WHIO-FM
| Company type | Commercial radio broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Predecessor | WPTW-FM, WCLR, WDPT |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Headquarters | Dayton, Ohio , United States |
Area served | Dayton metropolitan area |
Key people | Larry Hansgen, Brittany Otto, Jeremy Ratliff, Todd Hollst (hosts) |
| Products | Radio broadcasting (News/Talk format) |
| Owner | Cox Media Group |
| Parent | Cox Media Group |
WHIO-FM (95.7 MHz), marketed as AM 1290 and News 95.7 WHIO, is a commercial radio broadcaster licensed to Pleasant Hill, Ohio, catering to the Dayton metropolitan area. It simulcasts a news/talk programming format alongside its sister station, WHIO 1290 AM. Both stations are under the ownership of Cox Media Group. Their studios are situated at the Cox Media Center on South Main Street (Ohio State Route 48) in Dayton.
Operating at an effective radiated power (ERP) of 50,000 watts—the maximum permitted for most FM stations in Ohio—WHIO-FM’s transmitter is located on Aiken Road in Houston, Ohio.
Middle of the Road Era (1960–1989)
The station began broadcasting as WPTW-FM, licensed to Piqua, Ohio, primarily simulcasting its co-owned daytime-only AM counterpart, WPTW (1570 AM). After sunset, listeners would switch to WPTW-FM to continue receiving programming.
By the late 1960s, WPTW aired middle of the road (MOR) music using a reel-to-reel automation system, while its FM counterpart delivered a beautiful music format featuring instrumental renditions of popular tunes. Both stations aired the "Dell-O Morning Show." From 1975 onward, station identification incorporated Piqua and later Troy within its legal ID.
Following changes in FCC regulations, WPTW obtained authorization for 24-hour broadcasting in 1986. This development led WPTW-FM to discontinue simulcasting and establish an independent format and brand identity.
Soft Adult Contemporary Period (1989–1993)
In response to WHIO-FM 99.1’s format shift from easy listening to country in 1989, WPTW-FM repositioned itself to fill the void. It rebranded as WCLR "Clear 95," initially maintaining an easy listening approach before transitioning toward soft adult contemporary with increased vocal content under the slogan "Lite and Easy Favorites," aiming to attract a younger demographic.
Oldies Format (1993–2000)
Early in 1993, WCLR adopted an oldies format spotlighting hits from the 1950s through early 1970s, branded as "Kool 95." Later that year, it expanded by acquiring WDJK in Xenia, renaming it WZLR and simulcasting the oldies playlist across both frequencies. After being acquired by Cox Media Group in 1997, the station rebranded as "Oldies 95," retaining its established format.
Classic Hits Transition (2000–2006)
In 2000, the station shifted focus from oldies to classic hits emphasizing music from the late 1970s and 1980s. It changed its call letters to WDPT and adopted the brand "The Point." The simulcast with 95.3 ended shortly thereafter when the Xenia station switched to classic rock under the name "The Eagle." Programming direction was overseen by Randy Kabrich, notable for his tenure at WRBQ Tampa during the 1980s.
News/Talk Era (2006–Present)
In October 2006, WDPT concluded its music programming by playing "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds before transitioning to a news and talk format simulcasting with 1290 WHIO under new call letters WHIO-FM.
In July 2011, the station’s "community of license" was officially changed from Piqua to Pleasant Hill, Ohio following FCC regulations that mandated main studios be located within 25 miles of the community of license. This adjustment coincided with Cox Media Group relocating its facilities; Pleasant Hill complied with this requirement whereas Piqua did not. This FCC rule was later rescinded in October 2017.
Programming
On weekdays, WHIO-AM-FM begins the day with The Miami Valley's Morning News, hosted by Larry Hansgen, Brittany Otto, and Jeremy Ratliff. The afternoon drive time is dedicated to local discussions on The Evening Edge with Todd Hollst. Throughout the rest of the schedule, nationally syndicated talk shows are broadcast, including Brian Kilmeade and Friends, The Erick Erickson Show, The Sean Hannity Show, Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla, and Coast to Coast AM with George Noory. Specialty programming on weekends covers topics such as finance, health, automotive interests, gardening, as well as reruns of weekday segments. Hourly updates predominantly come from CBS News Radio.
WHIO-AM-FM act as the primary stations for University of Dayton's football and basketball games. Additionally, they provide local broadcasts of Cleveland Browns NFL matchups.