Wave radio (internet)

Infobox_Radio_station | name = Wave Radio


city = New York
area = Worldwide
branding = New York's Wave Radio
slogan = The Internet's #1 Hit Music Station
airdate = January 2, 2003
frequency = Internet
format = 80s, 90s, Top 40
power =
erp =
class =
callsign_meaning =
owner = West Media NY
website =

History

Wave Radio signed on the air on January 2, 2003 as KISS iFM, an alternative music format internet radio station. The station remained on, tweaking formats during the summer to a day/night format -- '80s music, beginning at 7am EST. At 5pm EST, the format would change to the original alternative music format. This change was made to appeal to a variety of audiences.

KISS iFM becomes Wave Radio

In November 2003, KISS iFM's General Manager and Program Director, Tommy West received a cease and desist order requesting that the station discontinue the use of their name. The request cited that an existing FM radio station in New York had owned the rights to use the name, WRKS-FM 98.7 KISS FM.

The station's branding was removed and remained "nameless" until December 20th, 2003. A new website was launched and the station became "Wave Radio" (or "New York's Wave Radio").

On-Air Personalities

The original airstaff schedule from Spring 2004 included:

1. Mike Summer2. Michael Scott (a.k.a. Michael Piff)3. V.G. Lozano4. Tommy West5. Mary G.6. Magic Matt Craig7. Jon Kaplan8. Dennis The Menace9. Rick Choi

The Voices

During its time on the air, Wave Radio featured many well-known voiceover artists. These included:1. Chris Leary2. Sam O'Neil3. Tony Banks4. Tony "The Tiger" Spina5. Sean Caldwell6. Kaylie Rose

Recognition

As a small internet radio operation, Wave Radio was very easily accepted into the radio community. In June 2004, Billboard Airplay Monitor featured an article which noted Wave Radio's acceptance of new artists and perception of new music. Notable artists included Naomi Striemer and Jerry Reid.

Commercial Free Summer

A major promotional campaign kicked off in June 2004, discontinuing commercials on the station until Labor Day.

During Independence Day weekend (2004), the station featured a countdown of 500 songs from the 80's, 90's and 2000's -- the "Firecracker 500". The playlist was based on New York record sales, top 40 radio station playlists, nationwide, and requests to the station. This countdown show featured numerous guest air personalities including Reno of WBLI, Long Island, NY. The special ended with the number one song, Santana featuring Rob Thomas, "Smooth".

The New Sound

During the early fall of 2004, on-air teasers and promos foreshadowed a change in format. The change would eventually become known as some simply tweaking of the format -- less 80s music, more 90s music and some top 40 music. The "new sound" also included new imaging, voiced by Tony "The Tiger" Spina.

The End

Shortly after relaunching the station with a "new sound", budgeting problems forced the station to pull the plug. On September 20th, 2004, the station spent the day paying tribute to the history of the station (including airing old sweepers, airchecks and bringing back ex-DJs). At midnight, the station went off the air.

After Wave Radio

After the Wave Radio signed off, many of the personalities moved on to other positions in the industry.

Dennis The Menace is now with WBLI, Long Island, NY.
Michael Piff is now with Sirius Satellite Radio as morning show producer for Sirius Hits 1.
V.G. Lozano is now with WCRX, Chicago, IL.
Magic Matt Craig is now with WEBE, Bridgeport, CT as a fill-in DJ.
Rick Choi is now program director and general manager of Party Radio USA ( [http://www.partyradiousa.net/ http://www.partyradiousa.net] ).