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WQAM

WQAM (560 AM) is a sports radio station licensed to Miami, Florida, United States, owned and operated by Audacy, Inc.^[1] It simulcasts its programming on sister station WQAM-FM (104.3 FM) since August 2025, serving the Miami metropolitan area and much of South Florida with a focus on local sports talk, analysis, and play-by-play coverage.^[2] As the flagship station for the Miami Heat of the NBA, the Florida Panthers of the NHL, the Miami Hurricanes college athletics, and other regional teams, WQAM delivers live game broadcasts alongside shows featuring prominent hosts like Joe Rose and Jonathan Vilma.^[1] Founded on January 23, 1921, as WFAW by the Electrical Equipment Company in Miami, the station holds the distinction of being Florida's first licensed radio broadcaster and the southernmost in the contiguous United States.^[3] It adopted the WQAM call letters—standing for "We Quit At Midnight," a nod to its early sign-off time—on January 23, 1923, upon sale to new owners, with the Miami Herald newspaper acquiring full ownership in 1948.^[4] Throughout its early decades, WQAM broadcast from various studios in downtown Miami, evolving from experimental transmissions on 833 kHz with 250 watts to a full 5 kW daytime signal on 560 kHz by 1943, while promoting itself as the "Voice of Tropical America."^[3] A pivotal era began in 1956 when Todd Storz's Midcontinent Broadcasting Company purchased the station, pioneering the high-energy Top 40 format that dominated the airwaves through the 1960s and 1970s, featuring hits from artists like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones alongside DJs such as Rick Shaw and Jerry G.^[4] This period cemented WQAM's cultural influence among South Florida youth, with its "Boss Radio" style contributing to Storz's legacy as a Top 40 innovator across his chain of stations.^[5] Ownership shifted multiple times thereafter, including to Beasley Broadcast Group in 1996, before Audacy (formerly Entercom) acquired it in 2020 as part of a larger merger.^[3] By the 1990s, amid declining music listenership, WQAM transitioned to a hybrid format blending oldies, country, and emerging sports talk, fully committing to all-sports programming in 1993 as "Sportsradio 560."^[3] Today, under the branding "560 The Joe WQAM," the station emphasizes Miami's professional and college sports scene, with daily shows covering the Dolphins, Marlins, and Inter Miami CF, while maintaining a commitment to community events and local journalism.^[1] Its enduring presence reflects over a century of adaptation, from pioneering broadcasts to a cornerstone of South Florida's sports media landscape.^[4]

Station Overview

Identification and branding

WQAM (560 AM) is a commercial radio station licensed to Miami, Florida, United States, and is one of the state's oldest continuously operating broadcast outlets, first licensed as WFAW in 1922 and assigned the WQAM call sign on January 23, 1923, by the U.S. Department of Commerce.^[4] The station originally operated under the call sign WFAW before transitioning to WQAM later that year, with the new letters randomly assigned from available combinations by the licensing authority.^[6] This early establishment positioned WQAM as a pioneer in South Florida broadcasting, predating many regional stations and contributing to the area's radio heritage.^[3] Today, WQAM is branded as "560 The Joe WQAM," reflecting its long-standing focus on sports programming, which evolved from earlier music formats in the late 20th century.^[1] Since August 2025, the station has expanded its reach through a simulcast on 104.3 FM under the branding "104.3 WQAM," enhancing accessibility for listeners in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market. This full-power FM station replaced an earlier low-power translator (W287CU) at the same frequency, significantly improving signal strength and coverage.^[2]^[7] Licensed to serve the South Florida region, WQAM primarily targets the Miami metropolitan area, delivering content to a diverse audience across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.^[1] The station has been owned by Audacy, Inc. (formerly Entercom Communications) since the 2017 merger with CBS Radio.^[8] Audacy, a major U.S. radio operator, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2024 to restructure approximately $1.9 billion in debt but successfully emerged from the proceedings on September 30, 2024, with reduced obligations of about $350 million, allowing WQAM to maintain uninterrupted operations under the reorganized company.^[9]

Technical details and coverage

WQAM operates on the AM band at a frequency of 560 kHz, with a daytime power output of 4,100 watts and a nighttime power of 1,000 watts to mitigate skywave interference.^[10] The station employs a non-directional antenna system with two modes of operation and a single tower, facilitating consistent signal propagation across its service area.^[10] As a Class B station under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, WQAM is allocated for regional coverage, enabling a robust signal that reaches beyond local boundaries while protecting co-channel operations elsewhere.^[10] Its transmitter is situated at 25°50'23" N, 80°11'22" W in the Little River neighborhood of Miami, Florida, an area selected for its conductive soil properties that enhance AM signal efficiency.^[10] The primary studios for WQAM are located at 8300 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 200, in Miami, Florida, serving as the hub for operations and production.^[11] The station's coverage encompasses the Greater Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area, providing strong reception throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties during daytime hours, with nighttime skywave propagation enabling distant listening, though local groundwave coverage is reduced due to lower power and directional patterns to limit interference.^[12] This footprint supports its role as a key broadcaster in South Florida, delivering reliable service to urban and suburban listeners within approximately 50-60 miles of the transmitter site.^[13] Since August 7, 2025, WQAM has been simulcast on 104.3 FM under the call sign WQAM-FM, licensed to Miramar, Florida, with an effective radiated power of 100,000 watts.^[2] The FM transmitter is located in Pembroke Park, Florida, enhancing accessibility in densely populated urban zones where AM reception can be challenged by buildings and electrical interference.^[14] This addition extends the station's reach, particularly for mobile listeners and younger demographics preferring FM, while maintaining the core AM signal for traditional audiences.^[14]

