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WOWO

WOWO (1190 kHz AM) is a radio station licensed to , owned by Federated Media and airing a news/talk format supplemented by FM translators at 92.3 and 97.3 MHz. Established on March 31, 1925, by the Main Auto Supply Company with an initial power of 500 watts on 1320 kHz, it ranks among the oldest continuously operating broadcast stations in the United States and evolved into a dominant clear-channel outlet broadcasting at 50,000 watts non-directionally. Under Broadcasting's ownership from 1936 to 1982, WOWO achieved national prominence with its expansive nighttime signal, often dubbed the "Voice of the Midwest," enabling reception across much of and pioneering innovations such as the first live game broadcast and the "Man on the Street" interview program in . The station launched careers of notable figures including comedian and local broadcaster Bob Sievers, while transitioning through music, variety, and eventually talk formats amid ownership shifts to entities like Communications and back to local control. In 2025, marking its centennial, WOWO continues as Northeast Indiana's leading news/talk outlet, emphasizing local, national, and international coverage despite the decline of AM listenership, sustained by its historical legacy and signal potency.

History

Founding and early broadcasts (1925–1934)

WOWO was licensed to the Main Auto Supply Company of , and commenced broadcasting on March 31, 1925, from studios located above the company's store at 213 West Main Street, operating initially with 500 watts of power on a of 1320 kilocycles. The station's call letters were selected arbitrarily, though it later adopted the slogan "Wayne Offers Wonderful Opportunities" prior to 1927. Frederick Zieg, president of Main Auto Supply, along with sales manager Clyde Durbin and secretary-treasurer J.A. , oversaw the early operations, which were experimental in nature and focused on amid the nascent radio era. On September 18, 1927, WOWO affiliated with the () as a charter member of the network, enabling the relay of national programming alongside local content. That year, the station's power was upgraded to 2,500 watts at night and 500 watts during the day to extend its reach. By November 11, 1928, the frequency shifted to 1160 kilocycles, and power further increased to 10,000 watts, shared time with station WWVA in . In April 1929, full-time 10,000-watt operations commenced from a new transmitter site at the intersection of U.S. Highways 30 and 33, though a studio fire on July 4 disrupted activities briefly before resumption the following day. Early broadcasts emphasized a mix of live local talent, news, and weather reports, with network feeds providing music and drama by the late . Notable local innovations included the debut of the Hoosier Hop program in , which featured regional performers and became a staple. Broadcaster Bob Sievers joined the staff on December 4, , contributing to on-air personality development during this period. These years marked WOWO's growth from a modest local outlet to a regional voice, leveraging technical upgrades and network ties amid increasing competition from other Fort Wayne stations like WGL.

Westinghouse acquisition and expansion (1934–1955)

In August 1936, Westinghouse Broadcasting acquired WOWO and its sister station WGL in Fort Wayne, Indiana, from owner Fred Zieg and associates for an undisclosed sum; this marked Westinghouse's inaugural purchase of radio stations it had not established itself, expanding its portfolio beyond foundational outlets like KDKA in Pittsburgh. The acquisition integrated WOWO into Westinghouse's growing network, enhancing its Midwest presence with a station already established since 1925 and known for regional coverage. Under ownership, WOWO underwent significant infrastructural and technical enhancements. On May 1, 1937, the station relocated to new studios at 925 South Harrison Street in Fort Wayne and affiliated with the NBC Blue Network, which later evolved into , broadening its programming reach through national content. In 1941, WOWO shifted to the 1190 kHz frequency on March 29, securing FCC approval for full-time operations at 10,000 watts by June 24, which solidified its daytime and nighttime signal strength. Further expansion included early forays into ; on October 12, 1942, experimental FM station W49FW commenced operations at 44.9 MHz with 1,000 watts, though WOWO-FM would ultimately sign off permanently in late 1953, with its transmitter donated to . The period culminated in a major power upgrade on February 1, 1954, elevating output to 50,000 watts—the maximum permitted for AM stations at the time—via a new transmitter facility on near , , featuring advanced equipment and directional arrays to minimize interference. This enhancement dramatically extended WOWO's clear-channel coverage across much of , particularly at night, positioning it as a dominant force in the region.

