| Broadcast area | Long Island, New York |
|---|---|
| Branding | 1240AM |
| Frequency | 1240 kHz AM |
| First air date | 1924 (as WGBB) Jan. 22, 1988 (as WBAB) April 15, 1991 (as WGBB) |
| Format | Specialty, Multi-cultural programming |
| Power | 1,000 watts |
| Class | C |
| Callsign meaning | Where Great Broadcasting Begins |
| Owner | WGBB AM, Inc. |
| Website | www.am1240wgbb.com |
WGBB is an AM radio station licensed by the FCC in Freeport, New York. It is located at 1240 kHz on the AM dial.
WGBB has been serving the Long Island area since 1924. WGBB serves western Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, Brooklyn and parts of New Jersey.It was founded and managed by Harry H. Carman and started broadcasting as a daytime only station with 100 watts of power until the 1950's. The original tower still stands and transmits in Freeport, Long Island. The original studio was located in a loft on Main street, Freeport, half a block from the Long Island Railroad station and the old Freeport Hotel. After Mr. Carman's passing in 1954 from an automobile accident, the station changed ownership many times and so did the formats and studio locations. From 1966 to the late 1980's, the studios were located at 1240 Broadcast Plaza, Merrick, Long Island.
The station features a blend of specialty programming for multicultural audiences. WGBB broadcasts in several languages, although most frequently in English and Chinese. The station's mailing address is located in West Babylon, New York, while the FCC query information says its mailing address is in Flushing, New York. This is because in July 2003, WGBB moved its studio location to West Babylon. The Chinese Radio Network, which airs weekdays from 6 a.m.–6 p.m., is based in Flushing. One of the first Long Island or New York City radio stations to regularly offer live streaming broadcasts on their website, WGBB began offering its 'webcast' on their current website shortly after moving to their current studios in 2003. As one of the areas oldest radio stations, WGBB has many alumni, including the late Bob Lawrence, Dave Vieser, Ted David, Buddy Carr (Tom Bigby), Mike Sullivan, Gary Berkowitz, Dave Lefkowitz (of Dave's Gone By), Dick Springfield, Al Case, Gary Nolan, Drew Scott, Gary McFarlane, Dennis Falcone, Mark Alan Biggs[1], Ray Rayner and others.
From January 22, 1988 until April 15, 1991 WGBB was known by the call sign WBAB.
WGBB broadcasts an eclectic mix of programming and has helped to launch the careers of many. Some of the programs that can be heard on WGBB include:Rich Johnson's The Fishing Line the region's voice for fishing. Mickey B's Jukebox Review has played the best in Doo Wop and street corner harmonies since before Long Island had an FM oldies station. Manos Gallanis' Hellenic Harmonies the voice of the Greek community. The Joyce Keller Show is one of the longest running new age programs on radio. Other great programs include The Wizard of Is, OFF THE TOP Radio, STMS and Sports Radio NY . WGBB has offered an eclectic mix of sports, comedy, talk and music for nearly two decades.
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