History

Early years as WFAW and WQAM (1923–1959)

WQAM traces its origins to the experimental station WFAW, with broadcasts reported as early as 1920 and formal operations established in late 1922 by the Miami Daily Metropolis newspaper as one of Florida's earliest broadcasting ventures. WFAW was first licensed on June 16, 1922, as one of Florida's early radio stations and Miami's first permanent outlet.) The call letters changed to WQAM in January 1923 with a renewed license issued on January 23, 1923.^[15] Initially operating at low power on 360 meters (833 kHz) with limited experimental broadcasts of local content, WFAW quickly transitioned to full operations under new ownership. In March 1923, the license was transferred to the Electrical Equipment Company of Miami, owned by local businessman W. W. Luce.^[16] The WQAM call letters were jokingly said to stand for "We Quit At Midnight," a reference to its early sign-off time.^[17] Early programming emphasized ties to its newspaper roots, featuring daily news bulletins, weather reports, and coverage of local events such as civic meetings and community announcements, often read directly from Metropolis dispatches to serve Miami's growing population.^[18] Operating from modest studios in downtown Miami, initially at 100 watts on 1140 kHz, WQAM provided year-round service, distinguishing it from seasonal competitors and helping establish radio as a vital communication tool in the region's nascent media landscape.^[3] Ownership remained with the Electrical Equipment Company through the 1920s and 1930s, during which WQAM navigated regulatory changes, including the Federal Radio Commission's 1927 formation and frequency reallocations that shifted it to 560 kHz by 1928.^[3] Post-World War II, the station emphasized community service programming, including public affairs discussions and educational content, aligning with the era's AM expansion amid booming suburban growth in South Florida. In 1948, after partial ownership by Miami Broadcasting System president Hugh Borton since 1941, the Miami Herald newspaper acquired full control, integrating WQAM into its media portfolio to enhance local journalism delivery and civic engagement.^[4] Technical upgrades reflected Miami's emergence as a broadcasting hub, with power increasing incrementally from 100 watts in the mid-1920s to 500 watts by the early 1930s and reaching 5,000 watts daytime (1,000 watts nighttime, directional) by the mid-1950s, enabling broader coverage across South Florida.^[19] These enhancements, approved by the Federal Communications Commission, supported WQAM's role in disseminating emergency alerts and cultural programming during the postwar boom, when radio listenership surged with population influx. In 1971, the station marked its 50th anniversary by retrospectively noting informal origins in 1921, though official records confirm the 1923 licensing as the formal start.^[20] This foundational period ended in 1956 when the Miami Herald sold WQAM to Todd Storz's Mid-Continent Broadcasting Company (later Storz Broadcasting), setting the stage for its evolution into a music-oriented powerhouse.^[3]

Top 40 era (1957–1980)

Shortly after its acquisition by Storz Broadcasting in 1956, WQAM adopted a high-energy Top 40 format modeled on Todd Storz's national strategy of playing the most popular hits in heavy rotation to capture young listeners.^[21] This shift transformed the station from a general entertainment outlet into a dynamic music powerhouse, emphasizing rapid-fire playlists, lively disc jockeys, and aggressive promotion to dominate the Miami market. Storz's approach, pioneered at stations like WHB in Kansas City, prioritized commercial appeal and audience engagement, turning WQAM into a cornerstone of South Florida's youth culture.^[22]^[23] Under the "Tiger Radio" branding, WQAM became synonymous with excitement through signature jingles produced by PAMS of Dallas, high-stakes contests such as "Lucky 13"—which promised 13 songs in 13 minutes—and innovative promotions that fostered listener loyalty. The station fiercely competed with local rival WFUN for Top 40 supremacy, employing tactics like mobile DJ units for remote broadcasts at events and beaches to extend its reach. A landmark moment came in January 1964, when disc jockey Rick Shaw debuted The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand" as the first South Florida station to play the single, sparking massive local interest ahead of the band's Ed Sullivan Show appearances and Miami concert; WQAM provided extensive coverage, amplifying Beatlemania in the region.^[24]^[18]^[20]^[25] WQAM led Miami ratings throughout the 1960s and 1970s as the premier Top 40 outlet, operating 24 hours a day with a 5 kW daytime signal that blanketed South Florida. Its formula of tight playlists, personality-driven shows, and community tie-ins delivered consistent dominance, often outpacing competitors in Arbitron surveys and solidifying its role as the go-to station for hit music. By the late 1970s, however, rising FM competition from stations like WLYF and audience fragmentation toward stereo broadcasts eroded AM's youth appeal, prompting a gradual softening of the Top 40 playlist with more adult-oriented tracks. The format concluded on February 28, 1980, with a nostalgic montage of music and jingles, marking the end of WQAM's storied music era.^[4]^[19]^[26]^[27]

