WNSX (97.7 MHz Star 97.7) is a commercial FM radio station broadcasting a classic hits radio format. The station signed on in 1999 as WNSX. Licensed to Winter Harbor, Maine, the station's studios and offices are on Maine State Route 3 (High Street) in Ellsworth. It serves Downeast Maine, including Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Bucksport, and Machias.
 | |
| Broadcast area | Downeast Maine |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 97.7 MHz |
| Branding | Star 97.7 |
| Programming | |
| Format | Classic hits |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Codin Broadcasting, LLC |
| History | |
First air date | 1999 |
| Technical information[1] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| Facility ID | 66712 |
| Class | B |
| ERP | 50,000 watts |
| HAAT | 149 meters (489 ft) |
Transmitter coordinates | 44°33′13″N 68°5′40″W / 44.55361°N 68.09444°W |
| Links | |
Public license information | |
| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | Star977.com |
WNSX is owned by Codin Broadcasting, LLC.[2] WNSX's music format is a mix which includes classic rock artists such as The Eagles, Genesis, Boston, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel and Elton John, but avoids pop artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. The station uses the slogan "Smooth Rock 'n' Roll" to indicate it does not play rock songs that are too hard-edged.
WNSX's transmitter is off Tunk Lake Road in Sullivan.[3] The station's primary signal serves Hancock and Washington Counties.
History
edit
Maine businessman Scott Hogg was granted a construction permit from the Federal Communications Commission to build a new FM station at 97.7 in the mid-1990s. It used the call sign WAKN before making it to the air.[4]
The station signed on in 1999 as WNSX.[5] It originally simulcast its then-sister station WMDI (now WBKA).
In 2001, the station was purchased by Clear Channel Communications for $1.1 million. It began simulcasting the classic rock format of its sister station 101.7 WFZX. WNSX later flipped to a sports radio format, carrying Fox Sports Radio for several years before returning to a simulcast of WFZX.
In 2005, the station was sold to Stony Creek Broadcasting, with Mark L. Osborne as managing member. The cost was $800,000.[6] WNSX then switched to its current format of classic hits.[7]
In 2024 the station was sold to Codin Broadcasting, LLC.[8]
References
edit- ^ "Facility Technical Data for WNSX". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
- ^ "WNSX Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
- ^ Radio-Locator.com/WNSX
- ^ Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 2000 page D-204
- ^ Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 2003-2004 page D-217
- ^ Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 2007 page D-247
- ^ "RBR's Daily Morning Epaper".
- ^ Star 97 owner announces retirement and sale of station to longtime employee Sarah Halberstadt, Ellsworth American, April 24, 2024
External links
edit- Facility details for Facility ID 66712 (WNSX) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
- WNSX in Nielsen Audio's FM station database
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