Agricultural programming dominance and clear-channel designation (1955–1970)

In , WOWO upgraded to a 50,000-watt HG-50 transmitter, securing its status as Indiana's sole full-time on 1190 AM and enabling extensive coverage across the Midwest. This Class A designation protected the from nighttime , allowing groundwave signals to span , , and during the day, while extended reception to over 20 states and portions of five Canadian provinces at night. The enhanced reach positioned WOWO as a vital conduit for rural listeners, particularly farmers dependent on real-time information amid the post-World War II agricultural expansion. WOWO's agricultural dominance stemmed from its flagship "Little Red Barn" program, which aired weekdays from 5 to 7 a.m. and originated in late 1945 with farmyard sound effects introduced by hosts Bob Sievers and farm director Jay Gould. The show provided livestock and crop market reports, weather updates, expert advice on farming techniques, and humorous anecdotes tailored to rural life, drawing an estimated 60% audience share in Arbitron ratings during peak years. Gould, appointed farm director in 1941, grew the segment from thrice-weekly five-minute spots to a daily staple, maintaining regular coordination with more than 30 county agricultural extension agents across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan to ensure content accuracy and relevance. This programming resonated deeply in the Midwest's agrarian economy, where WOWO's signal outpaced competitors, making it the de facto authority for agronomic intelligence and economic guidance. The station's information-heavy format, emphasizing farm coverage alongside local news and sports, reinforced its role as a personality-driven powerhouse, with "Little Red Barn" achieving international recognition for embodying rural American values. In 1966, Gould's book Hello World, compiling his most popular on-air poems and speeches, sold roughly 23,000 copies, illustrating the program's cultural footprint and listener loyalty. By the late 1960s, as Westinghouse rebranded to Group W in 1963, WOWO's clear-channel advantages and farm-focused content had cemented its preeminence, serving as an indispensable resource until broader format evolutions diminished such specialization.

Ownership transitions and format shifts (1970–1999)

During the 1970s, WOWO remained under the ownership of (Group W), maintaining its full-service format that blended middle-of-the-road music, agricultural reports, , and , though veteran personalities like Bob Sievers and Jack Underwood retired by the decade's end. The station continued to leverage its clear-channel status for regional dominance, but faced increasing competition from outlets, prompting gradual shifts toward more contemporary delivery styles. In 1982, Group W sold WOWO to Communications for $6 million, concluding a 46-year ownership tenure and marking the station's first major transition since the era. Under , efforts to revitalize ratings included a format overhaul on December 16, 1988, when WOWO adopted an format branded as "Fort Wayne’s Original ," emphasizing 1950s through 1970s hits to recapture heritage listeners amid FM music proliferation. This change retained some news and talk elements but prioritized music blocks, reflecting broader industry trends toward programming on AM signals. By 1992, the format yielded to a full-service adult contemporary approach, incorporating softer contemporary hits alongside retained , , and segments to broaden appeal while preserving WOWO's informational legacy. Ownership shifted again in 1994 when Price sold the station to Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, a New York-based firm that sought to modify WOWO's 50,000-watt nighttime signal to benefit its urban holdings, such as WLIB; however, per a local management agreement, operations were handed to Federated Media, averting immediate power reductions and ensuring continuity. The FM counterpart, (initially on 102.9 MHz, later adjusted), was divested to a on November 11, , separating it from the AM operations. In 1996, under Federated's management, WOWO fully transitioned to a news-talk format, eliminating music programming in favor of 24-hour talk, syndicated shows, and local commentary, a move driven by AM's evolving role in information dissemination as FM dominated music audiences. This shift solidified WOWO's pivot from entertainment to public affairs, aligning with listener demographics favoring discourse over tunes by the late .

