WBZO

Infobox Radio station


name = WBZO
airdate = 1993
frequency = 103.1 FM MHz
city = Bay Shore, New York
area = Long Island
format = Oldies
owner = Barnstable Broadcasting
erp = 1,550 watts
haat = 141 meters
branding = B-103
slogan = Long Island's Greatest Hits
class = A
facility_id = 60245
webcast = [http://www.mainstreamnetwork.com/listen/dynamicuasx.asp?station=wbzo-fm Listen Live]
website = [http://www.b103.com/ www.b103.com]
callsign_meaning =

WBZO, known on-air as B-103, is an oldies station based on Long Island. Located at 103.1 FM, the station, licensed to Bay Shore, New York. The station, whose studios are located in Farmingdale, New York, is owned by the Long Island Radio Group, itself a subsidiary of Barnstable Broadcasting. Its transmitter is located in Islip, New York.

History

B-103 first signed on the air in February 1993 in the Bayshore location on Sunrise highway playing oldies from the 50's, 60's, and 70's. General manager Ron Gold picks a staff that includes Program Director and afternoon host Dennis Falcone, morning show hosts Rick Martini and Flo Federman. A few months later Jessica Stevens (middays) and Al Patterson and partner "John Juan" Biscardi (nites) [http://www.1361productions.com/airchecks.htm] were added to the staff. The station's first year featured the first free summer concerts which included Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge and Davy Jones. Later that year, weekend talent was added including Party Marty Mitchell (The original host of the B-103 Disco Party). More weekend talent would follow in the mid 90's including Scotty Hart, Jeff Scott, Bob Alfano, Mike Sims, Glenn Calderone and Lila Mckenzie.

In 1995, Keith Allen (formally of WBLI) is added to weeknights for the all request show. In 1995, the top 5 at 9 countdown and the lost oldie at 10 was featured. Rick Martini is moved up to Operations Manager. Summer concerts included Three Dog Nite Tommy James and Dion along with oldie nights every Saturday on the Port Jeff Ferry.

In 1997, the station is purchased by Barstable Broadcasting and in June moves to their current studios on Route 110 in Melville to share with country station, WMJC. In 1998, Jane Barsch becomes General Manager, weekend talents added were Steve Jeffries, JD Howard, Kevin Mitchell and Rob Jeante. It was the first year that Beatle Brunch was aired on Sunday Morning along with Dick Clark's Rock, Roll and Remember on Saturday Mornings. It was also the first year of the B-103 prom.

In 1999, Scott Miller from WBLI is hired for mornings with Co-Host, Party Marty Mitchell. Mitchell also did nights during that period. Rick Martini moved to afternoons, Keith Allen in middays becomes Music Director. Party Marty Mitchell was then moved to afternoons. Mitchell left B-103 in June, 1999 to become APD/MD/Afternoons on WYNY in NYC, eventually becoming PD and Afternoon Drive host of WYNY (New Country, Y-107)

The first group inducted into the B-103 Hall of Fame was the Brooklyn Bridge. In 2000, Dave Widmer becomes General Manager and B-103 does a live broadcast from the Museum of Television and Radio in NYC with guest hosts Jay Black and Lou Christie. In 2001 Bill Wise becomes Program Director and Paul Richards and Frank Brinka(News Director) are added to mornings, the Wiseman in mid days, Keith Allen for afternoon drive and Scotty Hart at night.

In 2002, B-103 moved into its new studios in Airport Plaza along with WKJY, WHLI, and WMJC. Bob Perry is added to weekends. In 2004, The Wiseman and Frank moved to mornings while Kara becomes the station's mid day personality. B-103's current slogan, "Celebrating 15 years playing Long Island's Greatest Hits".

For Two years, due to the change at WCBS-FM in 2005 From Classic Hits to Jack FM, B103 was offered as an alternative. However, the format on WCBS-FM was more of a Gold-Based Adult Contemporary, while B103 operates a "true Oldies" Format. The 2nd Con was B103 is clearest in Eastern Queens. On July 12th, 2007, WCBS flipped back to its "Greatest Hits" Format.

External links

* [http://www.b103.com/ B-103 WBZO official website]
*FMQ|WBZO
*FML|WBZO
*FMARB|WBZO