City Freeland, Pennsylvania Slogan Independent Radio | Branding The Mountain Format AAA | |
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Broadcast area Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Frequency 98.5 MHz (via WKRZ-HD2) | ||
The Mountain, is an adult album alternative radio station in Pittston, Pennsylvania. The station's website states "Independent Radio" as part of its mission. Station IDs often include the phrase "It's different here." On August 5, 2013 The Mountain moved from its original frequency at 102.3 MHz under the call letters of WDMT to 98.5 MHz on the HD2 band and assumed the call letters WKRZ-HD2 from its sister station 98.5 KRZ. The Mountain and 98.5 KRZ are owned and operated by Entercom Communications including radio stations WKRZ, WGGY, WILK-FM, WILK and most recently WHBS, taking The Mountain's frequency at 102.3 MHz under a new format.
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Format
The Mountain built its reputation on a More Music, Less Hype philosophy without typical on air contests and stereotypical radio. The playlists includes old and new Adult Rock, many B-side tracks as well as music from local artists in the Northeast PA region. The Mountain previously featured hosts referred to as "Mountain Guides," not DJs. Unlike typical DJs who run many promotions, the guides typically gave background on a musician or song. Great guides such as Lou Fontaine, Jack Meyers, Cathy Donnelly and Jim Rising shared their passion for music with our listeners until the move to the new frequency of 98.5 MHz.
Alan K. Stout is the host of The Mountain's Music On The Menu show Sunday's at 8 pm. Alan showcases music from local musicians including interviews and live in studio performances. Music On The Menu is an exclusive staple of the Northeast PA radio community.
This formatting style is similar to those of other "Mountain" radio stations owned by Entercom, including KHTP in Seattle.
Previous formats
The station previously operated as 102.3 Rebel Radio in the early 1990s, formatted after MTV. Playing the glam metal bands (hip hop added later) and wild station imaging brought Rebel Radio many critics.
The station died about the same time as glam metal lost popularity. It later reverted to Q-102, a Top 40 format and later Kiss 102.3 through the mid-1990s. Low ratings finally saw the change in ownership and change in formats. Buzz 102 played all '80s music, much of which consisted of shows syndicated from other markets. Ratings began to drop as this format began to wear out after about two years. It was at that point that the station began operating as The Mountain.
Digital radio
The Mountain's digital signal requires an HD radio receiver. The Mountain also streams via its website and is also available on TuneIn.