City Saugatuck, Michigan Branding 92.7 The Van Frequency 92.7 MHz | Broadcast area [1] Slogan Holland's Classic Hits First air date 1987 (as WEVS) | |
WYVN (92.7 FM, "The Van") is a radio station broadcasting a classic rock format licensed to Saugatuck, Michigan, with studios in Holland, Michigan and is owned along with WHTC by Midwest Communications.
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The station began operations on July 4, 1987 as WEVS. WEVS' music format consisted of a hybrid of rock and pop oldies dating back to the 1950s and current adult contemporary chart hits. During this time, the station was known as "The Lakeshore's Music Station," playing "Your Favorites of Five Decades."
In January 2001 Midwest Communications, Inc. began operating WEVS under a local marketing agreement. On April 9, 2001, after a weekend of stunting with a reading of last names from the Holland telephone directory beginning with "Van," WEVS relaunched as classic hits WYVN, "The Van." In October 2001, the station was purchased by Midwest Communications, bringing it into common ownership with Holland's longtime AM station, WHTC.
In early October 2007, Michiguide.com reported that WYVN had adjusted its playlist from classic hits to oldies/classic hits. The station moved back to a rock-based classic hits approach on December 30, 2008.
In September 2012 The Van added Michigan's Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels from 6:00am to 9:00am. This show was replaced by The Lakeshore's Morning Wake Up Call with Brent Alan in March 2014. Alan is the former program director of WHTC and serves as program director of The Van. The remainder of the broadcast day is satellite-fed from Westwood One. The station streams its programming 24 hours a day on its website, Tune-In and its smartphone app.
WHTC News Anchor Mary Ellen Murphy provides local news updates during the morning show.
Alegria Latina
In July 2009 the Hispanic program Alegria Latina, which had originated on sister station WHTC in 1964, moved to The Van where it now airs on Sundays from 7pm to 12 midnight. Lu Reyes, who originated the program in 1965 on WHTC remains as host.
Hope College football and basketball
In August 2009 it was announced that 92 7 The Van would be the new home for Hope College Football and Basketball broadcasts with streaming available at www.927thevan.com. The games had previously been carried on WHTC since the 1950s.