WPHB
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| WPHB | |
| Broadcast area | Philipsburg, Pennsylvania / State College, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Branding | "AM 1260 WPHB" |
| Frequency | 1260(kHz) |
| First air date | June 1, 1956 |
| Format | Country, talk, sports |
| ERP | 5,000 watts (Daytime); 34 watts (Nighttime) |
| Callsign meaning | PHilipsBurg |
| Owner | Magnum Broadcasting |
| Website | http://www.1260wphb.com/ |
WPHB is a commercially-licensed AM radio station, serving Philipsburg, Pennsylvania in Centre County. WPHB is licensed to 1260 kHz and operates at a daytime power of 5,000 watts and a nighttime power of 34 watts. The station is owned by Magnum Broadcasting and has a format of talk and classic country.
[edit] Beginnings
WPHB first went on the air June 1, 1956. The station was founded by Reverend William Emert, and for much of its early history, broadcast a religion-based format.
WPHB was acquired on July 16, 1982 by Moshannon Valley Broadcasting, Inc., a company owned by brothers C. Dean and Sheldon Sharpless. Dean acted as the station's general manager, news director and engineer, while Sheldon served as promotions director, general sales manager and program director. Under the Sharpless ownership, WPHB offered religion-based programming in addition to country music.
WPHB experienced its biggest growth while under ownership of the Sharpless brothers. Seven years following the acquisition of WPHB, an FM station was put on the air, sharing the same call letters (known today as WJOW) and assigned the frequency of 105.9 MHz at 3,000 watts. Both stations simulcast one another for about half of its broadcast day, with break-aways to allow religion and gospel-themed programming to air on the AM, with more music-intensive programming on the FM. WPHB has also held the distinction of being a classic country music format for much of its later history.
In more recent years, Sheldon Sharpless still graces the air waves of WPHB along with the likes of Tim Sweeney, whom also can be heard on Magnum Broadcasting's "105.9/106.9 Joe FM" station.
In later years, WJOW 105.9 became known as State College, PA's "105.9 The Buzz" alternative Rock station, after being taken over by Magnum Broadcasting, Inc. In June 2006, WJOW 105.9 changed to a contemporary country music station known as "105.9 Joe FM." Later, in February 2008, Magnum Broadcast's Classic rock station broadcasting to Renovo and Lockhaven, "106.9 The Surge," also started simulcasting the contemporary country station, becoming known as "105.9/106.9 Joe FM."
[edit] Sources
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