Isn’t it amazing how a simple radio tower can connect communities? WYRE-AM stands as a testament to the power of local broadcasting. This station has served Annapolis and surrounding areas for decades. It broadcasts from a tower near Spa Creek. Let’s dive into the story of WYRE-AM.
WYRE-AM began its broadcasting journey in 1947. Back then it was known as WASL. A decade later, it transformed into WIPA. There was even a unique exchange of programs with WIP in Philadelphia. It is not known if the call sign resemblance was intentional.
In 1958, Jacob Einstein took over the management. He changed the call sign to WABW. This was to signify its coverage of three cities. The station experienced several ownership changes during this period.
In early 1963, Annapolis Broadcasting Corp complained to the FCC. They alleged “trafficking in licenses”. Despite the complaints, the sale was approved. On September 8, the station adopted the WYRE call sign. It flipped to a Top-40 format.
Fast forward to 1993, Sequel Broadcasting acquired WYRE. By this time, its music format had evolved. In September 1994, WYRE switched to jazz and rhythm and blues. News and sports coverage were also added.
Jacob Einstein briefly owned WYRE again, starting in 1995. He retired in 1997. A planned sale to News Communications of Michigan fell through. Einstein retained WYRE and WNAV. In 1999, Bay Broadcasting Corporation purchased WYRE. The station then flipped to classic country.
By 2003, WYRE played “eclectic music”. Later that year, it was sold again. It transitioned to Spanish-language pop as “Latino 810”. In 2007, WYRE became part of the “KHZTV Network”. This was later dropped. The station returned to Spanish brokered programming in June 2009. On March 15, 2010, the station rejoined KHZTV.
WYRE fell silent on September 20, 2017. This was due to a dispute with its landlord. The station filed for remain silent authority. It resumed broadcasting on September 19, 2018. It relayed WRNR-FM, an adult album alternative station. In November 2020, the station flipped to oldies as “810 The Wire”.
On February 11, 2023, WYRE began broadcasting the adult album alternative programming. This happened when 103.1 FM flipped to a relay of WRBS-FM. The broadcast included a legal ID that says, “The Voice of the Bay, WYRE, Annapolis and WRNR Online”.
In late 2023 and early 2024, Cortona Media bought WYRE. This group included former WRNR-FM owner Steve Kingston. In April 2024, Cortona petitioned the FCC. They wanted to change the primary station. Concurrently, WYRE began broadcasting classic rock. This also included overflow sports from WNAV.
WYRE’s journey is a fascinating tale of adaptation and resilience. From its early days as WASL to its current classic rock format, it continues to evolve. It provides a vital service to the Annapolis community. As you stand here, consider the enduring power of local radio. WYRE-AM’s story is far from over. It is ready to broadcast into the future.