Country and oldies formats (1980–1992)

In 1980, facing intense competition from FM stations that had eroded its Top 40 dominance, WQAM abruptly ended its contemporary hits format on February 28 and transitioned to country music the following day, branding itself as "Sun Country WQAM."^[28] The launch featured a montage of past jingles and promotions, followed by John Denver's "Thank God I'm a Country Boy," and was overseen by program director Dan Halyburton, who aimed to target adult demographics with a personality-driven, middle-of-the-road approach blending contemporary hits and classics.^[28] Programming included artists such as Merle Haggard, Barbara Mandrell, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and Conway Twitty, alongside traffic reports, news, and community involvement to appeal to South Florida's growing country audience.^[29] The shift drew immediate backlash from listeners, with the switchboard flooded by complaints and morning host Johnny Dolan resigning on air, though major advertisers like McDonald's and Publix honored their contracts.^[29] Ownership changed in September 1985 when Storz Broadcasting sold WQAM to Sunshine Wireless for approximately $2 million, pairing it with the company's FM country outlet WKQS (later WKIS) at 99.9 MHz to strengthen the format duo.^[30] Under Sunshine, the station maintained 24-hour country programming, featuring local air talent like Mike Bell in mornings, Joe St. Peter in middays, and Rick Singer in afternoons, supplemented by Transtar's satellite service for evenings and weekends.^[30] Studios relocated to 9881 Sheridan Street in Hollywood, Florida, that year, and in early 1988, the transmitter moved to a new site near Miami, enabling AM stereo operation and replacing the old 5 kW Continental unit.^[3] Despite these efforts and ties to Nashville artists, the format achieved only moderate success, hampered by FM competitors like WKQS itself and broader AM signal limitations at night, with Arbitron ratings dipping to a 0.9 share in spring 1986.^[30] By 1990, persistent low ratings—below a 1 share in Arbitron surveys—prompted another pivot, as the country format shifted to sister station WKIS-FM while WQAM adopted the satellite-fed "Kool Gold" oldies service from Phoenix, focusing on 1950s and 1960s hits to nostalgically leverage its Top 40 heritage with tracks from artists like the Beatles and the Beach Boys.^[31] The change, effective in June, featured one live local host, Jay Michaels, in morning drive, with the rest of the day using remote DJs under a "Good Time Oldies" slogan, while retaining evening sports talk including Miami Heat basketball, Florida Gators games, Mets and Cubs baseball, and shows hosted by John Moynihan and Ed Kaplan.^[31]^[32] Aimed at challenging FM oldies leader WMXJ (102.7 MHz) with cost-effective satellite delivery, the format still struggled amid AM's declining viability, posting shares under 2 by 1992 and setting the stage for a full sports transition.^[31]

Launch of all-sports programming (1992–2010)

In early 1992, WQAM began transitioning toward an all-sports format by adding sports-oriented shows and segments to its lineup, marking a pivot from its struggling oldies programming to capitalize on the growing popularity of sports talk radio. This shift was inspired by the success of WFAN in New York, the nation's first full-time all-sports station launched in 1987, and positioned WQAM as a pioneer in the format for the Miami market. The station, owned at the time by Sunshine Wireless Company, fully committed to the all-sports approach on April 5, 1993, rebranding as "Sportsradio 560" and becoming Miami's first dedicated all-sports outlet.^[33]^[34] Early programming featured a blend of local sports talk and live play-by-play coverage, including Miami Heat basketball games, which WQAM had broadcast since the team's inaugural 1988-89 season through 1992-93. The station expanded its offerings in 1993 by securing a two-year contract to air Florida Panthers NHL games, coinciding with the expansion franchise's debut season and helping to build excitement for hockey in South Florida. During the 1990s, WQAM also picked up Miami Dolphins preseason games, contributing to a ratings rebound that placed the station in the market's top 10 by the late decade, revitalizing its listenership amid competition from music formats on FM.^[35]^[36]^[34] Ownership changed in 1996 when Sunshine Wireless sold WQAM to Beasley Broadcast Group for an undisclosed amount, allowing the new owners to invest in the sports format's infrastructure, including enhanced studio facilities in the Miami area. The station maintained its focus through the late 1990s and early 2000s, solidifying its role as a hub for local teams despite occasional experiments with broader talk elements. By 2010, the all-sports core was firmly established, even as competition intensified with the launch of rival WINZ's sports format in 2004, which challenged WQAM's dominance in the market.^[34]^[37]

