WDEN-FM

For the history of the 99.1 frequency prior to 2000, see WAYS (FM).
WDEN-FM
City of license Macon, Georgia
Broadcast area Macon and Vicinity
Branding #1 Country 99 WDEN
Slogan A Country Music Radio Heritage For Over 40 Years!
Frequency 99.1 MHz
First air date 1947
Format Modern Country
ERP 100,000 watts
HAAT 177 meters
Class C1
Facility ID 46996
Callsign meaning The word DEN
Owner Cumulus Media
(Cumulus Licensing, LLC)
Sister stations WDDO, WIFN, WLZN, WMAC, WMGB, WROK-FM, WPEZ
Webcast Listen Live
Website wden.com

WDEN-FM (99.1 FM, "#1 Country 99") is a radio station licensed to serve Macon, Georgia, USA. The station is owned by Cumulus Media and the broadcast license is held by Cumulus Licensing, LLC. WDEN broadcasts a country music format.[1]

WDEN-FM is home to the "Early Morning Crew" morning show, featuring radio personality Laura Starling and Vance Shepherd. The Early Morning Crew formerly featured Laura Starling and program director Gerry Marshall, who retired in 2004. The current program director of the station is Bobby Reed.

WDEN-FM is an active participant in the community as well as charitable affairs, conducting a local St. Jude Radiothon for the St. Jude's Children's Hospital annually.

History

In the 70s, WDEN-FM radio personalities included Grady Spires, Don Denver, Ray McDonald, Terry Culpepper, Aubrey Hammock, and Merritt (Buddy) Wheeler. Hammock and Wheeler both had worked at WNEX in Macon together in the mid 70s as well as several other Middle Georgia stations.

Until December 2000 WDEN was on 105.3 on the FM dial, for about a month WDEN simulcasted on 105.3 and 99.1 until the switch was complete. The day after Christmas in 2000 105.3 went dead and 99.1 took over. Until 2002 WDEN was owned by US Broadcasting. WDEN has been broadcasting in the middle Georgia market for over 40 years and is the top rated country music in the area.

WDEN-FM was originally created and owned by Marshall Rowland (who also owned country radio stations WQIK AM-FM in Jacksonville and WQYK AM-FM Tampa / St Petersburg FL market) He ownership of the facility was from around 1970 to 1974 and was locally managed by Charles Witte.

When asked what WDEN stood for, he replied "We Don't Even No!!"

References

External links

Coordinates: 32°45′50″N 83°33′32″W / 32.764°N 83.559°W