Think back to December 26 1963. That was a pivotal day for New York City radio. It was the day WMCA became the first station in the city to play a Beatles record.
WMCA is a New York radio station with a rich history. Its call sign comes from the Hotel McAlpin. The hotel was the station’s original home. WMCA began regular broadcasting on February 1 1925. It transmitted at 700 kHz with 500 watts of power. Donald Flamm, a broadcasting pioneer, owned WMCA.
In 1928, WMCA moved to 570 kHz. For three years, it shared time with WNYC. The Federal Radio Commission approved WMCA’s full-time broadcasting on 570 kHz in 1932.
The Straus family acquired WMCA in 1943. Before that, Edward J Noble owned it.
Barry Gray began hosting a talk show on WMCA in 1945. He dropped music for celebrity interviews and listener call-ins. Some consider Gray the father of talk radio. His show lasted for many years.
In the late 1950s, WMCA started playing hit music. It used a Top 40 format. Scott Muni, Frankie Crocker, Harry Harrison and Murray the K were among its DJs.
1960 marked a turning point. WMCA began highlighting its on-air personalities. They became known as the Good Guys. Ruth Meyer, the program director, led the station. She was the first woman in that role in New York City radio. The Good Guys era saw WMCA’s ratings soar. The station became known for playing the hits.
WMCA faced tough competition in the early 1960s. WMGM, WINS and WABC were also playing Top 40 music. WMCA and WABC’s rivalry eventually forced WMGM and WINS to change formats.
The Good Guys lineup included Joe O’Brien, Harry Harrison and Jack Spector. There was also Dandy Dan Daniel and Gary Stevens. B Mitchel Reed and Barry Gray were part of the team too. Dean Anthony rounded out the group.
R Peter Straus, the owner, often shared his views on air. He endorsed John F Kennedy for president in 1960. Straus also called for Richard Nixon’s impeachment.
WMCA held many promotions. One famous contest involved a lock of Ringo Starr’s hair. The station received about 90000 entries.
Another WMCA feature was its Call For Action help line. Listeners could call with problems needing resolution.
WMCA shifted to a talk radio format in 1970. It called itself Dial-Log Radio. The Good Guys music era ended.
In 1971, WMCA acquired rights to broadcast New York Yankees games. Jack Spector hosted a sports talk show. Bob Grant also debuted as a conservative voice.
Since 1989, WMCA has broadcast Christian talk and teaching programs. Salem Communications owns the station.
Today, WMCA’s studios are in Lower Manhattan. They share space with WNYM. The transmitter is in Kearny, New Jersey. In 2019, WMCA began broadcasting on FM in Northern New Jersey at 102.3 MHz.
So next time you’re searching for something interesting to listen to, remember WMCA. From its early days at the Hotel McAlpin to its current Christian format, WMCA has been a part of New York City’s radio landscape for nearly a century. It once launched Beatlemania in New York. It reflects the city’s evolving culture. WMCA continues to broadcast. It adapts to the times. It is still on the air today.