Audacy ownership and network affiliations (2011–2024)

In 2014, CBS Radio acquired WQAM from Beasley Broadcast Group as part of a station swap that included three Miami outlets, allowing CBS to expand its presence in the South Florida market without cash consideration.^[38] The transaction, approved by the Federal Communications Commission and completed in December 2014, integrated WQAM into CBS's portfolio, enhancing its sports programming synergies.^[39] Under CBS ownership, WQAM strengthened its affiliation with CBS Sports Radio, which had launched in January 2013 and provided national content including shows like The Jim Rome Show and Fantasy Football Today to complement local broadcasts.^[40] This partnership bolstered WQAM's all-sports format, which had been established since 1992, by blending syndicated analysis with regional coverage. The station's programming evolved further following the 2017 merger of CBS Radio with Entercom Communications, a $2.5 billion all-stock deal that transferred WQAM to the combined entity and positioned it as a key asset in Entercom's sports portfolio.^[41] Entercom, which rebranded to Audacy in March 2021 to reflect its growing digital audio focus, continued to refine WQAM's lineup with local innovations such as the launch of the Hochman and Crowder afternoon show in 2013, which gained prominence for its engaging sports commentary and expanded to a full four-hour slot by 2020.^[42] Additionally, WQAM secured multi-year rights to broadcast University of Miami Hurricanes football and basketball games starting with the 2013-14 season, renewing through extensions in 2017 and beyond, solidifying its role as the team's flagship station.^[43] Audacy's ownership period also emphasized digital expansion and network integrations amid industry challenges. In June 2021, WQAM incorporated programming from the BetQL Network, Audacy's sports betting-focused platform acquired earlier that year, adding shows like BetQL Daily to capitalize on legalized gambling trends in Florida.^[44] The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on January 7, 2024, citing $1.9 billion in debt from macroeconomic pressures including reduced advertising revenue, but operations remained uninterrupted as part of a restructuring plan that reduced debt by over 80% to $350 million and allowed Audacy to emerge as a private entity by September 2024.^[45] Throughout this era, WQAM prioritized streaming growth via the Audacy app, contributing to audience retention and achieving competitive Nielsen PPM ratings, such as a 2.3 share in November 2023 among adults 6+.^[46]

FM simulcast expansion (2025)

On August 7, 2025, Audacy announced and launched a simulcast of WQAM's sports programming on 104.3 FM, converting the frequency from WSFS, which had aired an alternative rock format known as "The Shark."^[2]^[7] The expansion aimed to bolster WQAM's accessibility amid the ongoing decline in AM radio usage, particularly in vehicles where FM signals dominate. The new 100,000-watt FM signal provides stronger coverage across South Florida compared to the AM band's limitations, especially at night when directional restrictions reduce WQAM's reach.^[47]^[14] The shift displaced the indie-rock programming on 104.3 FM, prompting listeners of "The Shark"—which had outperformed WQAM with a 2.2 share in the June 2025 Nielsen PPM ratings—to seek alternatives, while drawing new audiences to the sports format. WQAM's ratings, which stood at 0.9 in June 2025, showed initial stability at 0.6 in the partial August book before rising to 0.9 in September and 1.0 in October 2025, reflecting the combined AM/FM audience growth.^[47]^[48] Operationally, the simulcast integrates seamlessly with WQAM's existing studios in Miami, while the FM signal is licensed to Miramar; no changes to the all-sports programming lineup occurred, simply extending coverage of key affiliations like the Miami Heat and University of Miami Hurricanes.^[49]^[50] As of November 2025, the addition positions WQAM among Audacy's growing network of FM sports stations, enhancing its market presence and opening avenues for potential subchannel programming or event integrations in the future.^[49]

Programming

Current sports talk format

WQAM maintains a 24/7 all-sports talk format, blending local Miami-focused programming with syndicated national content from CBS Sports Radio to serve South Florida listeners.^[1] The weekday schedule features extended local shows, starting with "The Joe Rose Show" from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET, followed by "Tobin & Leroy" from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET, and "Hochman, Crowder & Solana" from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, providing in-depth analysis of regional teams like the Miami Dolphins and Heat.^[51] Evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET continue with local talk before transitioning to CBS Sports Radio overnight programming, ensuring continuous sports discussion. The format prioritizes interactive elements, including fan call-ins, listener polls, and debate segments that engage the audience on game outcomes and team strategies. Since 2021, WQAM has integrated sports betting content through Audacy's partnership with the BetMGM Network, offering odds updates, expert picks, and promotional tie-ins during shows to align with the growing legalized gambling landscape in Florida.^[52] Weekends feature a mix of show replays, highlight recaps from recent games, and select coverage of minor league affiliates like the Miami Marlins' farm system, maintaining momentum outside prime hours.^[1] Complementing the on-air content, WQAM extends its reach digitally via the Audacy app for live streaming and on-demand access, alongside podcasts of flagship shows such as "The Joe Rose Show" and "Hochman, Crowder & Solana," which have garnered thousands of downloads per episode. The August 2025 launch of the FM simulcast on 104.3 WQAM-FM has broadened the audience to a younger, more diverse demographic, driving increased ad revenue through enhanced sponsorship opportunities from sports brands and local businesses.^[2] As of the October 2025 Nielsen Audio ratings (released November 2025), WQAM/104.3 holds a 1.0 share among adults 6+ in the South Florida market, up from 0.9 in the prior book following the FM expansion.^[53] WQAM also broadcasts live play-by-play for affiliated teams like the Miami Heat and Dolphins, complementing the talk format.^[1]

