WQRM

Infobox Radio Station


name = WQRM-FM
frequency = 106.3 & 99.3(mHz)
city = Smethport, Pennsylvania
area = Olean, New York
format = Classic hits
owner = Colonial Broadcasting
erp = 6,000 Watts
branding = "SAM FM"
slogan =
class = A
website = http://www.wqrmradio.com
callsign_meaning = WQ FaRM & Home Broadcasting (former owner)

WQRM is a commercially-licensed FM radio station licensed to Smethport, Pennsylvania, the seat of McKean County. The station broadcasts at 106.3 & 99.3 (Bradford Translator) mHz with an effective radiated power of 6,000 Watts. WQRM is owned by Colonial Broadcasting. The station, which broadcasts a variety hits format, is known as 106.3 SAM FM. National news is provided by the USA Radio Network and music is provided by Westwood One's SAM "Simply About Music" format.

The programming is simulcast at 99.3 in Bradford.

History: Beginnings in 1953

Though WQRM would not sign on the air until 1990, the foundation for local radio in Smethport was actually laid in the early 1950s.

Back in the summer of 1953, the Smethport Centennial Celebration was the first "special event" covered by WFRM, the new radio station in Coudersport just constructed by the Farm & Home Broadcasting Company, also the parent company of what is now known as WQRM. Broadcast lines were installed and temporary broadcast facilities were put in place in Smethport to cover many of the Centennial activities. Pete and Bill, the stars of the Morning Show, were photographed in the derby hats that everyone in Smethport was wearing as part of the celebration. That photo is still on the wall at WFRM's present location at 9 South Main Street in downtown Coudersport.

Encouraged by the enthusiastic reception from folks in Smethport, WFRM decided to put a local office and studio in Smethport. It was located on the second floor of the Auto Parts store on West Main Street. Bob and Lois Johnson became the nucleus of the staff in Smethport and an effort was made to expand the service to this part of the WFRM Coverage area. Russ Wells was the announcer, and Bob Morrison was the engineer. An hour each day was broadcast over the radio from this studio. These daily broadcasts continued for about three years. Meanwhile, the Johnsons had relocated to Kane, and joined the staff that was building the new radio station there, WKZA AM 960, which went on the air in 1954, but has been silent since 1993.

methport Tries for AM License

A few years later, Hamlin Redfield of Smethport applied to the FCC for an AM station to operate on 910 kHz at 1,000 watts to be located in Smethport. This station was never built, and the construction permit was allowed to expire.

Thirty Years Later

In 1989, The FCC opened up a channel for an FM station to be licensed to Smethport. Farm & Home applied for and was granted a permit to build. The longtime cable tower atop Prospect Mountain was selected as the place for the antenna for the station that would be known as WQRM. This same tower would also be used by WHKS, Port Allegany, a separately-owned radio station which was also being built at the time.

WQRM signed on the air for the very first time in January 1990. However, it would not be until almost three years later that WQRM would have its own studios and offices in downtown Smethport. Operations for WQRM at first came out of its sister FM station in neighboring Tioga County, WNBT and WNBT-FM, Wellsboro.

A site in downtown Smethport was chosen for the permanent studio and office. It was in the basement of the building at Fulton and Main Streets. However, the disastrous fire that destroyed that building forced the relocation of WQRM to a new office at 211 West Main Street. The station is heard at 106.3 throughout the area, but in Bradford, a special "translator" has been authorized to rebroadcast on 99.3, since the signal is weakened by the tall mountains surrounding the city.

WQRM Today

Over the years, local resident Rosalie Bishop has been the local manager and has been active in arranging the programming, news coverage and special events, as well as contact with businesses using radio advertising. She has hired and trained different persons to do broadcasting, news gathering and sales. In addition to the regular music programming, there are many special events and programs.

Broadcasts from local and area churches are eagerly awaited by listeners, as well as local news and events from the Fairgrounds. Smethport Hubbers football and basketball games have always been popular with WQRM’s listeners, and in addition, some of the Otto-Eldred games are carried on the station. Sportscasters include Bill Lord, Jeff Switzer, Scott McGuire and Ron Deibler.

At the present time, William Gaskin is the Chief Operator. He also serves as the morning disc jockey. The station’s website, www.wqrmradio.com is popular with internetters who listen to sports broadcasts live.

Sadly, none of the broadcasters who came to Smethport fifty years ago to do radio coverage are alive to return. But, the WQRM staff members will be doing much of the same type of broadcasts as in 1953 – describing the parades and other events, and interviewing local people and visitors. And, the "new crew" will be just as excited as the earlier generation of broadcasters.

In August 2008, WQRM's owner, Farm & Home Broadcasting (and its controlling interest, the Allegheny Mountain Radio Network) sold the station to Colonial Broadcasting, owner of WLMI in Kane. It has been speculated in media publications [http://www.fybush.com/NERW/2008/080825/nerw.html] that a format change is forthcoming, although no announcement has been made.

External links

* [http://www.wqrmradio.com/ WQRM official website]
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