOR (710 AM) is a 50,000-watt class A clear-channel AM radio station owned by iHeartMedia and licensed to New York, New York. The station airs a ...
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John Gambling announces retirement from WOR, ends longest radio ...
Nov 11, 2013 · John R. hosted the WOR show from 1991 to 2000, when he left for crosstown WABC. He returned to WOR in 2008 and has hosted the morning show since ...
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Clear Channel Media And Entertainment To Buy New York's WOR ...
Aug 13, 2012 · Clear Channel is purchasing AM radio station WOR 710 from Buckley Broadcasting Corporation, pending FCC approval.Missing: ownership | Show results with:ownership
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WOR RADIO ARCHIVES TRACE HISTORY - The New York Times
Sep 17, 1984 · Radio station WOR, which set up housekeeping in Bamberger's department store in Newark in 1922, is cleaning out its attic, which is filled with 60 years of ...
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WOR Studios - MusicBrainz
WOR (710 kHz) is a 50,000-watt class A clear-channel AM radio station owned by iHeartMedia and licensed to New York, New York. The station airs a mix of ...Missing: frequency power
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iHeartMedia's 710 WOR To Celebrate 100 Years On-Air In New York ...
Feb 15, 2022 · 710 WOR, The Voice of New York, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its first day of broadcast on February 22, 2022.Missing: oldest 1922
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Call Letter Lore - The New York Times
Call letters, a 19th-century invention, are ... Whether a station's call letters or its meaning ... WOR's initials stood for Wonders (or World) of Radio ...
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The Mark Simone Show | iHeart
FULL SHOW: Happy Veterans Day; $2000 Tariff dividend check? November 11, 2025 ... Mark interviews WOR midday Host Clay Travis from Clay and Buck. Clay has a ...
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The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show - 710 WOR - iHeart
Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Nov 11 2025 · Hour 2 - Veterans Day Stories.
[16]
Find 710 WOR's Monday Live On-Air Schedule - iHeart
Mendte in the Morning 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM; Mark Simone 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM; The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM; The Sean Hannity Show ...
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The Jesse Kelly Show - Wikipedia
It is broadcast live 6 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays. The show mainly covers politics, and under former hosts, was intended as a broad-audience rundown of ...
[18]
Weekend Programming - 710 WOR - iHeart
Weekend Programming · Financial Quarterback Josh Jalinski · Radio Surgery · Invite Health · Passage To Profit · Dr. Perry's What's Your Wrinkle ® · A Moment of Xen.
[19]
Local News | 710 WOR - iHeart
Don't miss out on the latest local, sports, political & national news for the greater New York area from WOR 710. Featuring Mark Simone, The Clay Travis and ...
[20]
Traffic Spotter Is Killed as Copter Crashes Here - The New York Times
A helicopter operated by radio station WOR as a traffic spotter crashed into the roof of a garden apartment in Queens yesterday evening, killing its pilot, ...
[21]
WOR Enhances Its Partnership With NBC News - ADWEEK
Oct 6, 2011 · NBC News and WOR Radio have joined forces in a broadcasting partnership. NBC News will be the dominant provider of international and national ...
[22]
New York Mets Move Radio Broadcasts To WCBS/Entercom - Forbes
Sep 18, 2018 · When the 2018 season ends, the New York Mets will no longer be heard on WOR Radio 710 AM. Monday they announced a new seven-year agreement ...
[23]
[PDF] The AWA Review - Antique Wireless Association
First studio for WOR radio in the Bamberger's department store, 1922. (WOR Radio 1922–1982). Page 44. 34 The AWA Review. Jack R. Poppele, Radio Engineer. Fig. 8 ...
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WOR a catch for Clear Channel, but room for improvement
Aug 13, 2012 · –WOR was the first station in NYC to add AM HD Radio. –WOR began broadcasting on February 22, 1922, using a 500-watt transmitter on 833 kHz ...
