WOPA-FM The station began broadcasting October 17, 1950 and held the call sign WOPA-FM. The call letters WOPA stood for the
Oak Park Arms, a hotel on Oak Park Avenue where the station's studios and transmitter were located. In 1962, the station's ERP was increased to 8,100 watts, while its HAAT was decreased to 231 feet. On March 4, 1968, the station began airing a two and a half hour nightly progressive rock program titled "Rock Garden". Another overnight progressive rock program was added in October 1968. On January 5, 1970, the station switched to a full time progressive rock format. In 1972, the station's transmitter was moved to the
John Hancock Center, and its ERP was reduced to 6,000 watts. The Federal Communications Commission fined the station $2,000 for an episode which dealt with the subject of
oral sex, and stated that the show's "titillating, pandering fashion" of the episode's discussions constituted "broadcast obscenity". The station's owner, Sonderling Broadcasting, did not appeal the ruling.
WBMX In 1974, the station's call sign was changed to WBMX, standing for "Black Music EXperience", and the station adopted an
urban contemporary format. The station continued airing an urban contemporary format into the late 1980s. Sky Broadcasting was taken over by Broadcasting Partners later that year.
WVAZ At 5 p.m. on October 18, 1988, the station shifted to an
urban adult contemporary format and the station was branded
V103, with its call sign changing to WVAZ. Chancellor restructured as AMFM, Inc. in 1999, and in 2000 merged with
Clear Channel Communications. In March 2009, WVAZ replaced the
Tom Joyner Morning Show with
The Steve Harvey Morning Show, which moved from 107.5
WGCI-FM. WVAZ had been the largest affiliate by market size to carry the
Tom Joyner Morning Show. ==References==