Power 1,000 watts Callsign meaning "WILI"-mantic Frequency 1400 kHz Format Talk radio Branding Good Company 14 WILI Call sign meaning WILlImantic | Class C Affiliations ABC, Westwood One City of license Willimantic Owner Hall Communications Sister stations WILI-FM | |
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WILI (1400 AM) is a radio station in Willimantic, Connecticut, broadcasting at a power of 1,000 watts, full-time. Effective on February 1, 2017, WILI-AM's programming is also broadcast on 95.3 FM, using an "FM translator." WILI-AM is affiliated with the ABC Entertainment Network, the Red Sox Radio Network, and the UConn Basketball and Football Networks. Its sister station is WILI-FM/98.3.
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Ownership
In May 2005, Florida-based Hall Communications reached an agreement to acquire WILI and WILI-FM from Nutmeg Broadcasting Co. At the time of the purchase, Hall already owned WICH and WCTY in Norwich and WNLC and WKNL in New London. In addition, Hall owns a number of stations in medium-sized markets along the eastern seaboard from Vermont to Florida.
Boom Box Parade
WILI has gained international attention for its unusual July 4 Boom Box Parade. Called "Connecticut's Unique People's Parade," it is the largest parade of its kind in the world. In 1986, no marching band could be found for Windham's Memorial Day Parade. Five weeks later, the "Boom Box Parade" concept was born, as WILI-AM plays the marching band music on the air, while thousands march and watch, loudly playing their radios (boom boxes).
Anyone can march in the Boom Box Parade. The only requirement is to wear some red, white, and blue, and bring a radio tuned to WILI. American flags are optional, but encouraged. There is no "official" theme for the parade. Every year WILI-AM morning disc jockey Wayne Norman serves as the parade's Grand Marshal.