Affiliated sports properties

WQAM serves as the flagship radio station for several prominent South Florida sports teams, providing live play-by-play coverage that has solidified its role as a central hub for local fans. The station has been the primary broadcaster for Miami Dolphins NFL games since 2016, airing all preseason, regular-season, and playoff contests following earlier stints from 1997 to 2004 and 2007 to 2009. This affiliation, which includes exclusive rights to Dolphins broadcasts, underscores WQAM's longstanding connection to the team dating back to the 1990s for select and preseason games.^[54] For college sports, WQAM has been the flagship for University of Miami Hurricanes football and men's basketball since 1999, with multi-year extensions ensuring comprehensive coverage through the current era under head coach Mario Cristobal, who began in 2022. The broadcasts feature play-by-play announcer Joe Zagacki, providing detailed game analysis and highlights that integrate into the station's daily sports talk programming. This partnership has been renewed multiple times, most notably in 2017, emphasizing WQAM's commitment to local collegiate athletics.^[55]^[56] In professional hockey, WQAM holds the radio rights for Florida Panthers NHL games, serving as the flagship since the team's inaugural 1993-94 season and broadcasting all 82 regular-season games plus playoffs. The station's coverage reached a peak with the Panthers' 2024 Stanley Cup victory, delivering live accounts of their championship run to South Florida audiences. This long-term deal highlights WQAM's pivotal role in regional hockey fandom.^[34]^[57] WQAM also airs all Miami Heat NBA games as the team's radio home, offering full-season play-by-play since securing the rights, with broadcasts now simulcast on the station's new FM signal for broader reach. While the station does not hold exclusive rights to Miami Marlins MLB games—those are primarily handled by WINZ—WQAM provides select coverage and analysis. Additionally, WQAM partners with local high school football programs through shows like "South Florida High School Sports with Larry Blustein," broadcasting key games and events to support community youth athletics.^[58]^[59]^[34] These affiliations are governed by multi-year contracts that reflect the high value of South Florida sports broadcasting rights, often involving significant annual investments to maintain live event access and enhance listener engagement through FM simulcasting introduced in 2025.^[2]

Notable Personalities

Historical disc jockeys and broadcasters

During its formative years in the 1920s, WQAM's broadcasting efforts were primarily led by staff announcers from the owning Miami Herald Publishing Company, who focused on delivering local news bulletins and coverage of community events such as civic gatherings and weather updates to foster public engagement in the growing Miami area.^[4] The station's transition to the Top 40 format in 1959 under Storz Broadcasting introduced a roster of dynamic disc jockeys who shaped South Florida's rock 'n' roll scene. Rick Shaw, a Top 40 icon from the 1960s to 1970s, hosted his signature "Ricky Ticky" show on WQAM from 1963 to 1975, where he became the first disc jockey in the market to play The Beatles' music in 1964, meeting the band later that year and helping propel their popularity locally while achieving a historic ratings share of 54.^[60]^[61] Other notable Top 40 personalities included Roby Yonge, known as "The Big Kahuna," who energized overnight shifts with surf-themed jingles, celebrity interviews, and high-energy contests during the Storz era, captivating young listeners and contributing to the station's dominance in the format.^[62] Figures like Jim Dunlap, who served as music director and program director in the mid-1960s, added humor through corny jokes and consistent playlist curation that maintained WQAM's competitive edge against rivals like WFUN.^[63] In the 1980s, as WQAM shifted to a country format under program director Jon Holiday, disc jockeys such as Mike Bell and Mitch Michaels took the helm, curating playlists of contemporary country hits amid the station's struggles to regain its former audience share in a fragmented market.^[4] By the early 1990s oldies era, broadcasters like Johnny Dolan and George Sheldon, who had earlier roots in WQAM's country programming starting in 1986, focused on nostalgic rock selections to evoke the station's glory days, though the format faced declining ratings leading to its end in 1992.^[4] Many of these historical figures transitioned to FM radio or television after their WQAM tenures, with Shaw notably moving to WAXY and later hosting TV shows, while the station's pioneering Top 40 influence helped cement its legacy in the broader evolution of rock radio recognized by institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the format's cultural impact.^[61]

