WION

WION
City Ionia, Michigan
Broadcast area (Daytime)
(Nighttime)
Branding I-1430
Slogan "The Music You Know, The Information You Need"
Frequency 1430 kHz C-QUAM AM Stereo
First air date 1953
Format Full-Service Adult Hits
Power 4,700 watts day
330 watts night
Class B
Callsign meaning Ionia, Michigan
Owner Packer Radio WION, LLC
Website http://www.i1430.com/

WION (1430 AM, "I-1430") is a radio station broadcasting what the radio-industry terms "full service" (a mix of locally programmed Music, News, and Sports) format to the Ionia, Michigan area. The completion of an FCC construction permit project in 2009 provided an upgrade in which the daytime coverage was switched from a Directional pattern to the North, to a Non-directional signal, thus providing better signal for a larger stretch of I-96 and towns to the East, South, and West. 2009 brought the purchase of an FM translator license. In 2010, WION changed the translator frequency and moved it from Clyde Road, Ionia to the studio's location on Haynor Road, Ionia. This allowed the FM translator to be upgraded in power, enough to cover all of Ionia county 24/7 on 92.7 FM. The AM signal was unaffected and is still used for long-distance listening. Only in recent FCC history have AM stations been allowed to own and operate FM translators for their stations, and there are not many AM stations operating them; WION is one of only a handful such stations in Michigan. WION's AM signal can be heard as far east as Flint, Michigan, as far south as Tekonsha, Michigan and as far north as Marion, Michigan. WION transmits in C-QUAM AM stereo.

WION-AM stereo began streaming it's 24/7 programming on February 1, 2013 on the 60th anniversary of the station. The source of the feed is the actual "over the air" AM stereo signal from a Carver-brand AM stereo receiver. Many comments about the remarkable sound of this station are posted on the station's own website on the "comments" page, from e-mails, Facebook and other sources.

The station returned to being an affiliate of the CBS radio network in 2010, with updates at top and bottom of each hour, and a "hybrid" mix of music which includes adult contemporary, classic rock, and oldies formats. The station adds to its usual format by carrying the "Twilight Zone Radio Dramas"; "Edwards Archives"; Barry Scott's "Lost 45's"; "Retro Stars, the '80s show" and other feature programming on weekends.

WION began broadcasting in 1953. The owners of WION kept the call letters which stand for "Ionia County" and gave the station a new image in 2004 with a logo, website, and consistent full-service programming.

WION is an active opponent of the proposed "performance tax" on radio airplay of music, and the "Advertising Tax" proposal of 2013 by the House Ways and Means Committee which could remove the ability for businesses to legally deduct advertising as a legitimate business expense.

Coordinates: 43°00′16″N 85°05′09″W / 43.00444°N 85.08583°W / 43.00444; -85.08583


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