WHHS

For other uses, see WHHS (disambiguation).
WHHS
City of license Havertown, Pennsylvania
Broadcast area Greater Philadelphia
Slogan Radio. Rediscovered.
Frequency 99.9 MHz
First air date December 6, 1949
Format Campus radio
ERP 9.5 watts
HAAT 49 meters
Class D
Facility ID 59344
Callsign meaning W Haverford High School
Owner Haverford High School
Website http://www.whhs.org
Haverford High School

WHHS (99.9 FM) is a non-commercial educational FM radio station licensed to the School District of Haverford Township in Havertown, Pennsylvania (a suburb of Philadelphia), and run by the students of Haverford High School. Studios are located within the school, and the transmitter is located nearby.

Typical show formats include rock, classic rock, rap/hip-hop, sports talk, political talk, and sometimes more eclectic genres like classical or jazz. Occasionally, shows feature live performances from local or school-based bands. Students apply for a radio show (usually 90 minutes long), and a typical show has 2-4 hosts. On the basis of interviews and previous experience with the station, students are chosen to fill several positions, including Station Director, Director of Music, Technical Director, and Director of News. The radio station provides an introduction into the radio or communications industries for students interested in careers in these fields.

History

WHHS is the oldest high school radio station in the country.[1] The station originally occupied 89.3 MHz until 1992, when the FCC forced them to change frequencies to 107.9 MHz.

In 2004, a new radio station licensed to Radio One to serve Pennsauken, New Jersey and the Philadelphia market (WRNB, now WPHI-FM) signed on, requiring WHHS to change frequencies again. With Radio One's help, WHHS moved to 99.9 MHz in 2005.[2]

In 2006, the station began broadcasting live sporting events such as football and hockey, even broadcasting live from the Wachovia Spectrum; the former home of the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers. The station is continuing to branch out into the community with the effort spearheaded by producing a product that township residents can understand and enjoy while teaching students necessary skills and encouraging creativity. This has been accomplished in many ways; one of which included a 12-hour election day special along with interviews before the elections with such politicians and Congressman Curt Weldon and Congressman elect Joe Sestak.

2014 marked the 65th anniversary year of the station's broadcasting, and the station held a 24 hour Radiothon which raised funds for the future of WHHS.

References

  1. ↑ Timpane, John (2009-11-29). "Haverford's studio students An FM pioneer turns 60 In 1949,WHHS was hailed as a dreamcome true. This week, it will be celebrated by alumni and others.". Philadelphia Inquirer.
  2. ↑ Price, Jeff (2005-08-16). "Good guys win in this radio serial Haverford High's station will live on.". Philadelphia Inquirer.

External links

Coordinates: 39°59′00″N 75°18′09″W / 39.9832°N 75.3024°W