Digital era adaptations and recent developments (2000–present)

In the early 2000s, WOWO maintained its news/talk format under the operational agreement with Federated Media, which had begun managing the station in 1994 following a brief period under Broadcasting. Federated Media formalized its control through local marketing agreements and subsequent acquisitions, including full ownership via licensee Pathfinder Communications, enabling investments in expanded coverage. The station emphasized local news, syndicated conservative talk programming such as , and agricultural updates, adapting to audience preferences for information amid declining music formats on AM. To counter the shift toward FM listening in the digital age, WOWO expanded options starting in the mid-2010s. In 2017, it acquired the 107.5 MHz translator signal, enhancing urban accessibility in Fort Wayne. By May 1, 2023, WOWO launched a stronger primary on 92.3 MHz (formerly WFWI), complementing the AM signal, 107.5 MHz, and 97.3 HD2 subchannel, which broadcasts complementary programming. These moves increased listenership by providing alternatives without diluting the 50,000-watt AM coverage, which reaches much of the Midwest. Digital adaptations accelerated with the launch of online streaming via the official website in the , allowing global access to live broadcasts and podcasts. In May 2023, WOWO introduced a dedicated for and , enabling live listening, news alerts, and user-submitted tips, reflecting broader industry trends toward app-based engagement. The station integrated technology on its FM affiliates, improving audio quality and multicasting capabilities, as part of efforts to modernize over-the-air delivery. WOWO received the 2022 NAB Marconi Award for Medium Market Station of the Year, recognizing its programming dominance and community impact. In 2025, marking its centennial since signing on March 31, 1925, the station relocated to new studios on Maples Road in and hosted events including a visit by on October 21, underscoring its enduring role in Northeast media.

Technical Characteristics

AM signal specifications and coverage

WOWO operates on the AM frequency of 1190 kHz from its transmitter site near , with a licensed daytime power output of 50,000 watts using a non-directional supported by a single tower. At local sunset, the station reduces power to 9,800 watts and employs a array consisting of three towers configured in a north-south pattern to minimize with co-channel stations. This setup, utilizing a HG-50 transmitter installed in 1954 and capable of 50 kW output, enables robust groundwave during daylight hours. Daytime coverage extends across much of the Midwest, including primary service to , western Ohio, southern , and parts of , with reliable reception up to approximately 100-150 miles from the transmitter depending on and . Nighttime operations, constrained by protections, focus the signal along a narrower north-south corridor, limiting fringe reception but maintaining strong local and regional groundwave coverage within about 50-75 miles. The station's former Class A clear-channel status, which provided nationwide protection until its 2007 reclassification to Class B, historically allowed broader nocturnal reach but was adjusted to accommodate additional co-channel allotments.

FM simulcast operations

![WOWO News/Talk logo featuring 92.3 FM, 1190 AM, and 97.3 HD2][float-right] WOWO's FM simulcast operations commenced in March 2012 when Federated Media converted its sister station WFWI (92.3 ) from a classic rock format to a full-time of the 1190 AM signal, aiming to enhance accessibility for listeners preferring FM reception amid declining AM listenership. This setup provided a class A FM signal with an (ERP) of 3,000 watts, covering the Fort Wayne metropolitan area more reliably in mobile and indoor environments where AM signals can suffer from . In January 2016, WFWI reverted to a format, prompting WOWO to shift its primary FM presence to low-power translator W298BJ at 107.5 MHz, operating at 250 watts , supplemented by a on WMEE's HD2 channel at 97.3 MHz. These options maintained FM availability but with limited range compared to the full-power 92.3 FM, serving primarily Fort Wayne listeners while relying on the AM's 50,000-watt daytime signal for broader regional coverage. On May 1, 2023, WOWO reinstated a full-market on WFWI 92.3 after acquiring the frequency's programming rights, restoring the stronger signal while retaining 107.5 and 97.3 HD2 as secondary options. This move, announced by Federated Media, addressed listener feedback on signal strength and aligned with trends favoring for /talk formats, ensuring identical programming delivery across all platforms without additional content production. The operations emphasize for alerts and , leveraging 's superior fidelity for syndicated shows and agricultural updates historically central to WOWO's identity.

