Radio First
Limited liability company | |
Industry | Radio broadcasting |
Founded | 2000 |
Headquarters | Port Huron, Michigan |
Services | Digital media, radio |
Owner | Robert Liggett |
Radio First (Liggett Communications) is the owner of five radio stations in St. Clair and Sanilac Counties. Radio First primarily serves listeners in the Thumb area of Michigan and Southwestern Ontario. Radio First's offices and studios are all located at 808 Huron Avenue, Port Huron, Michigan.
History
In early 2000, Robert Liggett, owner of Big Boy Restaurants and former owner of several Central Michigan radio stations entered into an agreement to purchase Hanson Communications, licensee of WPHM, WBTI, and WHYT (now WHLX). Liggett also approached Hanson's crosstown competitor Wismer Broadcasting, whose founder died in 1999 and owned WHLS and WSAQ. By the end of 2000, Liggett received all necessary FCC approvals to buy both Hanson Communications and Wismer Broadcasting. All five stations became a part of Liggett Communications. For about a year the Hanson stations continued to use their old studio at 2379 Military Street, which is now is home to a Coldwel Banker office and Hanson's Pro Music. Wismer's facilities at 808 Huron Avenue were expanded and now house the studios and offices for all five stations. 1380 WPHM, 96.9 WBTI, 107.1 WSAQ, 1590 WHLX, and 1450 WHLS are collectively known as Radio First.
Radio stations
- WPHM AM 1380, Port Huron, Michigan, News/Talk/Sports
- WHLS AM 1450, Port Huron, Michigan, Active Rock
- WHLX, AM 1590, Marine City, Michigan, Active Rock
- W288BT FM 105.5, Port Huron, Michigan, Active Rock
- WBTI, FM 96.9, Lexington, Michigan, Adult Top 40
- WSAQ, FM 107.1, Port Huron, Michigan, Country
Community Involvement
Radio First sponsors an annual local Bridal Show and Home Expo Show held at McMorran Place. The stations also support many local events, including the March of Dimes "Jail and Bail", the Child Abuse and Neglect Council's "Roof Sit", and Port Huron Police Department's CAPTURE witness tip-line.