Sports era hosts

Joe Rose has been a fixture on WQAM's morning drive since 1992, when he joined the station shortly after its pivot to all-sports programming. A former Miami Dolphins tight end who played six seasons with the team from 1980 to 1985, Rose infuses "The Joe Rose Show"—airing weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m.—with insider NFL perspectives, humorous anecdotes from his playing days, and sharp analysis of local teams like the Dolphins and Heat.^[64]^[65]^[66] The afternoon slot features the duo of Marc Hochman and Channing Crowder, who teamed up in 2015 to deliver a blend of in-depth sports discussion and lighthearted entertainment. Hochman, a University of Miami alumnus with deep roots in South Florida media, handles the analytical heavy lifting, while Crowder— a former Dolphins linebacker from 2005 to 2010—brings authentic NFL stories and charisma to "Hochman, Crowder & Solana," which airs from 2 to 6 p.m. weekdays and often incorporates producer Alex Solana's contributions for added energy.^[67]^[68]^[69]^[70] Among former hosts who shaped WQAM's early sports identity, Hank Goldberg stands out as a betting expert and opinion leader from 1993 to 2007. Nicknamed "Hammerin' Hank," he hosted afternoon segments that drew strong ratings by combining horse racing insights—honed from his ESPN tenure—with bold takes on Miami pro teams, helping solidify the station's reputation as a go-to for sports wagering and debate. Jonathan Zaslow also played a pivotal role in building the format's momentum, hosting "The Zaslow Show" in middays from the mid-2000s until 2022, where his energetic style covered Dolphins, Heat, and University of Miami Hurricanes games and news, fostering listener engagement during the station's formative all-sports years.^[71]^[72]^[73]^[74] As of late 2025, WQAM's weekday lineup centers on Rose in the mornings, followed by Brendan Tobin and Leroy Hoard in middays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Hochman and Crowder in the afternoons, with evenings dedicated primarily to live game coverage of affiliated teams like the Dolphins, Heat, and Hurricanes.^[51] These personalities have sustained WQAM's sports talk dominance for over three decades, with Rose exemplifying loyalty through his 30-plus years at the station; he has also transitioned into television, serving as a sports anchor at WTVJ in Miami and contributing to Dolphins-related broadcasts.^[64]

