Smile FM

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Smile FM
Image:smilefmlogo.jpg
Slogan "Michigan's Positive Hits"
Format Religious; Contemporary Christian
Owner Superior Communications
Webcast http://www.smile.fm/streaming/
Website http://www.smile.fm

Smile FM is a network of Michigan non-commercial, contemporary Christian radio stations. Most programming originates from the main studio in Williamston, Michigan (just east of Lansing, Michigan), and is relayed (with local inserts) by an expanding number of stations throughout the state. The network also has studios in Imlay City and Emmett County.

Smile FM was originally two separate networks. The first, The Light, was founded on December 2, 1996 when WLGH Lansing, Michigan began broadcasting. The second, Joy FM, began on December 12, 2000 with WHYT (now WWKM), Imlay City, Michigan. While both played contemporary Christian music, The Light aimed for a younger audience. In June of 2004 the two networks were combined to form Smile FM in a "wedding ceremony" conducted at Oldsmobile Park in Lansing. The new name eliminated confusion since many other unrelated stations used The Light and Joy FM names.

The network is notable for putting stations on the air at a low cost. They lease existing towers, have one main studio, and use voice tracking. This allows the network to operate with a minimal number of employees. Unlike many Christian stations, they play music with only a few short breaks for weather, news, announcements and features.

The network's stations, although having the same ownership, are officially owned by one of three Non-Profit entities: Superior Communications, Michigan Community Radio, and Northland Community Broadcasters. All three Non-Profit entities were founded by Jennifer and Edward Czelada. WZCE 103.7 Harbor Beach is the only commercial station and is owned by Jenn and Ed personally. WCZE is currently airing the Smile FM programming. Under the name of Smile FM applications for eight additional stations were filed with the FCC in the fall of 2007.

In January 2008, Smile FM established WWKM Imlay City as the flagship of the new Smile FM Praise network. Previously, the station had broadcast traditional Christian music and hymns. The new network will play Christian contemporary worship music. Some of the current Smile FM stations with overlapping coverage areas are expected to switch to the new network.

The owners have often recycled the call letters of famous Michigan stations of the past for their stations. WDTR (now WRCJ) and WHYT (now WDVD) were once used by Detroit stations. WTAC was the leading top 40 station in Flint during the 1960's. WAIR was a station in Honor. WKKM and WWKM were stations in Harrison.

Others were named for the original formats of the stations. WLGH and WTLI were The Light. All of the stations beginning with WJ were in or scheduled to be in the Joy FM network. WCZE stands for the first three letters of Czelada.

Contents

[edit] On-air staff

Local

  • Jennifer Czelada (Morning Expresso from Imlay City)
  • George Hunger (Morning Expresso from Imlay City)
  • Brian Dumont
  • Dennis
  • Rob Dale (Weather; WLNS meteorologist)
  • Melissa Proffit (News headlines)
  • Andy Delancey (News headlines)

National

  • Faron Dice
  • Rob Dempsey
  • Dave Cruse
  • Elly Singer

National Features

[edit] Smile FM Network Stations

Stations owned and operated by Smile FM include: (Some stations are not operating at full FCC authorized power yet.)

  • WLGH 88.1 Leroy Twp./Lansing (east of Lansing) 6.8 kW 571'
  • WDTR 88.1 Monroe (Serving Monroe and Downriver Detroit) 2.8 kW 449' (Power upgrade to 2.8kW planned for 2008)
  • WHYT 88.1 Goodland Twp./Imlay City 400w 581'
  • WEJC 88.3 White Star/Auburn 55 kW 374'
  • WJOM 88.5 Eagle/Lansing (west of Lansing) 10 kW 289'
  • WKKM 88.5 Rust Twp./Alpena 480w 472'
  • WTLI 89.3 Bear Creek Twp./Boyne City 17 kW 1023'
  • WJOJ 89.7 Harrisville/Alpena 31 kW 453'
  • WTAC 89.7 Burton/Flint 1 kW 187'
  • WJOG 91.3 Good Hart/Petoskey 6 kW 623'
  • WJOH 91.5 Raco/Soo 5.5 kW 328'
  • WCZE 103.7 Harbor Beach/Thumb Area 43 kW 528'
  • WAIR 104.9 Lake City/ Cadillac 1.6 kW 489'

[edit] Smile FM Praise Network Stations

[edit] Future Stations

Future Stations approved by the FCC:

  • WKPK 88.3 Michigamme On 10/26/07 a modification of the original construction permit was granted to move station west of Marquette and operate on 88.3 with 15 kW from 866'. This is the same tower used by WFXD and WKQS. The original construction permit was for 100 kW on 88.1 from a tower near Michigamme. (Planned to start operation in 2008)
  • 88.7 Riverside/St. Joseph 25 kW 184' (Planned for 2008)
  • WSLI 90.9 Belding 11.5 kW 194' (Original CP was for 10 kW from a 98' tower. 11/06 filed an application to modify to 14 kW from a different tower. Dismissed by FCC on 2/20/07 due to a small overlap in coverage area of WCSG. On 3/30/07 a new application was submitted for 11.5 kW which was approved on 5/2/07. )(Planned for 2008)


[edit] External links