[25]
Chronology of call letters WOR | Radio-TV Broadcast History | Fandom
Frequency: 833 khz (February 22, 1922-September, 1922); 750 khz (...October 2, 1922-May 15, 1923); 740 khz (May 15, 1923-June 17, 1927); 710 khz (June 17, 1927 ...
[26]
Here's a 1933 ad about WOR's successful promotion...
Dec 25, 2012 · WOR-AM signed on in 1922 from Bamberger's Department Store in Newark, New Jersey. In those early months, WOR shared 833 kHz with two other ...
[27]
WOR SEEKS A PERMIT TO INCREASE ITS POWER; Application is ...
McCosker, the station's director, disclosed that WOR has applied to the Federal Radio Commission for an increase in power from 5,000 to 50,000 watts. This ...
[28]
Jim Hawkins WOR Transmitter Tour
WOR-HD. WOR is New York's First Digital AM Radio Station. Transmission of digital signal on WOR began At 9:00AM, October 11, 2002. Some History. On Wednesday ...
[29]
Business: M. B. S. | TIME
With the inauguration of two-station broadcasts, WOR and WGN formed Mutual Broadcasting System on Oct. 1, 1934. They agreed to seek advertisers who wanted ...
[30]
Some History of the Mutual Broadcasting System
The Mutual Broadcasting System was founded September 15, 1934, to provide programming for WOR, WGN, WLW, and WXYZ. The first programs were broadcast on October ...
[31]
AM Station Classes, and Clear, Regional, and Local Channels
Jun 3, 2021 · The AM band frequencies are divided into three categories: Clear, Regional, and Local channels. The allowable classes depend on a station's frequency.
[32]
[PDF] Western Electric FM transmitter - Durenberger.com
It was in the spring of 1941 that W71NY actually came into being. WOR engineers who take partic- ular pride in the new 10 KW FM voice, say that distortion at ...
[33]
Chronology of call letters W71NY - Radio-TV Broadcast History
Chronology of call letters W71NY · Date: April 1, 1941-November 1, 1943 · Previous call letters: W2XOR · Frequency: 47.1 MHz (April 1, 1941-November 1, 1943).Missing: launch | Show results with:launch
[34]
FM Broadcasting History - Various Articles
14, 1941. First commercial sponsor on New York City's first commercially licensed FM station, W71NY, is Longines-Wittnauer Co. (watches) which carries time ...Missing: launch | Show results with:launch
[35]
[PDF] r I It - World Radio History
... WOR's FM outlet. Field is credited with being the first sports announcer heard on Frequency Modulation. W71NY is nearly ready to put its 10-kw. FM ...
[36]
NEWS AND NOTES OF TELEVISION; First Night Difficulties Beset ...
THE gremlins of wartime fame apparently returned last Tuesday evening to play their tricks and raise havoc with WOR-TV's formal debut.
[37]
Jim Hawkins' WOR-TV North Bergen Transmitter Page
A tribute to the first transmitter site of WOR-TV, channel 9, which went on the air from N. Bergen, NJ, on October 11, 1949.
[38]
Company histories - fundadamental.com
-December 1952: Bamberger Broadcasting Service sold WOR amfmtv to General TeleRadio. -1952: General Tire took control of the Mutual Broadcasting System. -1953 ...
[39]
WOR-FM History
It was in that environment that RKO General Broadcasting launched its new WOR-FM (98.7Mhz) “Hot 100” format on July 30, 1966. The name is deceiving because, in ...Missing: frequency power
[40]
New Trends Alter Underground Radio - The New York Times
Jan 10, 1972 · An F.C.C. order requiring AM and FM stations under the same ownership to separate their programing went into effect Jan. 1, 1967. The free‐form, ...
