Article Contributed by
Media One Group
After several months of planning, Chautauqua County’s heritage AM radio station, which first took to the airwaves in December of 1924, now has a more powerful sound on a new FM frequency. WJTN, licensed to the City of Jamestown, officially launched their new 103.1 FM signal at their community launch party last evening at Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood.
The translator signal, federally licensed, provides local radio listeners with an additional option for listening to WJTN. According to Media One Group Founder | President | CEO James T. Embrescia, “Our engineers completed the project within our projected timeline and report that they are very pleased with the result. Our audio signal is more powerful, has much better sound quality and is now even broadcasting to many areas that have not been able to hear this great station previously. This is a great investment Media One Group has made for all of Chautauqua County.”
The crowd, which gathered on Thursday evening, included one lucky listener that was chosen to be the individual that would push the transmitter button to put the station on the air. Jamestown resident Rolly Austin says it was an honor to be included in this historic occasion and remembers at an early age receiving a prize from long-time WJTN personality and New York State Broadcast Hall of Fame Inductee Jim Roselle. ” Veteran WJTN broadcaster, Dennis Webster, introduced Austin and then welcomed the audience that was eagerly listening on the new signal. “Today, we enthusiastically rededicate radio station WJTN and its service to the listeners, advertisers of the entire community.” Webster then continued his opening remarks by referencing public statements from when the first WJTN FM (later becoming WWSE/SE93) was put on the air at a similar event on October 23, 1947. At that time, current WJTN station president Jay Mason said, “This is the end of dream and beginning of a reality.”
WJTN continues to be one of the longest continuously running broadcast stations in the United States. The new frequency will simulcast WJTN’s current programming line-up which includes local morning personality, Webster, with local news, sports, community event information and an in-depth look at weather. Dan Warren and Lee John share more community information and music facts throughout the day while playing lite rock from adult contemporary artists from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Listeners will also hear newer music from current hit artists such as Ed Sheerhan, Sam Smith and Adelle. Popular syndicated programming from John Tesh, Jim Bohanon and George Noorey will continue on the station, as well as heritage programs like The Saturday Breakfast Party, Times of Your Life, High School Bowl and Farm Bureau Radio Show.
The station is inviting its listeners to share their input on the new signal by contacting them through its website, www.WJTN.com, where it will continue to stream its live programming as well as recorded podcasts.
WJTN is the home of Chautauqua Institution radio broadcasts, which began in 1974. In the upcoming 44th summer of broadcasting from the Bestor Plaza studio, Webster and Matt Warren will bring the “Chautauqua Mix” to the radio audience. Interviews with programming staff, featured lecturers and other special guests will begin on June 20, a few days before the season officially begins.
About
Media One Group is the largest radio company in Chautauqua County, with a strong regional footprint reaching across Southwestern New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. The cluster is comprised of four FM and two AM signals that feature local and syndicated programs and personalities in the Adult Contemporary, News-Talk-Sports, Country, Oldies and Classic Rock formats. For information on the cluster call 716-487-1151 or go to www.MediaOneGroupRadio.com.