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Several years later Todd Storz would simply extend the format to the top forty, apply it to all of his stations that were forming a regional format and expand ...Missing: transition | Show results with:transition
[23]
http://www.560.com/history.htm
[24]
The Beatles came to Miami in February 1964
Feb 3, 2019 · “I Want to Hold Your Hand was an amazing thing. I put it on, played it first in South Florida, and nobody had heard of the Beatles. About 30 ...
[25]
Miami-Fort Lauderdale - Aircheck Radio
The AM Wars: WQAM vs. WFUN – A Rivalry for the Ages. wqam miami In the '60s, AM radio ruled, and WQAM (560 AM) and WFUN (790 AM) were the kings of the dial.
[26]
The Greatest Top 40 Stations Of All Time! - Radio Ink
Aug 21, 2017 · WQAM/Miami; WKBW/Buffalo ... And if all of those weren't enough, WADO in New York, which broadcasted Top 40 programming from 1959 to 1963.
[27]
Miami Radio History - Playlist Research
Other heritage call letters in the market that go back decades include WQAM and WIOD, which has kept the same call letters on 610 AM since the forties.
[28]
[PDF] Dorton Named Gannett Radio President Nelson Forms Broadcast ...
Mar 7, 1980 · ... WQAM Shifts Format To. "Sun Country" Approach. WQAM/Miami, a l ongtime Top. 4. 0 s tation which had recently moved i n amore Pop/Adult d irec- t.
[29]
The Day The Music Died - Miami's Community News
Oct 15, 2018 · When WQAM Radio abruptly changed its format in 1980 to country music, it marked the end of a very long run as the broadcasting pioneer for ...
[30]
[PDF] Mediatrix-Miami-1986.pdf - World Radio History
as Mitch Miller) and these brash young top 40 upstarts. History of course shows the top 40 concept of Storz (and. McLendon) to be the biggest factor in ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[31]
GREG BUDELL LEAVES LOVE-94; WQAM SHUCKS 'COUNTRY'
Jun 5, 1990 · The rest of the day, DJs from Kool Gold will identify the music. The introduction of the new musical format will have no impact on WQAM's ...
[32]
BRENT .1 - World Radio History
Jun 9, 1990 · ... 1990 ratings book compiled by Arbitron for Bill- board, 20% of ... Kool Gold oldies format but keeps its evening sports shows intact ...
[33]
WQAM SHAKES UP LINEUP — BUT NO 24-HOUR SPORTS FORMAT
Jan 31, 1992 · PUBLISHED: January 31, 1992 ... Also added was an as yet undefined show for Phil Latzmann, who has done Miami Heat pregame and postgame shows for ...Missing: 1993 | Show results with:1993
[34]
WQAM Celebrates 20 Years - South Florida Sports Coverage
Apr 5, 2013 · It was significant when Sunshine Wireless Company decided to add the sports radio moniker to the WQAM call letters. The station finally had ...
[35]
Miami Heat Move To WQAM - RadioInsight
Aug 16, 2022 · WQAM previously carried the Heat from its inaugural season in 1988-89 to 1992-93. YOUR Miami HEAT announced today that it has extended its ...
[36]
PANTHERS, WQAM SIGN TWO-YEAR DEAL - Sun Sentinel
Jun 4, 1993 · PUBLISHED: June 4, 1993 at 4:00 AM EDT | UPDATED: September 25 ... The Florida Panthers have signed a two-year radio contract with WQAM ...Missing: flagship | Show results with:flagship
[37]
WQAM'S NEW OWNERS PLAN SOME MAJOR CHANGES – Sun ...
If the WAXY sale goes through, Beasley will be able to get Limbaugh off WQAM and still honor its contract with distributor EIB. Once Limbaugh is moved, The ...
[38]
CBS Trades Radio Stations With the Beasley Broadcast Group
Oct 2, 2014 · CBS will give up stations in Tampa, Fla.; Charlotte, N.C.; and Philadelphia in exchange for stations in Miami and Philadelphia.Missing: OmniAmerica 1992
[39]
Beasley to Exchange Five Radio Stations in Philadelphia and Miami
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014, subject to Federal Communications Commission approval, the expiration of the applicable Hart ...
[40]
CBS Radio To Grow Major Market Presence In Philadelphia And ...
Oct 2, 2014 · CBS RADIO today announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. to swap 13 stations in Tampa and Charlotte, as well as one AM ...
[41]
CBS Tunes Out Radio Business With Tax-Free Entercom Merger
Feb 2, 2017 · CBS shareholders will receive 105 million Entercom shares, valued at more than $1.6 billion currently, and own 72 percent of the combined ...
[42]
Entercom Reveals Updated Weekday Programming Lineup for 560 ...
Aug 14, 2020 · Afternoon show “Hochman and Crowder” will expand to a four hour timeslot and will now air from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. The remaining weekday ...
[43]
WQAM Miami Renews Longstanding Hurricanes Deal. - Inside Radio
Feb 16, 2017 · CBS Radio's “Sports Radio 560” WQAM Miami and the University of Miami have extended their partnership, which will keep the Hurricanes on the ...
[44]
Audacy Announces Expansion of “BetQL Network”
Jun 21, 2021 · “BetQL Network” programming will also be heard in various times on 560 The Joe WQAM (WQAM-AM) in Miami, The New Sportsradio 910 AM / 105.1 ...
[45]
Audacy Reaches Agreement with a Supermajority of its Debtholders ...
Jan 7, 2024 · Audacy reaches agreement with a supermajority of its debtholders on balance sheet deleveraging transaction that will equitize over 80% of the company's debt.
[46]
December 2023 (11/9 – 12/6) Nielsen Audio PPM Ratings Day 2
Dec 27, 2023 · Audacy Gold CHR “Power 96” WPOW-FM slides 2.5 – 2.2 – 1.8, while sister Sports 560 WQAM is down 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.2. Phoenix. 99.9 KEZ KESZ ...
[47]
Modern Rock Sidelined For New FM Signal For Sports-Talk WQAM ...
Aug 7, 2025 · With the new powerful FM signal, the company looks to capitalize on the more profitable sports-talk and play-by-play format. WQAM has been ...Missing: ownership | Show results with:ownership