[41]
WEPN-FM - Wikipedia
The station's call sign changed to WEPN-FM on May 14, 2012, to match the AM call sign. YMF Media then transferred the WRKS call sign to the ESPN Radio ...Missing: 2016 | Show results with:2016
[42]
WWOR-TV Branding - TVARK
WWOR-TV was branded as "Universal 9" and "UPN 9". It also had a generic Fox logo. The station's branding changed with ownership changes.Missing: myNetworkTV | Show results with:myNetworkTV
[43]
Broadcast/Cable TV History -- 1987
1987-04-21 WOR-TV was renamed WWOR-TV. Likewise, WOR EMI Service was rebranded as WWOR EMI Service. 1987-05-00 Channel 68 Los Angeles relaunched. 1987-07-31 ...
[44]
MORE DEDICATIONS; New W71NY and WHN Broadcast Units Bow ...
Following the dedication proper, both WOR, W71NY and network will broadcast a "Notebook" con- cert by Russell Bennett, composer, tracing the quality of music ...Missing: history launch
[45]
WOR FM 98.7 NYC First FM Rock Station 1966 - Internet Archive
Dec 28, 2023 · It was the first progressive rock station in the country. It marketed itself as stereo as a way to distinguish itself from AM radio.Missing: independent 1972 frequency shift 1948
[46]
Mets radio broadcasts moving to WCBS-AM - MLB.com
Sep 17, 2018 · The Mets on Monday announced a seven-year deal to move their radio broadcasts to WCBS-AM 880 from WOR-AM 710, which had aired their games since 2014.
[47]
Talk Radio – From Feel Good to Controversy From Local to Satellite ...
These stations played adult contemporary music (then called Middle-of-the-Road) along with talk segments hosted by well-known entertainers or local celebrities.
[48]
AM RADIO. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU - Deseret News
Feb 10, 1989 · AM Radio. When was the last time you listened to it? If you're a typical radio listener, it's probably been a long time.
[49]
WOR Turns 100. Maybe This Radio Thing Worked Out After All.
Feb 19, 2022 · In 1934 WOR was part of the group of stations that formed the Mutual Broadcasting System. WOR was one of the first New York stations with a high ...
[50]
Bob Grant, a Combative Personality on New York Talk Radio, Dies ...
Jan 2, 2014 · Mr. Grant had hosted radio and television talks shows in Los Angeles when he arrived in New York in 1970 to work at WMCA, a major radio station ...
[51]
710 WOR Adds 'FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla' to ... - iHeart
Jun 5, 2025 · "FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla" will air on 710 WOR from 9 p.m. to midnight, known for his sharp wit and fearless takes.
[52]
Bamberger Broadcasting Service signed on New York...
Dec 16, 2012 · General Tire and Rubber Company acquired WOR-AM-FM-TV in 1952, adding the New York stations to a stable of other broadcasting operations in ...Missing: $6.5 million
[53]
[PDF] RKO Sells Flagship WOR To Buckley For $24 Million * * * * NAB ...
Sep 9, 1988 · ... WOR. To Buckley For $24 Million. RKO General says it has agreed to sell legendary AM powerhouse WOR/New York to. Buckley Broadcasting Co. for.
[54]
Price revealed for Clear Channel WOR buy
Aug 17, 2012 · Clear Channel will fork over $30M for the iconic AM station. $2.75M has been deposited into an escrow account and the entire amount will be ...Missing: Bamberger Doubleday Citadel<|control11|><|separator|>
[55]
Largest U.S. radio company iHeartMedia files for bankruptcy - Reuters
Mar 15, 2018 · IHeartMedia Inc filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Thursday as the largest US radio station owner reached an agreement with creditors to more than halve its $ ...
[56]
Len Berman and Michael Riedel Exit Mornings At WOR - RadioInsight
Nov 8, 2024 · The ongoing iHeartMedia layoffs have brought the end of the Len Berman and Michael Riedel morning show at Conservative Talk 710 WOR New York.
