WXKS-AM

What if a radio station could talk? Not just through its programs, but with its own voice, whispering tales of its past? WXKS-AM, broadcasting from Newton, Massachusetts, has just such a story to tell. WXKS-AM isn’t just another station on your dial. It’s a living testament to the ever-shifting landscape of radio. Originally WKOX, this station first crackled to life on April 21, 1947, in Framingham. A daytime-only station then, it broadcast on 1190 kHz, a far cry from its current powerful 50,000-watt signal on 1200 kHz. WXKS-AM has seen its share of format changes. It started as a full-service station for the MetroWest region, offering a mix of local news, talk, and music. Over the years, it experimented with oldies, country, and even brokered programming featuring diverse languages and cultures. Imagine tuning in to hear Spanish, Creole, or even contemporary Christian music filling the airwaves. This station has hosted everyone from local personalities to nationally syndicated giants like Rush Limbaugh and Gene Burns. It even had a brief stint as “Matty’s Comedy 1200,” bringing laughter to the Boston airwaves. WXKS-AM’s journey to its current home in Newton is a story in itself. Originally broadcasting from Framingham, the station faced community opposition for nearly 13 years as it sought to upgrade its power and serve the wider Boston area. This struggle even delayed its sale from Fairbanks Communications to Clear Channel Communications, now iHeartMedia. Today, WXKS-AM stands as a robust conservative talk radio station, delivering news, opinions, and engaging discussions to listeners across Greater Boston. It’s affiliated with prominent names like Fox News Radio, Glenn Beck, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton, Sean Hannity, and Mark Levin. So the next time you tune into WXKS-AM, remember its journey. It’s a story of adaptation, perseverance, and a commitment to connecting with the community. It’s a reminder that even in the ever-evolving world of media, some voices find a way to endure, to adapt, and to continue broadcasting their stories.