[48]
Nielsen Audio Ratings - RADIO ONLINE
Nielsen Audio Ratings. This profile contains an quarter hour rating (AQH) share of persons, ages 6+, Monday through Sunday in the Metro Survey Area.Missing: 2023 | Show results with:2023
[49]
WQAM Begins FM Simulcast on 104.3 in South Florida - Barrett Media
Aug 7, 2025 · Audacy is turning up the volume on South Florida sports radio. The company announced that Miami's 560 WQAM, the longtime flagship of the Miami ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[50]
Where did The Shark go? Miami rock radio station following the trend
Aug 9, 2025 · Beginning immediately, all sports programming on WQAM 560 will be simulcast on Audacy ... FM dial expanding the reach of University of ...
[51]
On Air Hosts & Shows | AM 560 Sports WQAM South Florida - Audacy
The 560 The Joe WQAM hosts bring you the best sports talk, breaking news, interviews, game coverage, analysis, and podcasts.
[52]
WQAM - Wikipedia
Owned by Audacy, Inc., WQAM serves the Miami metropolitan area and much of South Florida as the flagship of the Miami Heat, the Florida Panthers, Miami ...
[53]
BetMGM Expands BetQL Network Relationship as the Presenting ...
Jun 27, 2022 · Audacy first announced a partnership with BetMGM in March 2021, which designated the market-leading platform as a preferred sports betting ...Missing: WQAM | Show results with:WQAM
[54]
Miami/Fort Lauderdale - RadioInsight
Nielsen Audio PPM Monthly Ratings ; Miami/Fort Lauderdale (Market #11) ; Population: 4,133,900 ; Black: 790,300 – ; Hispanic: 2,300,600.
[55]
The Miami Dolphins Return To Miami's Sports Radio 560 WQAM
May 19, 2016 · Dolphins' fans who tune into Miami's Sportsradio 560 WQAM will have the opportunity to listen to live broadcasts of Head Coach Adam Gase's day- ...
[56]
Beasley's 560 WQAM and UM Renew Contract - Miami Hurricanes
Sep 2, 2008 · ... Sports Radio 560 WQAM-AM, all of which broadcast with HD RadioTM technology available to those with access to an HD Radio receiver. Power 96 ...
[57]
MIAMI'S SPORTS RADIO 560 WQAM AND THE UNIVERSITY OF ...
Feb 16, 2017 · The University of Miami Athletics and Miami's Sports Radio 560 today announced a multi-year extension for the station to remain the flagship radio home of ...
[58]
Florida Panthers Announce 2025-26 Radio Network Presented by ...
Oct 9, 2025 · Audacy's 104.3 WQAM (WQAM-FM) (Dade/Broward) will be broadcasting the Panthers' 82 regular-season games and playoff contests.
[59]
How to listen to Miami Heat Games - Audacy
Every Miami Heat game from the 2024-2025 season is available with AM 560 Sports WQAM, free on Audacy. AM 560 Sports WQAM is the radio home of the Heat .
[60]
South Florida High School Sports With Larry Blustein - Audacy
Larry Blustein is a senior writer for SFHSSports. With over 40 years experience in the South Florida sports media, he has seen and written about it all – twice.
[61]
Radio DJ Rick Shaw, who first played the Beatles in Miami, has died
Sep 22, 2017 · In 1964, while he worked for WQAM, Shaw was the first radio disc jockey in South Florida to play the Beatles. He met them later that year in ...
[62]
Rick Shaw, Miami Radio Legend - A WQAM Listener's Appreciation
Sep 24, 2017 · ... Storz, who was pioneering the Top 40 format with WQAM right before our ears. Nor did we know what fun PD Dan Chandler had herding all those ...
[63]
Roby Yonge: The Rise and Fall of a Top-40 Hero
May 24, 2008 · Roby was an immediate hit on WQAM, especially among surfers. "As a joke one day I called Roby 'The Big Kahuna,'" Shaw remembers. "Roby loved it.
[64]
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2012/12/17/joe-rose-extends-contract-with-wqam/
[65]
Joe Rose extends contract with WQAM - Sun Sentinel
Dec 17, 2012 · Rose, who played seven seasons for the Dolphins (1980-86), joined the WQAM morning show in 1992. “WQAM has been my broadcast home for over 20 ...<|separator|>
[66]
The Joe Rose Show - Weekdays 6a - 10a | AM 560 Sports WQAM
Listen to The Joe Rose Show with Zach Krantz at Weekdays 6am - 10am on AM 560 Sports WQAM Florida.
[67]
Channing Crowder to Join WQAM's Afternoon Show - CBS Miami
Aug 10, 2015 · Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder will join Marc Hochman and Zach Krantz on the station's weekday 2 pm to 6 pm afternoon show.
[68]
Hochman Crowder Solana - Weekdays 2p - 6p | AM 560 Sports WQAM
... WQAM logo · On Air · Schedule · The Joe Rose Show · Tobin & Leroy · Hochman and Crowder · South Florida High School Sports · Best of AM 560 Sports WQAM · JR ...
[69]
Marc Hochman Couldn't Be Happier After 10 Years at WQAM
Apr 9, 2024 · Marc Hochman recently celebrated his 10 th anniversary of doing afternoon drive at WQAM in South Florida, it was really a time to celebrate.<|separator|>
[70]
'Hammerin' Hank' Goldberg dies at 82: Sports media legend helped ...
Jul 4, 2022 · Goldberg promptly joined struggling rival WQAM and beat his former employer in the ratings. Hammerin' Hank was must-hear radio, and fans ...
[71]
Former WTVJ Sports Anchor, ESPN Reporter Hank Goldberg Dies at ...
Jul 4, 2022 · He moved to television in 1983 at WTVJ, where he spent nine years before moving back to radio at WQAM in 1993. He stayed at the station ...
[72]
Jonathan Zaslow No Longer With WQAM - Barrett Media
Sep 23, 2022 · WQAM midday host Jonathan Zaslow is no longer with WQAM in Miami. The radio station has removed his show from the website and references to him ...
[73]
Jonathan Zaslow Departs WQAM; Tobin & Leroy Reportedly To ...
Sep 23, 2022 · After eighteen years between “790 The Ticket” WAXY and 560 WQAM, Jonathan Zaslow has exited Audacy Miami. Zaslow had been hosting 10am to 2pm on ...