A colossal voice booms across the city. It’s WEEI-AM 850 kHz. This isn’t just any radio station. It’s a Boston institution.
WEEI-AM started its broadcast life in 1929. It wasn’t always located here. Its initial location was Gloucester Massachusetts. Then it moved to Boston in 1930. The station originally went by WHDH.
For decades WHDH was a powerful force in Boston radio. It broadcast Red Sox games for years. It also covered Celtics and Bruins games. Legendary announcers like Curt Gowdy graced its airwaves. WHDH’s programming was a mix of music and sports. Popular disc jockeys like Ray Dorey and Jess Cain entertained listeners. Bob and Ray a famous comedy team also got their start on WHDH.
The station’s transmitter has moved over the years. It finally settled in Needham a suburb of Boston. This move allowed WHDH to increase its broadcasting power to 50000 watts. This powerful signal reached a huge audience across New England.
WHDH’s story took a dramatic turn in 1994. American Radio Systems purchased WEEI 590 AM’s intellectual property. They decided to move WEEI to the stronger 850 kHz frequency. WHDH’s final broadcast was marked by a somewhat unusual event. A disgruntled board operator played Taps and a toilet flush sound effect.
Since then WEEI-AM 850 has primarily focused on sports. It’s undergone format changes over time. It became an ESPN Radio affiliate. Later it shifted to focus on sports betting. Today WEEI is a powerful player in Boston’s sports media landscape. Its legacy as WHDH is a significant part of Boston’s radio history. The station’s story is one of evolution and adaptation. It remains a vital part of the city’s soundscape. This mighty voice continues to speak to fans across the region.