Here’s a tale of a radio station that has rocked Boston. WRCA first aired on January 30 in 1948. It has evolved over the years.
Initially, WRCA was known as WCRB. Theodore Jones owned Charles River Broadcasting. WCRB served as a community station for Waltham, Massachusetts. It quickly switched to a classical music format. In 1954, WCRB-FM was added.
As FM broadcasting grew, the AM station changed. In 1975, it ceased simulcasting WCRB-FM’s classical format. It became WHET. WHET programmed a big band and adult standards format from 1975 to 1978. After that, it briefly became a beautiful music outlet.
The station’s ownership changed hands several times. Formats changed too. It was country music WDLW for most of the 1980s. In 1990, it became “Showbiz Radio” WRCA. WRCA stood for “Radio, Comedy, and Arts.” In 1991, it began leasing time to ethnic broadcasters. The WRCA call sign was retained. The Beasley Broadcast Group took over in 2000. They acquired it from the ADD Radio Group.
In 2007, WRCA’s transmitter site in Waltham was discontinued. WRCA became one of three AM stations sharing a rebuilt facility. This was at the site of WUNR in Newton. The stations broadcast on 1200, 1330, and 1600 kHz.
Also in 2007, WRCA’s city of license changed. It moved from Waltham to Watertown. The power increased to 25,000 watts daytime. It also increased to 17,000 watts at night. Besides ethnic programming, WRCA aired Northeastern Huskies hockey games.
Beasley acquired Greater Media. Then, WRCA went silent on November 15 in 2016. It was moving to new studios. It returned in May 2017. It simulcasted “Boston’s Irish Channel”. This was the HD2 channel of WBQT. It was believed that WRCA was signal testing. The station was paired with an FM translator. That was W291CZ at 106.1 MHz.
On July 3 in 2017, an announcement was made. WRCA and W291CZ would carry Bloomberg Radio programming. This programming moved over from WXKS. Concurrently, WBOS’s HD2 channel began simulcasting WRCA’s programming.
On August 20 in 2024, another change was announced. Bloomberg programming would move to WBOS’s primary channel on September 3. WRCA, W291CZ, and WBOS-HD2 inherited the “Rock 92.9” classic rock programming.
WRCA transmits with significant power. It uses 25,000 watts during the day. At night, it uses 17,000 watts. A directional antenna is employed. It has a five-tower array near the Charles River. WRCA’s programming can be heard on FM translator W291CZ at 106.1 MHz in Boston. It is also broadcast on the HD2 digital subchannel of WBOS.
WRCA has a rich and varied history. From community radio to classic rock, it reflects the changing landscape of broadcasting. Its journey through formats and ownership showcases its resilience. It is a testament to its enduring presence in the Boston radio market. Today, WRCA continues to broadcast. It entertains listeners with its classic rock format. It connects with the community through its FM translator and digital subchannel. WRCA remains a vital part of Boston’s media landscape.