DWIZ

From a small studio tucked away on the fifth floor of the Filipinas Building, DWIZ first crackled to life. DWIZ, now a powerhouse in Philippine radio, began its journey in 1946 as KZPI. Its initial 1-kilowatt transmitter, supplied by the American company Raytheon, broadcast from Polo, Bulacan. Imagine Manila then, a city rising from the ashes of war. DWIZ, along with just two other stations, broadcast the momentous occasion of the Philippines declaring independence from the United States. The station played a key role, bringing the historic event to the people. From dance music echoing from the Manila Hotel to hourly news updates, DWIZ quickly became a familiar voice in the post-war soundscape. In 1949, reflecting the changing international landscape, KZPI became DZPI. Later that year, the station joined the Manila Broadcasting Company family, becoming a sibling to DZRH and DZMB. By the early 1970s, the station, broadcasting from Navotas, Rizal with an increased power of 5 kW, had been rebranded as Radio Philippines. DWIZ continued to report on key events, including the turbulent period leading up to the declaration of Martial Law. In a twist of fate, DZPI was among the last voices heard before the nation plunged into silence on that fateful day. The station reemerged on September 24, 1972, as DWIZ Sunshine City. This marked a shift towards Top 40 music, influencing the tastes of a generation. In 1978, DWIZ transitioned to its current frequency of 882 kHz. By 1986, the station returned to a full-service format, balancing music with news. DWIZ Sunshine City eventually signed off in 1991, making way for the DWIZ we know today. The current era of DWIZ began with its acquisition by Aliw Broadcasting Corporation, owned by Antonio Cabangon Chua. Relocating to Makati, DWIZ relaunched on June 6, 1991, with the tagline “Boses Pilipino, Radyo ng Tao” (Voice of the Filipino People’s Radio). DWIZ pioneered the Broadcast Tandem System, featuring two broadcasters on its news programs. The station quickly established itself as a reliable source of news and information. Fast forward to 2000, DWIZ moved to its current studios in the Citystate Centre in Pasig. Over the years, DWIZ has earned numerous accolades. It was recognized as the Most Outstanding Radio Station of the Year, and its program “Siyasat” received the Best Magazine Program award. DWIZ continues to be a significant voice in Philippine media. From its humble beginnings, DWIZ has grown into a respected and influential institution, a testament to its unwavering commitment to serving the Filipino people.