WWL-FM

WWL-FM is a simulcast of news/talk WWL (AM) in the New Orleans, Louisiana radio market, licensed to the New Orleans suburb of Kenner. The Entercom station broadcasts at 105.3 MHz with an ERP of 96 kW. The station's studios are located at the 400 Poydras Tower in New Orleans' downtown area, and the transmitter site is in the Chalmette, Louisiana.

History

Before October 2005, the station was rock WKBU, with previous formats including Rhythmic Top 40 (as WAIL), Adult Contemporary (as WLTS, Lite 105) and Adult Top 40 (as WKZN, "105.3 The Zone").

On August 29, 2005, the station's transmitter was severely damaged during Hurricane Katrina. It would later return to the air with low power as a simulcast of WWL (AM) 870.

In early October 2005, WTKL and (Bayou 105.3) switched frequencies. On March 23, 2006, the station returned to the air as WTKL with a classic hits format with the "Kool" name, formerly of Kool 95.7.

In April 2006, Entercom New Orleans moved the "Kool 105.3" format to an Internet webcast, and returned the station to a simulcast of WWL. Station officials cited the FM signal's ability to penetrate buildings, increasing in-office listening, and cited the positive response to the station's earlier simulcast of WWL. However, it is believed that Entercom was not interested in catering to the 55+ crowd who would be most likely to listen to the format.

Ironically, sister station WLMG was the original home of the WWL-FM calls during the 1960s and 70s, airing beautiful music.

The station was instrumental in assisting motorists over the air during Hurricane Gustav that occurred on August 31, 2008.

The station is an affiliate of the New Orleans Saints radio network^[1] and is the flagship station of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans.

References

External links

• WWL-FM website
• Query the FCC's FM station database for WWL
• Radio-Locator information on WWL
• Query Nielsen Audio's FM station database for WWL