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{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WZOX
| name = WZOX
| logo =
| image =
| city = [[Portage, Michigan]]
| city = [[Portage, Michigan]]
| area = [[Battle Creek, Michigan]]<br>[[Kalamazoo, Michigan]][http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/pat?call=WZOX&service=FM&status=L&hours=U]
| area = [[Battle Creek, Michigan]]<br>[[Kalamazoo, Michigan]][http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/pat?call=WZOX&service=FM&status=L&hours=U]
| branding = '''''96.5 Jack FM'''''
| branding = '''''Hits 96.5'''''
⚫
| frequency = 96.5 [[MHz]]
| slogan = ''Playing What We Want''
| airdate = December 1988 (as WLWJ)
⚫
| frequency = 96.5 [[MHz]]
| format = [[Modern adult contemporary|Modern AC]]
| airdate = February 28, 1992 (as WUBU)
⚫
| erp = 6,000 [[watt]]s
| format = [[Adult Hits|Variety Hits]]
⚫
| haat = {{convert|76|meters}}
⚫
| erp = 6,000 [[watt]]s
⚫
| class = A
⚫
| haat = {{convert|76|meters}}
⚫
| facility_id = 67775
⚫
| class = A
⚫
| callsign_meaning = '''W''' Kalama'''ZO'''o '''X''' (previous format)
⚫
| facility_id = 67775
⚫
| former_callsigns = WLWJ (1988–1989)<br>WUBU (1989–1992)<br>WFAT (1992–2008)<br>WYZO (2008–2010)<br>WKZO-FM (2010–2013)
⚫
| callsign_meaning = '''W''' Kalama'''ZO'''o '''X'''
⚫
| affiliations =
⚫
| former_callsigns = WLWJ (1988-1989, CP)<br>WUBU (1989-1992)<br>WFAT (1992-2008)<br>WYZO (2008-2010)<br>WKZO-FM (2010-2013)
⚫
| owner = Duke E. Wright
⚫
| affiliations =
⚫
| licensee = [[Midwest Communications]], Inc.
⚫
| owner = Duke E. Wright
⚫
| sister_stations = [[WKZO (AM)|WKZO]], [[WTOU (AM)|WTOU]], [[WNWN (FM)|WNWN]], [[WVFM]], [[WFAT]]
⚫
| licensee = [[Midwest Communications]], Inc.
⚫
| webcast = [http://player.listenlive.co/29291 Listen Live]
⚫
| sister_stations = [[WKZO (AM)|WKZO]], [[WNWN (AM)|WNWN]], [[WNWN-FM]], [[WQLR]], [[WVFM]], [[WTOU]]
⚫
| website = [https://morehits965.com morehits965.com]
⚫
| webcast = [http://player.listenlive.co/29291 Listen Live]
| licensing_authority= [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
⚫
| website = [http://z965fm.com z965fm.com]
}}
}}


'''WZOX''' (96.5) is an [[FM broadcasting|FM]] [[radio station]] in [[Portage, Michigan]]. The station currently broadcasts a [[Adult Hits|Variety Hits]] format branded as "'''96.5 Jack FM'''".
'''WZOX''' (96.5 [[FM broadcasting|FM]]) is a [[radio station]] in [[Portage, Michigan]]. The station currently broadcasts a [[modern adult contemporary]] format branded as "'''Hits 96.5'''".


==History==
==History==


===Early history===
===Early history===
96.5 FM signed on in December 1988 as WLWJ owned by Larry Langford, Jr.{{citation needed|date=January 2011}} Langford owned stations in Chicago and South Bend such as [[WVON]] and WLLJ-AM 910 (now [[WGTO]]). WLWJ was mixed of a Rhythm leaning Oldies Rock station. <!---'''CITATION NEEDED BROADCASTING YEARBOOK HAS NO RECORD OF THIS STATION EXISTING PRIOR TO 1991!'''--->
96.5 FM signed on in December 1988 as WLWJ owned by Larry Langford, Jr.{{citation needed|date=January 2011}} Langford owned stations in Chicago and South Bend such as [[WVON]] and WLLJ/910 (now [[WGTO]]). WLWJ was mixed of a Rhythm leaning oldies rock station. <!---'''CITATION NEEDED BROADCASTING YEARBOOK HAS NO RECORD OF THIS STATION EXISTING PRIOR TO 1991!'''--->


