WMTH
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Located in Park Ridge, Illinois, WMTH-FM was among the first high school radio stations in United States when it was licensed in 1959. Established by the Student Council at Maine Township High School, now Maine East High School, the station was established in 1959 and went on the air during December 1959. The station became known as "The Voice of Maine Township".
The radio station was built by electronics teacher, Theron Whitfield, and electronics students in the school. The first student voice on the station was that of class of 1960 senior, Harrison Ford, who went on to become a major film actor in movies such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
WMTH-FM has studios at all three existing Maine Township High Schools; Maine West High School in Des Plaines and Maine East High School and Maine South High School in Park Ridge. There was also a studio at the former Maine North High School in Des Plaines.
The call letters were chosen "MTH" as in Maine Township High (school). The WMTH-FM antenna is located on the highest point of the school building at Dempster and Potter Roads in Park Ridge. The studio from 1959 through 1970 was located in room 147B, across the hall from the auditorium. When the center courtyard building opened in the fall of 1970, the radio station relocated and the first WMTH-TV television studio was built.
The original power of the station was 16 watts E.R.P. at a frequency of 88.5 MHz. This continued from 1960 until 1983 when the frequency was changed to 90.5 MHz and the power reduced to 8.9 watts.
A major figure in WMTH was William R. Mitchell as the general manager in the 70's and '80's. He inspired many students to gain the confidence and social skills to improve their talent.
WMTH-FM continues to broadcast a mixture of music, school sports events, and other programs of local interest.
Famous Alumni
Harrison Ford (1960) Film Actor
Rich Koz (1970) Svengoolie, Chicago TV
S. Kielich (1972)
Scott Cohn (1978) [CNBC Correspondent]
Janet Shamlian (1980) national correspondent NBC News
