WFEZ
| Company type | Commercial radio station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Radio broadcasting |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Headquarters | Hollywood, Florida , United States |
Area served | Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties |
| Owner | Cox Media Group |
WFEZ (93.1 MHz, known as "Easy 93.1") operates as a commercial soft AC radio station licensed in Miami, Florida. It serves the Miami-Dade, Broward, and much of Palm Beach Counties. Owned by Cox Media Group, WFEZ's broadcast facilities are located in Hollywood, Florida, while its transmitter is situated near the Miami-Dade and Broward County boundary in Miami Gardens.
Initial phase, classical period as WTMI, and Dance era as WPYM (1971–2005)
The 93.1 FM frequency originally signed on as WKAT-FM with full-time programming beginning December 29, 1947. In March 1971, it transitioned to WTMI with a classical music format, also featuring prominent jazz shows like China Valles' overnight program "China's Jazz Thing." On December 31, 2001, WTMI shifted to a dance music format under the call sign WPYM, branded as "Party 93.1, South Florida's Pure Dance Channel." The inaugural track was "Shut the F up and Dance" by Adrenaline. The station earned Billboard’s "Innovators Award" in 2002 and was recognized as "Best Dance Radio Station" at the 2004 Dancestar USA awards.
WHDR "93 Rock" era (2005–2010)
WPYM ended its broadcast on February 14, 2005, at 6 p.m. Despite achieving respectable audience numbers, weak sales from non-local advertisers prompted Cox Radio to pivot to an active rock format after WZTA switched from rock to Hispanic rhythmic as WMGE. Rebranded as WHDR "93 Rock," the station adopted a mainstream rock format according to Mediabase and Nielsen BDS by 2008. It also featured the syndicated Bubba the Love Sponge morning show sourced from sister station WHPT in Tampa.
WFEZ "Easy 93.1" era (2010–present)
Due to disappointing ratings, WHDR began stunting with holiday music on November 20, 2010, before officially flipping to a soft AC format branded as "Easy 93.1" on December 26; the first song played was "Easy" by The Commodores. The call sign changed to WFEZ the following day.
Under Programming Director Gary Williams, WFEZ refined its sound toward contemporary soft AC and climbed to the top of Miami-Ft. Lauderdale’s ratings charts. The morning show—hosted by Hispanic radio veteran Giselle Andres alongside AC specialist Jeff Martin—regularly ranked within the top five for adults aged 25–54 and 18–34. In 2013, WFEZ was nominated as a Marconi finalist for "AC Station of the Year." Its success encouraged competing stations to adopt similar "Easy" or "Breeze" style formats.
Following Cox/Apollo's merger in June 2020, Williams departed after nearly twenty years at the helm. Phil Michaels-Trueba succeeded him until September 2021 when budget reductions led to Jill Strada’s exit; Trueba then also assumed programming responsibilities for WEDR and WHQT. Ian Richards from sister station WFLC took over WFEZ programming duties thereafter. Since Williams’ departure, WFEZ has moved toward a more upbeat and modern sound.
On April 5, 2023, Giselle Andres resigned after seven years on the morning show citing readiness for new challenges amid reported internal management conflicts. Jeff Martin announced his departure on July 7, 2023, indicating a new direction for the morning slot. On July 10, Korby Ray joined Bobby Mitchell as co-hosts of the morning program. In October 2024, WFEZ ended its association with Korby Ray.
WFEZ-HD2: Party 93.1 HD2
On March 24, 2008, Cox revived "Party 93.1" on WFEZ’s HD2 sub-channel with a jockless dance format that broadened its playlist to include more trance and house tracks. Initially accessible only via local HD Radio receivers, internet streaming resumed in March 2011 after six years offline. However, the streaming service was discontinued in June 2013.