WMCE-FM
 | |
| City | Erie, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Erie, Pennsylvania |
| Frequency | 88.5 MHz |
| First air date | 1989 |
| Format | Classic Hits |
| ERP | 750 watts |
| HAAT | 152 meters |
| Class | A |
| Facility ID | 41215 |
| Callsign meaning | W Mercyhurst College Erie |
| Former callsigns | WMCY (1989) |
| Owner | Mercyhurst University |
| Sister stations | WMCE |
| Webcast | WMCE-FM Webstream |
| Website | WMCE-FM Website |
WMCE-FM (88.5 FM) is a non-commercial Classic Hits radio station in Erie, Pennsylvania, owned and operated by Mercyhurst University. WMCE-FM is simulcast on sister station WMCE 1530 AM.
History
Formation - WMCY
After Mercyhurst acquired the frequency, 88.5 first signed on as WMCY on February 3, 1989. It was a mixed format station broadcasting classic rock, Broadway musicals, talk programs and more. It eventually switched to Opera and classical and then changed formats again in January 2009 to nearly exclusively Jazz music.[1]
JAZZ FM
Under the direction of station manager Mike Leal, the station switched to Jazz programming in January 2009. Content was provided by local hosts, and weekly regional shows. Programs included Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz Profiles, Jazz Variations, Radio Deluxe, European Jazz Stage, Latin Jazz Perspectives, Blues Before Sunrise, Juke in the Back, Blues and Beyond, Frank's Place, Swingin' Down The Lane and The Jazz Scene. Jazz hosts included Bob Protzman, Mark Richard, Helen Wigger, Tony Mowod, Bill Hillgrove. Additional programming was streamed using satellite services.[2]
"The Greatest Hits of all Time"
Under the management of Dan Geary, WMCE changed formats to Classic Hits in January 2013. The station now simulcasts with WMCE 1530 AM and features many more local hosts and less syndicated programming.[3] Hosts on WMCE now include former Erie radio & TV personalities, along with employees of the University.
Captain Dan, hosting Erie morning radio for over 25 years is still in charge of the morning drive in Erie. Afternoons and the "Free Lunch Hour Request Show" is hosted by Julie Ellis. Afternoon drive and the "Five Song, Five O'Clock Free Ride" is managed by Commander Bill. The Commander is followed by the Erie legend Johnny Holiday. Johnny was a popular radio host in the 60's on WJET radio in Erie. The day closes out with Mighy Mike. Weekends are hosted by Big Ted Abbott and Frank J and Company. Sunday mornings from 9 to noon enjoy Bob and Alice Koziel and the Polka Celebration.
In addition to musical programming, the station also broadcasts sporting events following the Mercyhurst hockey and football teams.
WMCE is a broadcast service of Mercyhurst University.
References
External links
- Official website
- Query the FCC's FM station database for WMCE
- Radio-Locator information on WMCE
- Query Nielsen Audio's FM station database for WMCE
Coordinates: 42°05′24″N 79°56′35″W / 42.090°N 79.943°W