===96-5 UBU===
===96.5 UBU===
In February 1991, the calls were changed to [[WUBU]], as "96-5 UBU" with an [[urban adult contemporary]] format. WUBU, owned by Larry Langford, Jr. (who owned a similarly formatted station in [[Cassopolis, Michigan|Cassopolis]], WLLJ-AM 910, now [[classic hits]] [[WGTO]] and still owned by Langford) was Kalamazoo's first FM R&B station and was supported highly. There was support to maintain this only R&B station in the area, mostly from students on WMU's campus.
In February 1991, the calls were changed to WUBU, as "96.5 UBU" with an [[urban adult contemporary]] format. WUBU, owned by Larry Langford, Jr. (who owned a similarly formatted station in [[Cassopolis, Michigan|Cassopolis]], WLLJ-AM 910, now [[classic hits]] [[WGTO]] and still owned by Langford) was Kalamazoo's first FM R&B station and was highly supported. There was support to maintain this only R&B station in the area, mostly from students on WMU's campus.


In June 1992, the station was bought out by Tri-State Broadcasting, Inc., after WUBU was unable to generate enough revenue to support itself. The WUBU calls were dropped as well as the urban AC format. The WUBU call letters and format were eventually picked up by 106.3 FM in South Bend, Indiana. Throughout the years there have been attempts for another FM R&B station. Today [[Midwest Communications]] operates [[WNWN (AM)|WNWN]] 1560 AM [[The Touch (radio network)|The Touch]] with a similar format to that of WUBU; although it is daytime only its programming is available on FM 24/7 via a translator at 95.5. Coincidentally, 1560 AM is 96.5 FM's former sister station, as both were owned by Tri-State Broadcasting in the early-1990s.
In June 1992, the station was bought out by Tri-State Broadcasting, Inc., after WUBU was unable to generate enough revenue to support itself. The WUBU calls were dropped as well as the urban AC format. (The WUBU call letters and format were eventually picked up by 106.3 FM in [[South Bend, Indiana]].) Throughout the years, there have been attempts for another FM R&B station. Today, [[Midwest Communications]] operates [[WTOU (AM)|WTOU]] (1660 AM) with a similar format to that of WUBU.


===96.5 The Fat One/WFAT (AC and Classic Rock)===
===96.5 The Fat One/WFAT (AC and Classic Rock)===
On June 9, 1992, the station acquired the calls WFAT and switched its format to oldies, then all 1970s, then classic hits, and finally to [[Hot AC]] as '''96.5 The Fat One'''. In the late-1990s the station flirted with a [[contemporary hit radio|CHR/Pop]] format briefly in competition with [[WKFR]]. But by April 2000 the station decided to a move in a new direction and switched its format to mainstream AC with [[Rick Dees]] coming to the station for mornings and [[Delilah Rene|Delilah]] at night.
On June 9, 1992, the station acquired the calls WFAT and switched its format to oldies, then all-1970s hits, then classic hits, and finally to [[Hot AC]] as '''96.5 The Fat One'''. In the late-1990s, the station flirted with a [[contemporary hit radio|CHR/Pop]] format briefly in competition with [[WKFR]]. By April 2000, the station switched its format to mainstream AC with [[Rick Dees]] coming to the station for mornings, Robb Rose as Program Director/Middays, Chris in the afternoon, and [[Delilah Rene|Delilah]] at night.


The mainstream AC format did not last long against [[WVFM|WQLR]] and [[WOOD-FM]], and on October 7, 2001, it became a classic rock station with the syndicated [[Bob and Tom Show]] in the morning drive. Around 2004 is when Midwest Communications would Purchase WFAT 96.5 FM, WNWN-1560-AM & WNWN-98.5 FM From Tri-State Broadcasting.
The mainstream AC format did not last long against [[WVFM|WQLR]] and [[WOOD-FM]], and on October 7, 2001, it became a classic rock station with the syndicated [[Bob and Tom Show]] in the morning drive. Midwest Communications purchased WFAT, as well as WNWN-AM and WNWN-FM From Tri-State Broadcasting.


===Y96.5/WKZO===
===Y96.5/WKZO===
On February 15, 2008, at 5&nbsp;pm the station abruptly changed format from [[classic rock]] to [[country music]]. The last song on WFAT was "Happy Trails" by [[Van Halen]], after which the station became "Y96.5", with the first song of the new format being "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" by [[Alan Jackson]] and [[Jimmy Buffett]]. A couple of days later the station changed its callsign to WYZO after fifteen years as WFAT.
On February 15, 2008, at 5&nbsp;p.m., the station abruptly flipped to [[country music]]. The last song on WFAT was "Happy Trails" by [[Van Halen]], after which the station became "Y96.5", with the first song of the new format being "[[It's Five O'Clock Somewhere]]" by [[Alan Jackson]] and [[Jimmy Buffett]]. A couple of days later, the station changed its callsign to WYZO.