Technological innovations

WOWO's technological advancements began with its initial 500-watt transmitter operating at 1320 kHz upon signing on March 31, 1925. Power was incrementally increased to 2,500 watts nighttime and 500 watts daytime in 1927, then to 10,000 watts by 1929, enabling broader Midwest coverage. In 1941, following frequency reallocation under the North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement (NARBA), WOWO shifted to 1190 kHz for full-time operation at 10,000 watts, establishing it as a dominant regional signal with reduced . The 1936 acquisition by Electric & Manufacturing Company marked a pivotal upgrade era, leveraging the company's expertise in radio . installed a custom array to facilitate expansion to 50,000 watts in 1954, positioning WOWO among the nation's most powerful clear-channel AM stations and extending its nighttime reach across the via propagation. This upgrade featured the Model 50HG-2 transmitter at the Roanoke, Indiana site, a 50-kilowatt unit designed for high-efficiency modulation and reliability, which remained operational into the 21st century. Further enhancements included early FM experimentation in 1942 with W49FW at 44.9 MHz and 1,000 watts, later rebranded at 96.1 MHz with 16,500 watts, though discontinued FM operations deeming the technology unviable at the time. In 1979, a Harris MW50A solid-state transmitter replaced aging equipment, improving efficiency and reducing maintenance for the 50,000-watt signal. WOWO also adopted SoundScriber S-124 disc recorders for automated logging from the late to 1981, an early analog method for compliance and archival purposes using four units across studios and transmitter sites. ![1936 advertisement announcing Westinghouse purchase][float-right] These innovations, including directional phasing for interference protection and high-power vacuum-tube transmission, underscored WOWO's role in advancing reliability for rural and long-distance .

Programming and Content

Core format evolution

WOWO initially operated as a general outlet following its debut on March 31, 1925, featuring local talent, music programs, and network affiliations, including from September 18, 1927, until 1956. Early programming included variety shows and hillbilly music, exemplified by "The Hoosier Hop" launched in 1932, which aired for over 15 years and influenced regional broadcasts. Agricultural content emerged prominently in 1945 with the introduction of the "Little Red Barn" morning program, which integrated reports, updates, discussions, and rural humor, achieving significant audience share in rural Midwest markets for nearly 50 years. On July 30, 1956, WOWO ended its network ties to adopt an independent format with local disc jockeys, expanded news coverage, and music, while preserving the agricultural emphasis that defined its clear-channel identity. In 1988, the station pivoted to an oldies music format branded as "Fort Wayne’s Original Oldies," followed by a shift to adult contemporary in 1992, reflecting efforts to recapture music listeners amid declining rural exclusivity. These music revivals were short-lived; by 1996, WOWO transitioned to a full news/talk structure, incorporating local hosts, sports talk, and syndicated conservative programs such as Rush Limbaugh's show, which solidified the format's dominance. The "Little Red Barn" concluded on December 7, 1997, after 52 years, symbolizing the decline of dedicated agricultural blocks in favor of broader , though residual farm persists via segments like Brownfield Ag . This evolution aligned with national trends toward talk formats on high-power AM stations, leveraging WOWO's 50,000-watt signal for regional , opinion, and community dialogue.

