“Joy to the World” echoes. It debuted on WMEX when Larry Justice returned to the airwaves. Today, we explore the vibrant history of WMEX-AM in Boston.
WMEX is not just a radio station. It is a Boston institution. Its story is filled with format changes. It is filled with legendary personalities.
Founded in 1934 by Bill and Al Pote, WMEX first broadcast from studios in the Hotel Manger. It transmitted at 1500 AM with limited power. Early programming included live music. It also included horse racing and ethnic shows.
In the 1940s, WMEX expanded its musical offerings. Future Fenway Park organist John Kiley hosted daily programs. Jazz critic Nat Hentoff hosted shows too. He broadcast live from the Storyville nightclub.
The top-40 era began in 1957. The Richmond brothers bought WMEX. Max Richmond transformed the station into a rock-and-roll powerhouse. He hired Arnie “Woo Woo” Ginsburg.
Richmond also pioneered talk radio. Jerry Williams hosted a late-night call-in show. Malcolm X was a frequent guest.
In the late 1960s, WMEX faced tough competition. WRKO had a stronger signal. Dick Summer expanded the playlist. He featured progressive rock album cuts. WMEX was one of the first to air “American Top 40”.
After Max Richmond’s death in 1971, FM radio grew. WMEX abandoned top-40 hits in 1975. It became an all-talk station in 1976. The call letters changed to WITS.
WITS added the Boston Bruins. The station fired popular Red Sox commentators. Financial problems led to format changes.
The station flipped to adult standards as WMRE in 1983. Many formats followed. There was talk, soft adult contemporary, and country. Spanish-language and religious programming also appeared. In 1997, it became an all-sports station as WWZN.
Paul Allen owned WWZN for a time. The station broadcast Boston Celtics games. Later, WWZN relied on infomercials.
In 2007, Blackstrap Broadcasting bought WWZN. The station moved to new studios in Quincy. It aired progressive talk shows. In 2014, the station reverted to WMEX.
The Howie Carr Show moved to WMEX. However, it later returned to WRKO.
In 2015, WMEX featured various syndicated shows. The station refused to carry Rush Limbaugh.
Daly XXL Communications purchased WMEX in 2015. Nancy “Sandy” Shack hosted a new show.
In June 2017, WMEX went silent. The Waltham transmitter lease expired.
Ed Perry bought WMEX in 2017. He aimed to revive the station. WMEX returned to the air in November 2019.
In 2021, Marshfield Broadcasting sold WMEX to L&J Media. Larry Justice and Tony LaGreca headed it.
Today, WMEX broadcasts at 1510 AM and 101.1 FM. It plays hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. It offers a mix of oldies and local programming. WMEX transmits from Quincy with reduced power at night. It serves the Greater Boston area. WMEX continues to evolve. It remains a beloved voice in Boston radio.