On March 31, 2010, the station underwent changes again, dropping the country format in favor of a simulcast of its sister station WKZO AM which airs a news/talk format. The call sign was also changed to WKZO-FM to mirror its AM counterpart on April 5, 2010.
On March 31, 2010, the station underwent changes again, dropping the country format in favor of a simulcast of its sister station WKZO (590 AM) which airs a news/talk format. The call sign was also changed to WKZO-FM to mirror its AM counterpart on April 5, 2010.


⚫
===Z 96.5/96.5 Jack FM/Hits 96.5===
On May 13, 2013, WKZO-FM changed their format from news/talk to modern rock, branded as "Z 96.5".<ref>http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/netgnomes/82023/alternative-on-way-to-kalamazoo/</ref> On May 15, 2013, WKZO-FM changed their call letters to WZOX.
On May 13, 2013, WKZO-FM flipped to alternative rock, branded as "Z 96.5".<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/netgnomes/82023/alternative-on-way-to-kalamazoo/ | title=Z96.5 Brings Alternative to Kalamazoo| date=13 May 2013}}</ref> On May 15, 2013, WKZO-FM changed their call letters to WZOX.


On November 2, 2018, WZOX flipped to [[Adult hits|variety hits]] as "96.5 [[Jack FM]]".<ref>{{Cite web |title=WZOX Kalamazoo Welcomes Jack-FM |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/171739/wzox-kalamazoo-welcomes-jack-fm/ |access-date=2022-02-28 |website=RadioInsight |language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
==Z 96.5/96.5 Jack FM==


On February 24, 2021, the "Jack FM" format moved to [[WVFM]] (106.5 FM).<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/205332/jack-fm-moves-in-kalamazoo/ Jack-FM Moves In Kalamazoo] Radioinsight - February 24, 2021</ref> On March 3, at noon, after a week of simulcasting, WZOX flipped to top 40/CHR as "Hits 96.5", with the first song being "[[Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)]]" by [[Jawsh 685]] and [[Jason Derulo]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hits 96.5 Debuts In Kalamazoo |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/205744/hits-96-5-debuts-in-kalamazoo/ |access-date=2022-02-28 |website=RadioInsight |language=en-US}}</ref>
On November 2, 2018, WZOX changed it's format from [[Modern rock]] to [[Adult Hits|Variety Hits]] as [[Jack FM]].


On February 28, 2022, WZOX shifted from top 40/CHR to modern adult contemporary, still under the "Hits 96.5" branding.<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/220623/wzox-shifts-to-modern-ac/ WZOX Shifts To Modern AC] Radioinsight - February 28, 2022</ref>
⚫
==Bronco Radio Network==
⚫
After signing a five-year contract, the station will resume its relationship with [[Western Michigan University]] in the fall of 2010 as the flagship station for Broncos [[Western Michigan Broncos football|football]], [[Western Michigan Broncos men's basketball|men's basketball]] and [[Western Michigan Broncos men's ice hockey|men's hockey]]. Previously, while operating as WFAT, the station was the flagship station for football and men's basketball from the 1996/1997 season to the 2006/2007 season.


⚫
==Bronco Radio Network==
⚫
==Previous logos==
⚫
After signing a five-year contract, the station will resume its relationship with [[Western Michigan University]] in the fall of 2010 as the flagship station for Broncos [[Western Michigan Broncos football|football]], [[Western Michigan Broncos men's basketball|men's basketball]] and [[Western Michigan Broncos men's ice hockey|men's hockey]]. Previously, while operating as WFAT, the station was the flagship station for football and men's basketball from the 1996-1997 season to the 2006-2007 season.


⚫
==Previous logo==
[[File:WZOX Z96.5 logo.png]]
[[File:WZOX Z96.5 logo.png]]


Line 63: Line 65:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{FM station data|WZOX}}
*{{FM station data|67775|WZOX}}


{{Kalamazoo Radio}}
{{Kalamazoo Radio}}
{{Rock Radio Stations in Michigan}}
{{Midwest Communications}}
{{Midwest Communications}}


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[[Category:Radio stations in Michigan|ZOX]]
[[Category:Radio stations in Michigan|ZOX]]
⚫
[[Category:Modern rock radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1988]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1988]]
⚫
[[Category:Modern adult contemporary radio stations]]
[[Category:Midwest Communications radio stations]]
[[Category:Midwest Communications radio stations]]

Latest revision as of 07:55, 13 July 2024

WZOX
Broadcast areaBattle Creek, Michigan
Kalamazoo, Michigan[1]
Frequency96.5 MHz
BrandingHits 96.5
Programming
FormatModern AC
Ownership
Owner
WKZO, WTOU, WNWN, WVFM, WFAT
History
First air date
December 1988 (as WLWJ)
Former call signs
WLWJ (1988–1989)
WUBU (1989–1992)
WFAT (1992–2008)
WYZO (2008–2010)
WKZO-FM (2010–2013)
Call sign meaning
W KalamaZOo X (previous format)
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID67775
ClassA
ERP6,000 watts
HAAT76 meters (249 ft)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen Live
Websitemorehits965.com

WZOX (96.5 FM) is a radio station in Portage, Michigan. The station currently broadcasts a modern adult contemporary format branded as "Hits 96.5".

