WTLA
WTLA logo
Broadcast areaSyracuse metropolitan area
Frequency1200 kHz
BrandingESPN Radio 97.7
(translator frequency)
Programming
FormatSports
AffiliationsESPN Radio
Syracuse Crunch
Syracuse ISP Sports Network (Syracuse University)
New York Giants Radio Network
NFL on Westwood One
Ownership
Owner
WKRL-FM, WKRH, WSGO, WTKV, WTKW, WZUN-FM
History
First air date
August 1, 1959
Former call signs
WSOQ (1959-1984)
WEZG (1984-1985)
WURS (1985-1988)
WXRA (1988-1991)
WNSS (1991-1993)
WKRL (1993-1995)
Former frequencies
1220 (1959-1991)
Technical information
Facility ID54546
ClassB
Power1,000 watts
Transmitter coordinates
43°09′06″N 76°07′58″W / 43.15167°N 76.13278°W / 43.15167; -76.13278
Translator(s)97.7 W249BC (Mattydale)
Repeater(s)1440 WSGO (Oswego)
Links
WebcastListen Live
Websiteespncny.com

WTLA (1200 AM; "ESPN Radio 97.7") is a commercial radio station licensed to North Syracuse, New York, and serving the Syracuse metropolitan area. The station is owned by Galaxy Communications and airs a sports radio format. Programming is also simulcast on co-owned AM 1440 WSGO in Oswego, New York.

WTLA operates with 1,000 watts. Because 1200 AM is a clear channel frequency reserved for Class A WOAI San Antonio, WTLA uses a directional antenna at night to avoid interference when radio waves travel farther. WTLA's transmitter is off Davis Road North in Cicero, New York, near Interstate 481.[1] WTLA also is heard on 120-watt FM translator W249BC at 97.7 MHz in nearby Mattydale, New York.[2]

Programming

WTLA and WSGO have several local weekday sports shows, in middays and afternoon drive time. The rest of the schedule features programming from ESPN Radio, the Syracuse ISP Sports Network (carrying Syracuse University sports), the New York Giants Radio Network and the NFL on Westwood One.[3] WTLA/WSGO had previously carried New York Mets baseball games until the New York Mets Radio Network was discontinued in 2019 due to the high cost of satellite time.

History

The station signed on the air August 1, 1959.[4] Its call sign was WSOQ and it broadcast on 1220 AM. On that frequency, WSOQ was a daytimer. Due to longer established stations on 1220, WSOQ had to go off the air at sunset each day to avoid interference. The station was owned by Sol Panitz and Harry Winton, and was a Mutual Broadcasting System network affiliate.

Over the years, the station used the call letters WEZG, WURS, and WXRA.

In 1991, the station moved to its current frequency. It had attempted to move its spot on the dial since 1980, hoping to find a frequency where it could broadcast around the clock.[5][6][7] A few months later, the station was renamed WNSS. It then became WKRL in 1993, and WTLA in 1995.[8]

Until March 5, 2010, WTLA offered an adult standards format from the "Music of Your Life" network. On that date, it affiliated with ESPN Radio.[9] A local afternoon show, "Disturbing The Peace" was added in May 2010, focusing on Syracuse and New York sports. In January 2011, programs hosted by Mike Bristol (who had previously been heard on AM 620 WHEN) were picked up by WTLA.

Actor Daniel Baldwin began hosting a one-hour weekday sports program on WTLA/WSGO in 2017.[10] The show ended in April 2019.[11]

Translators

Call signFrequencyCity of licenseFIDERP (W)ClassFCC info
W249BC 97.7 FMMattydale, New York618120DLMS

References

  1. ↑ Radio-Locator.com/WTLA
  2. ↑ Radio-Locator.com/W249BC
  3. ↑ "WTLA Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
  4. ↑ Broadcasting Yearbook 1960 page A-196
  5. ↑ "Application Search Details (1)". CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
  6. ↑ "Application Search Details (2)". CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
  7. ↑ "Application Search Details (3)". CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
  8. ↑ "WTLA Call Sign History". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
  9. ↑ Fybush, Scott (December 14, 2009). "Economy Claims PA's WPAZ". NorthEast Radio Watch. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Actor Daniel Baldwin Joins WTLA-WSGO (ESPN Syracuse) for Weekday Show".
  11. ↑ InsideRadio.com "Daniel Baldwin Exits ESPN Syracuse" 9/12/19
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