[57]
WOR / WOR Radio Network | RadioDiscussions
Dec 12, 2012 · The programming all goes along with WOR. The WOR Network as an entity will cease to exist, and the programming will be folded into the Premiere ...Missing: dissolution | Show results with:dissolution
[58]
https://www.reuters.com/article/business/largest-us-radio-company-iheartmedia-files-for-bankruptcy-idUSKCN1GR0FG/
[59]
HISTORIC WOR'S MOVE WILL LEAVE PAST BEHIND
Aug 23, 2004 · But if WOR is traveling light when it moves to 111 Broadway, near Wall St., Bruno says it will be a big technological step forward. That's good ...
[60]
Site of the Week 5/25/18: iHeart Radio, New York - Fybush.com
May 25, 2018 · ... 2013 it moved WOR from 111 Broadway (down by Wall Street) halfway back uptown to join the FMs here at 32 Avenue of the Americas. (WOR had ...
[61]
iHeart Media and Entertainment - Luckett & Farley
Jan 26, 2021 · ... 32 Avenue of the Americas building, once home to AT&T headquarters. The move consolidated 30+ studios supporting iHeart's New York FM ...Missing: WOR 2013
[62]
Remember the Radio Traffic Cowboys of the Skies - Radio World
Jan 2, 2018 · More crashes followed. On Jan. 10, 1969, WOR fill-in pilot/reporter Frank McDermott died when his helicopter fell into an apartment building in ...
[63]
WOR MAN OF MOTION READY TO DOWNSHIFT
Dec 19, 2005 · Meade started traffic copter reporting in 1968 for WCBS-AM and a year later switched to WOR. He flew until WOR grounded its fleet in 1993 and ...
[64]
WOR's Lyndhurst, NJ Transmitter - 1967-2006 - Fybush.com
May 6, 2005 · WOR's Lyndhurst transmitter was at 1585 Valley Brook Ave since 1967, a reclaimed dump site with a Continental 317C transmitter, and a Harris DX ...
[65]
WOR 710 New York: The New Site - Fybush.com
Jul 7, 2006 · The new WOR site has three new towers, a new transmitter building with two Harris 3DX50 transmitters, a GPS antenna, and is located at the end ...
[66]
The Development of the Directional AM Broadcast Antenna at WOR
Oct 29, 2025 · Massive Western Electric transmitter. You could literally WALK through it. Still looking for a decent photo of the transmitter room.Missing: Rutherford 2006 kW daytime nighttime
[67]
ED FITZGERALD, BROADCASTER KNOWEN FOR PROGRAM ...
Mar 23, 1982 · Ed Fitzgerald, who had broadcast on radio continuously for 52 years and who with his wife, Pegeen, was credited with originating husbandand-wife radio talk ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[68]
Radio couple garners devoted following over 44 years
Jan 13, 1982 · For 44 of their 50 married years, Pegeen and Edward Fitzgerald have had a radio talk show in New York City. The unusual fact is that it's a ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[69]
Pegeen Fitzgerald; Early Radio Personality - Los Angeles Times
Feb 2, 1989 · Her husband was a newspaper reporter who had gone into radio in 1933 as a master of ceremonies. After they married, they went to New York, where ...
[70]
Arlene Francis - Radio Hall of Fame
A broadcast pioneer, she was the first woman to host NBC's Monitor and presided over the Arlene Francis Show on WOR-AM for nearly a quarter of a century. In ...Missing: Portia Faces
[71]
https://www.nytimes.com/1982/03/23/obituaries/ed-fitzgerald-broadcaster-knowen-for-program-with-his-wife-dies.html
[72]
Arlene Francis - Biography - IMDb
Arlene Francis, the witty actress and popular television personality, was born Arlene Francis Kazanjian on Oct. 20, 1907, in Boston.Missing: Portia Faces
[73]
John A. Gambling, Morning Radio Mainstay, Dies at 73
Jan 10, 2004 · Mr. Gambling was the second of three generations of Gamblings that held forth on WOR-AM Radio for 75 years. Their news-and-talk show became the ...
