“Did you hear me on the radio?” That’s what local radio is all about. Today, we explore WJDA-AM, a station with a rich history in the Greater Boston area. WJDA-AM began its journey in 1947. James D. Asher, its original owner, launched it as a local voice for the South Shore.
WJDA-AM’s story is deeply connected to the Asher family. Later, his son Jay took over the reins. For many years, WJDA-AM delivered talk programming. It also aired ABC Radio’s Unforgettable Favorites format. Listeners knew it as “Radio your way.” Herb Fontaine and Roy Lind were among the station’s personalities. Joe Catalano, Win Bettinson, Ken Coleman, Don Kent, and Mike Logan also graced the airwaves. Party Line and Breakfast with WJDA were notable shows. The Wax Museum also captured listener’s ears.
Initially, WJDA-AM operated as a daytime station. It broadcast until sundown. However, in the early 1990s, it transitioned to a 24-hour schedule. In 2006, Principle Broadcasting acquired WJDA-AM and WESX. The stations switched to Spanish and Portuguese programming. The local studios closed. April 30, 2006, marked the end of the old format.
Tropical Storm Irene wreaked havoc in 2011. The storm toppled WJDA-AM’s tower. The station went off the air for a few days. It received FCC approval for a temporary antenna. In April 2012, the tower was restored.
In 2017, Universal Stations purchased WJDA-AM, WESX, and WLIE. The sale price was $2.3 million. Real Media Group acquired WJDA-AM and WESX in 2018. WJDA-AM broadcasts on 1300 AM. It serves the Greater Boston area with a reggaeton format. The station’s studios are located in Chelsea. WJDA-AM’s programming can also be heard on FM translator W260DS at 99.9 FM in Boston. This is where the “Latina 99.9” branding comes from. You can tune into Latina 99.9.
WJDA-AM’s transmitter site is in a marshy area off Sea Street. It went into service in the fifties. Back then, a road led there from State Street. Today, coastal storms have changed the landscape. The path to the tower is now a walking trail. A steep climb and a walk across the marsh are required. The transmitter building sits on elevated piers. This protects it from regular flooding. The building once housed WJDA-AM’s 1000-watt transmitter. Now, a smaller solid-state transmitter occupies the space. WJDA-AM operates after dark with 72 watts. This covers Quincy and surrounding towns.
The studio on Brackett Street was built in the sixties. It replaced an earlier studio. The ground floor has an entryway and storage. The rest of the station is upstairs. A painting of James D. Asher and a beacon from the tower decorate the lobby. The beacon was removed after the FAA deemed it unnecessary. High-school culinary arts students once filled the main talk studio. They were being interviewed on a local talk show.
WJDA-AM faced challenges in recent years. Satellite-delivered music and brokered shows filled many hours. Despite these changes, WJDA-AM continues to broadcast. WJDA-AM’s address is 90 Everett Ave, Chelsea MA, 02150. The phone number is +(617) 884-4500.