Agricultural and news programming

WOWO has maintained a strong tradition of agricultural programming tailored to the rural Midwest audience, beginning in the early 1930s with farm-focused shows created by station personality Jay Gould, who served as farm director from 1941 to 1982. In late 1945, Gould collaborated with morning host Bob Sievers to launch "The Little Red Barn," a daily program featuring farm market updates, weather reports, listener call-ins, and Gould's agricultural commentary, set to the theme song "In a Little Red Barn (On a Farm Down in Indiana)." The show aired weekday mornings, incorporating elements like police scanner reports and inspirational segments, and achieved dominant ratings for over five decades, ending its run on December 7, 1997, with a tribute to longtime contributor Sam DeVincent. This programming leveraged WOWO's 50,000-watt clear-channel signal to reach farmers across Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and beyond, providing timely information on crop prices, livestock markets, and weather critical for agricultural decision-making. In recent years, WOWO has partnered with specialized agricultural networks to sustain farm content amid format shifts toward news-talk. Since , the station airs Brownfield Ag News for market updates, commodity reports, and Indiana-specific features, covering 94% of the state's acres via its extensive coverage. Earlier collaborations include Ag Today, which provides morning farm news hosted by Gary Truitt, Andy Eubank, and Cayla McLeland, alongside weekend segments like Midwest Ag Matters on Saturdays at 8 a.m. These broadcasts emphasize practical data such as USDA reports and cost pressures on farmers, as highlighted in segments featuring U.S. of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins discussing support measures. WOWO's news programming has complemented its agricultural focus with comprehensive local, state, and national coverage since the station's founding in , evolving from network affiliations to independent local reporting. As a in Midwest , it delivered early news bulletins and on-the-ground reporting, including the first radio broadcast of a game in , which underscored its role in real-time information dissemination. By the mid-20th century, personalities like Bob Sievers integrated news updates into morning shows, maintaining listener trust through verifiable facts over sensationalism. Today, WOWO operates as a news-talk outlet, with "Fort Wayne's Morning News" airing weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., hosted by figures like Kayla Blakeslee and Charly Butcher, focusing on Northeast events, traffic, and weather. The schedule includes syndicated programs such as and & for national perspectives, alongside local segments like The Burning Truth with Casey Hendrickson, ensuring a mix of empirical reporting and commentary attributed to sources. This format prioritizes community-relevant , including alerts and policy impacts on rural economies, sustained by the station's historical signal strength covering 69 counties and 1.7 million people.

Notable personalities and shows

Bob Sievers, often called "Mr. WOWO," anchored the station's morning agricultural and news programming for 51 years, from 1936 until his retirement in 1987, delivering farm reports, weather updates, and community commentary that resonated with rural Midwest listeners. His tenure included pioneering remote broadcasts from farm locations and syndication elements that extended WOWO's reach. Sievers was inducted into the in recognition of his enduring influence on broadcast agriculture. Chris Roberts hosted the early-morning "Little Red Barn" program, a staple featuring market updates, weather forecasts, and interviews, which aired for decades and solidified WOWO's role in rural information dissemination. In the , WOWO's on-air team, including Sievers, Bob Chase, Chevillet, and Jack Underwood—sometimes referred to as the "Fab Four"—introduced rock 'n' roll to Fort Wayne audiences through energetic shifts, blending music with local promotion. Other prominent figures included , who joined the airstaff in 1938 and contributed to music and variety programming, and Ron Gregory, a news and talk host featured in retrospectives on WOWO's golden era. Cigna handled nighttime shifts, engaging late-night listeners with music and talk. The "Modern Home Forum," hosted under the Jane Weston by multiple women from 1937 into the early 1960s, offered live-audience segments on homemaking tips, cooking demonstrations, and household advice, reflecting WOWO's early commitment to women's and family programming. Rural music acts like "Nancy Lee and the Hilltoppers" provided live performances tailored to agricultural audiences, enhancing WOWO's appeal in an era dominated by on-site bands before recorded music prevalence. These personalities and shows, often operating from the station's iconic studios, contributed to WOWO's clear-channel status by fostering listener loyalty through consistent, fact-based content amid evolving formats.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Influence on rural Midwest audiences

