City Erie, Pennsylvania Frequency 88.5 MHz Format Classic Hits | Broadcast area Erie, Pennsylvania First air date 1989 ERP 750 watts | |
WMCE-FM (88.5 FM) is a non-commercial Classic Hits radio station in Erie, Pennsylvania, owned and operated by Mercyhurst University. WMCE-FM is simulcast on sister station WMCE 1530 AM.
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Formation - WMCY
After Mercyhurst acquired the frequency, 88.5 first signed on as WMCY on February 3, 1989. It was a mixed format station broadcasting classic rock, Broadway musicals, talk programs and more. It eventually switched to Opera and classical and then changed formats again in January 2009 to nearly exclusively Jazz music.
JAZZ FM
Under the direction of station manager Mike Leal, the station switched to Jazz programming in January 2009. Content was provided by local hosts, and weekly regional shows. Programs included Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz Profiles, Jazz Variations, Radio Deluxe, European Jazz Stage, Latin Jazz Perspectives, Blues Before Sunrise, Juke in the Back, Blues and Beyond, Frank's Place, Swingin' Down The Lane and The Jazz Scene. Jazz hosts included Bob Protzman, Mark Richard, Helen Wigger, Tony Mowod, Bill Hillgrove. Additional programming was streamed using satellite services.
"The Greatest Hits of all Time"
Under the management of Dan Geary, WMCE changed formats to Classic Hits in January 2013. The station now simulcasts with WMCE 1530 AM and features many more local hosts and less syndicated programming. Hosts on WMCE now include former Erie radio & TV personalities, along with employees of the University.
Captain Dan, hosting Erie morning radio for over 25 years is still in charge of the morning drive in Erie. Afternoons and the "Free Lunch Hour Request Show" is hosted by Julie Ellis. Afternoon drive and the "Five Song, Five O'Clock Free Ride" is managed by Commander Bill. The Commander is followed by the Erie legend Johnny Holiday. Johnny was a popular radio host in the 60's on WJET radio in Erie. The day closes out with Mighy Mike. Weekends are hosted by Big Ted Abbott and Frank J and Company. Sunday mornings from 9 to noon enjoy Bob and Alice Koziel and the Polka Celebration.
In addition to musical programming, the station also broadcasts sporting events following the Mercyhurst hockey and football teams.
WMCE is a broadcast service of Mercyhurst University.
Some time in 2017, WMCE will move its intellectual property to FM 100.9; the 88.5 frequency will then become a more conventional student-run college radio outlet.