WODB

Infobox Radio Station
name = WODB


area = Columbus, Ohio
branding = B-107-9
slogan = BIG Hits
airdate = 2001
frequency = 107.9 (MHz)
format = Classic Hits
erp = 2,600 watts
class = A
owner = Franklin Communications, Inc.(division of Saga Communications)
website = [http://www.b1079.com/ www.b1079.com]
callsign_meaning =

WODB is an FM radio station licensed to Delaware, Ohio located at 107.9 MHz. The station operates out of a facility located in Columbus, Ohio and serves the Columbus metro area.

WODB currently broadcasts a Classic Hits format as "B-107.9" playing music from the 1960s, 1970s, and occasionally 1980s. The station has also operated briefly as "Oldies 107.9" and "Oldies 108" but opted to stress the 107.9 MHz frequency in an effort to reduce listener confusion and differentiate itself from the former "B97" in Columbus. The station still plays Classic Hits, but its new slogan is "BIG Hits" replacing the previous slogan "Feel Good Oldies All the Time." At first after the switch, WODB was playing songs from the late 60s, 70s, and 80s with most of the music from the 70's and 80's. Ratings dropped, so they added more 60s and early 70s songs in the playlist and cut back on the 80s songs.

History

Prior to becoming an oldies station, WODB operated as WXST "Star 107.9" from May 1998 until July 24, 2001, and played primarily Top 40-based '80s music. WXST was widely credited as the first radio station in the U.S. to broadcast an '80s-based format full-time. The WXST call letters were inspired by the former WXGT ("92X") in Columbus. The web site for "Star 107.9" has been restored and now operates as a tribute site to the original WXST "Star 107.9", once again streaming 80's hits, along with voice overs by the original DJs, biographies and detailed history of WXST "Star 107.9".

Before committing to '80s music, WXST 'stunted' briefly by airing a freeform mix of music promoted on-air as the "Wheel of Formats".

The station switched to oldies only after Columbus station WBNS-FM switched from oldies to adult contemporary. This switch left no FM oldies station in the Columbus metro area, so WXST quickly moved to fill this void. In the process, the Columbus area lost its only '80s station.

Prior to 1998, the station operated using the call letters WLYR (as "Lite Rock 108"). Before becoming WLYR, the station operated as WCEZ (as "Easy 108".)

WODB is owned by Franklin Communications, a subsidiary of Saga Communications.

The WXST call letters now are assigned to STAR 99.7 in Charleston, South Carolina, but licensed by the FCC to the town of Hollywood. STAR 99.7 is an Urban Adult Contemporary formated station.

External links

* [http://www.b1079.com/ Big Hits B107-9]
* [http://www.star1079.com/ Star 107.9 America's First 80's Radio Station]
* [http://static.highbeam.com/b/billboard/july041998/80smaniareachesnewheightswiththeunveilingofcolumbu/index.html "Billboard": '80s mania reaches new heights with the unveiling of Columbus' Star 107.9]