WWL (AM)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

WWL is a long-time radio station in New Orleans, Louisiana that began broadcasting in 1922. It broadcasts on 870 kHz AM, a clear channel frequency on which covers large parts of the Gulf Coast in the daytime, and much of the United States at night. For many years, WWL was owned by Loyola University, but is now owned by Entercom Communications.

In the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, it was famous for the live broadcasts of local Dixieland jazz bands, including such notables as Papa Celestin, Sharkey Bonano, Irving Fazola, Tony Almarico, and Lizzy Miles, but didn't broadcast any live classical music programming at that time, as it was owned by LU.

The station currently has a talk radio format, with a line up including syndicated hosts like Rush Limbaugh, as well as local sports and news, they do not play any music at all.

Hurricane Katrina

During the immediate effects and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in late August 2005, WWL was for a time one of the only radio stations in the area remaining on the air. Its emergency coverage was simulcast on the frequencies of numerous other radio stations. The broadcast was named "The United Radio Broadcasters of New Orleans"; mostly WWL staff appeared on-air. The United Radio Broadcasters are a partnership between Entercom and Clear Channel Communications.

The WWL website www.wwl.com was completely rebuilt in only one day, by the staff of Entercom throughout the country to be centered on Hurricane coverage. While WWL's intenet audio stream was down, sister-station 710 KIRO provided audio clips from a KIRO who was rushed to New Orleans.

Shortwave Simulcast

Following is the tentative schedule WWL will follow. They employ a split feed from a 250 kW transmitter to two antennas to cover North America. Monday-Friday

   * 12-6am             5.835
   * 7-9am              11.785
   * 9am-3pm            15.285 (Interrupted 10am-1pm for maintenance, as required)
   * 5-7pm              9.840

Saturday

   * 12-7am             5.835
   * 9am-12pm           15.285
   * 6-7pm              9.840
   * 7-9pm              5.835
   * 10pm-12am          5.835

Sunday

   * 12-7am             5.835
   * 9am-12pm           15.285
   * 1-4pm              15.285
   * 9pm-12am           5.835

External links

WWL.com