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

96.5 FM signed on in December 1988 as WLWJ owned by Larry Langford, Jr.[citation needed] Langford owned stations in Chicago and South Bend such as WVON and WLLJ/910 (now WGTO). WLWJ was mixed of a Rhythm leaning oldies rock station.

96.5 UBU

[edit]

In February 1991, the calls were changed to WUBU, as "96.5 UBU" with an urban adult contemporary format. WUBU, owned by Larry Langford, Jr. (who owned a similarly formatted station in Cassopolis, WLLJ-AM 910, now classic hits WGTO and still owned by Langford) was Kalamazoo's first FM R&B station and was highly supported. There was support to maintain this only R&B station in the area, mostly from students on WMU's campus.

In June 1992, the station was bought out by Tri-State Broadcasting, Inc., after WUBU was unable to generate enough revenue to support itself. The WUBU calls were dropped as well as the urban AC format. (The WUBU call letters and format were eventually picked up by 106.3 FM in South Bend, Indiana.) Throughout the years, there have been attempts for another FM R&B station. Today, Midwest Communications operates WTOU (1660 AM) with a similar format to that of WUBU.

96.5 The Fat One/WFAT (AC and Classic Rock)

[edit]

On June 9, 1992, the station acquired the calls WFAT and switched its format to oldies, then all-1970s hits, then classic hits, and finally to Hot AC as 96.5 The Fat One. In the late-1990s, the station flirted with a CHR/Pop format briefly in competition with WKFR. By April 2000, the station switched its format to mainstream AC with Rick Dees coming to the station for mornings, Robb Rose as Program Director/Middays, Chris in the afternoon, and Delilah at night.

The mainstream AC format did not last long against WQLR and WOOD-FM, and on October 7, 2001, it became a classic rock station with the syndicated Bob and Tom Show in the morning drive. Midwest Communications purchased WFAT, as well as WNWN-AM and WNWN-FM From Tri-State Broadcasting.

Y96.5/WKZO

[edit]

On February 15, 2008, at 5 p.m., the station abruptly flipped to country music. The last song on WFAT was "Happy Trails" by Van Halen, after which the station became "Y96.5", with the first song of the new format being "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett. A couple of days later, the station changed its callsign to WYZO.

On March 31, 2010, the station underwent changes again, dropping the country format in favor of a simulcast of its sister station WKZO (590 AM) which airs a news/talk format. The call sign was also changed to WKZO-FM to mirror its AM counterpart on April 5, 2010.

Z 96.5/96.5 Jack FM/Hits 96.5

[edit]

On May 13, 2013, WKZO-FM flipped to alternative rock, branded as "Z 96.5".[2] On May 15, 2013, WKZO-FM changed their call letters to WZOX.

On November 2, 2018, WZOX flipped to variety hits as "96.5 Jack FM".[3]

On February 24, 2021, the "Jack FM" format moved to WVFM (106.5 FM).[4] On March 3, at noon, after a week of simulcasting, WZOX flipped to top 40/CHR as "Hits 96.5", with the first song being "Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)" by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo.[5]

On February 28, 2022, WZOX shifted from top 40/CHR to modern adult contemporary, still under the "Hits 96.5" branding.[6]

Bronco Radio Network

[edit]

After signing a five-year contract, the station will resume its relationship with Western Michigan University in the fall of 2010 as the flagship station for Broncos football, men's basketball and men's hockey. Previously, while operating as WFAT, the station was the flagship station for football and men's basketball from the 1996-1997 season to the 2006-2007 season.

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WZOX". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ "Z96.5 Brings Alternative to Kalamazoo". 13 May 2013.
  3. ^ "WZOX Kalamazoo Welcomes Jack-FM". RadioInsight. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
  4. ^ Jack-FM Moves In Kalamazoo Radioinsight - February 24, 2021
  5. ^ "Hits 96.5 Debuts In Kalamazoo". RadioInsight. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
  6. ^ WZOX Shifts To Modern AC Radioinsight - February 28, 2022
[edit]

42°12′54″N 85°36′36″W / 42.215°N 85.610°W / 42.215; -85.610

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