WOWO's agricultural programming has long served as a vital information lifeline for rural farmers in the Midwest, particularly in northeastern and adjacent regions of and . Beginning in the mid-20th century, the station's farm broadcasts, including innovative features like farmyard sound effects introduced in , provided practical guidance on prices, markets, and conditions essential for daily operations. Farm director , who hosted programs for approximately 34 years starting in the 1940s, became an iconic figure whose shows, such as the "Little Red Barn," educated listeners on agricultural topics ranging from barrows and gilts to commodity fluctuations, solidifying WOWO's status as a premier farm radio outlet. The station's 50,000-watt AM signal, operating nondirectionally during the day, delivers coverage across a 100-mile radius centered on Fort Wayne, encompassing rural counties where dominates the and enabling reception in three states. This reach has historically amplified WOWO's influence, offering rural audiences timely updates that informed planting decisions, harvest timing, and responses to market volatility during eras like the post-World War II agricultural boom. In recent decades, WOWO has sustained this role through dedicated content, including daily ag news from Brownfield Ag News and the weekly Midwest Ag Matters program, which addresses dynamics in the $800 billion U.S. sector, such as shifts, trends, and farmland preservation. A 2025 partnership with Brownfield extends coverage to 94% of Indiana's acres, reinforcing the station's commitment to rural broadcasters and listeners by blending local insights with national perspectives on issues like farm shutdown impacts and climate-reporting regulations. This continuity has fostered listener loyalty among older rural demographics, with WOWO ranking highly in time spent listening among those 35 and older in its market. By prioritizing verifiable farm data over entertainment, WOWO's offerings have empirically supported economic resilience in rural Midwest communities, where access to such specialized programming often outpaces urban alternatives, helping mitigate risks from events like government shutdowns affecting exports.

Contributions to emergency communications and community service

WOWO functions as one of three Local Primary (LP-1) stations for the Fort Wayne metropolitan area within Indiana's Emergency Alert System (EAS) framework, tasked with receiving direct feeds from state and national authorities to relay alerts for events such as severe weather, AMBER alerts, and civil emergencies to relay stations and listeners across a wide radius. This role leverages the station's 50,000-watt clear-channel signal, which extends coverage over much of the Midwest at night, ensuring rural populations in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan receive timely warnings when cellular or internet infrastructure may fail. In preparation for disruptions, WOWO equipped its facilities with three dedicated broadcast studios and a by 1963, alongside a generator at the transmitter site to maintain operations during power outages or crises. The station routinely disseminates bulletins, including tornado watches and warnings, as demonstrated in its coverage of events like the 2023-2025 severe weather seasons affecting northeast . These broadcasts have supplemented official activations, providing real-time updates on storm paths, evacuation advice, and safety protocols to an audience spanning agricultural communities prone to flash flooding and high winds. Beyond emergencies, WOWO has sustained through targeted initiatives, such as the annual "Penny Pitch" fundraiser launched in 1948 by commentator , which collected listener donations to support low-income families in the WOWO listening area with essentials like food and clothing during economic hardships. Following its shift to independent operation in 1956, the station amplified programming, including the long-running Modern Home Forum starting in 1937, which addressed household safety, , and local civic issues to foster . These efforts, combined with ongoing reporting on public safety matters like activities and preparedness, underscore WOWO's commitment to non-commercial civic support in Fort Wayne and surrounding counties.

Achievements and recognitions

WOWO has garnered multiple national and regional awards for broadcasting excellence, particularly through the (, which recognize outstanding contributions to radio. In 2014, the station received the for Medium Market Station of the Year, selected from finalists in and for its programming and market impact. In 2022, WOWO again won the for Medium Market Station of the Year, announced at the ceremony in , where it competed against finalists from , , , and ; the honor highlighted its news-talk format, community engagement, and listener reach in Fort Wayne. At the state level, the Broadcasters (IBA) named WOWO the 2021 Radio Station of the Year for Radio Market 1, encompassing Fort Wayne, , and South Bend; this Spectrum Award was presented for overall station performance during its annual ceremony in . Additionally, in 2018, WOWO earned first place in the NAB Service to America Awards for outstanding community service, specifically for its 2017 Penny Pitch Radiothon, which raised over $200,000 to support The Shepherd’s House—a facility providing temporary housing and addiction recovery for homeless military veterans—extending its operations amid federal funding reductions; the campaign also secured first place from the for Best Community Impact. These recognitions underscore WOWO's sustained influence in news, talk, and programming since its 1925 founding.

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