City New York Branding New York's Wave Radio First air date January 2, 2003 | Broadcast area Worldwide Frequency Internet | |
Slogan The Internet's #1 Hit Music Station | ||
Wave Radio was an internet radio station in New York City. The station signed on the air on January 2, 2003 as KISS iFM, playing an alternative music format. The station broadcast different formats throughout the day: 1980s music beginning at 7 am EST. At 5 pm EST, the format changed to an alternative music format. The station was notable at the time as an internet radio station targeting the geographic market of New York City and inclusion of on-air disc jockeys. Wave Radio ceased operations on September 20, 2004.
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KISS iFM becomes Wave Radio
In November 2003, KISS iFM received a cease and desist order from WRKS (known as 98.7 KISS FM) requesting that the station discontinue the use of its name, citing confusion of the names in the New York City area.
The station's branding was removed and continued operating without a name. On December 20, 2003, the station re-launched as Wave Radio (referred to on-air as "New York's Wave Radio").
On-air staff
The original air staff schedule from Spring 2004 included:
Voice-over artists
Wave Radio featured many well-known voice-over artists. These included:
Recognition
In June 2004, Billboard Airplay Monitor featured an article which noted Wave Radio's acceptance of new artists and perception of new music. Notable artists included Naomi Striemer and Jerry Reid.
Commercial-Free Summer
A major promotional campaign kicked off in June 2004, discontinuing commercials on the station until Labor Day.
During Independence Day weekend (2004), the station featured a countdown of 500 songs from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, The Firecracker 500. The playlist was based on New York City record sales, top 40 radio station playlists nationwide, and requests to the station. The special featured guest air personalities including Reno of WBLI, Long Island, NY. The special ended with the number one song, Santana featuring Rob Thomas, "Smooth".
The New Sound of Wave Radio
In August 2004, on-air teasers and commercials foreshadowed a change in format. The change adjusted choices in music being played. Less 80s music was played in favor of 90s music and current top 40 music. The "new sound" also included new imaging, voiced by Tony "The Tiger" Spina.
Wave Radio Ends Operations
In September 2004, budgeting problems caused the station to cease operations. On September 20, 2004, the station spent the day paying tribute to itself, airing old station production elements and bringing back ex-DJs for the day. At midnight, the station went off the air.