[74]
John A. Gambling - Radio Hall of Fame
John A. Gambling hosted "Rambling with Gambling" for over 30 years, evolving it into an "all talk" show, and was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2000.
[75]
Bob Grant - Radio Hall of Fame
Bob Grant was a New York City broadcasting veteran who was considered a pioneer of the conservative talk format and an early adopter of the “combat talk” ...
[76]
Henry Gladstone; Radio Newscaster, 83 - The New York Times
Jan 27, 1995 · He began to broadcast the news on WOR in 1942, and after the war, was the station's United Nations correspondent. Advertisement. SKIP ...Missing: anchor career
[77]
Four Principal News Personalities Leaving WOR
Mar 28, 1977 · Stan Lomax, a sports commentator for 43 years; Henry Gladstone, a newscaster for 32 years, and Jean Shepherd, famous for his impressionistic ...
[78]
[PDF] RkM131.1 GAMBLING - World Radio History
First started by his father almost 50 years ago, Rambling With Gambling is now an institution and attracts the largest radio audience in the United States—more ...
[79]
Long Island's Len Berman, after exiting WOR, looks back at his ...
Dec 30, 2024 · In 2013, not long after a near-30-year run as WNBC/4 sports anchor wrapped, he moved to radio, cohosting WOR's morning show with former New York ...
[80]
Len Berman Speaks For First Time Following 710 WOR Exit During ...
Nov 12, 2024 · Len Berman departed 710 WOR last week during the widespread iHeartMedia layoffs. And the former morning host is speaking for the first time since departing.
[81]
Michael Riedel Will Join 710 WOR Morning Show as Co-Host
Feb 27, 2018 · Broadway personality Michael Riedel will join Len Berman as the co-host for 710 WOR/New York morning show, beginning March 5.Missing: tenure | Show results with:tenure
[82]
WOR New York Tabs Michael Riedel As New Morning Co-Host
Feb 27, 2018 · Riedel has served as theater columnist for the New York Post for the last twenty years and co-hosted “Theater Talk” on PBS from 1992-2017. He ...Missing: tenure | Show results with:tenure
[83]
WOR Debuts Mendte In The Morning - RadioInsight
Jan 23, 2025 · iHeartMedia Conservative Talk 710 WOR New York has relaunched its morning show as “Mendte In The Morning” hosted by Larry Mendte.<|control11|><|separator|>
[84]
Larry Mendte Made Permanent Morning Host At NYC's WOR
Mar 10, 2025 · iHeartMedia New York's 710 WOR-AM has officially named Larry Mendte as the station's permanent morning host.Missing: department | Show results with:department
[85]
Broadcast Pioneers member Larry Mendte has been an anchor for ...
Before joining CBS 3 in July, 2003, Larry was evening news anchor for WCAU (Channel 10), the NBC station in Philadelphia. Mendte returned to Philadelphia in ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
[86]
WOR 710 Announces All New Programming Line-Up For 2014
Dec 9, 2013 · Iconic radio talk show hosts Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, the top two radio talk show hosts in the country, will be heard on WOR beginning January 1 in mid- ...
[87]
Mark Simone
The longest running, number one, talk show host in New York City, Mark Simone continues to have the number one show on the dial from 10am to Noon every weekday.
[88]
Talk Host Mark Simone Inks New Deal with WOR, New York
Sep 6, 2023 · New York City talk radio personality Mark Simone signs a new, three-year deal with iHeartMedia's news/talk 710 WOR to continue hosting the ...
[89]
Mark Simone - 710 WOR - iHeart
Listen To The Mark Simone, weekdays from 10 to Noon on 710 WOR in New York or on your iHeartRadio app! Listen. An iHeartMedia Station.Latest Posts · Email Mark · Podcasts · ContactMissing: 6 | Show results with:6