WAEB-FM

Infobox Radio Station


name = WAEB-FM
city = Allentown, Pennsylvania
area = Allentown, Pennsylvania
branding = "B-104"
frequency = 104.1 (MHz) HD Radio 104.1 HD2 for Just Picked Hits (new music channel)
format = Top 40
erp = 19,500 watts
haat = 50 meters
class = B
facility_id = 14372
owner = Capstar TX Limited Partnership (Clear Channel Group)
webcast = [http://www.b104.com/cc-common/streaming_new/ Listen Live]
website = [http://www.b104.com www.b104.com]
callsign_meaning = AEB stands for Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem

WAEB-FM, commonly known as "B104", is a contemporary/Top 40 radio station located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, in the United States and owned by Clear Channel Communications. WAEB-FM broadcasts at 104.1 MHz FM.

History

WAEB-FM signed on in 1961 initially simulcasting the Top 40 format airing on 790 WAEB.

In the late 60's, WAEB FM separated from WAEB and went through several formats before eventually becoming a Country music station known as WXKW.

The station played Country Music until April 1985 as WXKW.

That April, the station reverted to the WAEB call letters,and switched to a Soft Adult Contemporary format playing a small amount of adult standards artists initially as well as a few new songs.

The station was known as "Light FM 104 WAEB-FM" and it was a "niche" format meant to compete with 100.7 WFMZ (which was easy listening at the time) and 96.1 WLEV (which was an automated/live assist "Hot AC")

By the early part of 1986, WAEB FM had evolved to more of a mainstream adult contemporary format.

By the late part of 1986, the station was phasing out the "Light" name and became "104 AEB-FM".

The music mix changed to a "heavily dayparted" AC/CHR mix without the hype.

On January 26th 1987, the day known as when "the records went away", the station switched to a Contemporary Hit Radio format and became "The World's First Laser Hit Station"-"Laser 104.1 FM", aptly named because 90% percent of the music (when available) was played on CD.

One remnant of the station's "Laser Days" is at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, where back in 1987, their "Colossus" steel roller coaster was renamed "The Laser".

In 1991, 104.1 gradually downplayed the "Laser" moniker and indentified themselves as "104.1 WAEB-FM" (stressing the "B" when they said the call letters on the air)

In September of that year, after "Hot 99.9 WHXT" in Easton switched to "Oldies 99 WODE", WAEB-FM's transition to "B" day was complete as the station became known as "B-104" which they're known as to this very day.

ignal

Because of Allentown's proximity to Harrisburg, B104's signal begins to collide with Wink 104's signal right around the Reading, Pennsylvania area going westbound on Interstate 78. The station can sometimes also be heard in Philadelphia. B104 can be heard up to 28 miles south of Newark, New Jersey.

External links

* [http://www.b104.com B104 Official Website] .
*FMQ|WAEB
*FML|WAEB
*FMARB|WAEB