WBCN (FM)

WBCN (FM)

WBCN is a digital-only radio station airing on WBZ-FM HD-2 and on WZLX-FM HD-3 in Boston, Massachusetts and owned by CBS Radio. Before switching to 98.5 HD-2 on August 12, 2009, WBCN ran its rock format for 41 years as an analog radio station on 104.1 MHz (now WBMX). WBCN became a legend in the rock music industry for breaking many bands, most notably U2. WBCN was a modern rock/active rock station that mixed music that has been popular in the modern rock, alternative rock and classic rock genres. Known as "The Rock Of Boston", its two main Boston-area competitors as of 2009 were Album Oriented Rock/active rock WAAF and alternative music stations WBOS and WFNX.

The station went off the FM airwaves on August 12, 2009, with two digital-only robotic streams, one continuing the modern rock format, the other Free Form BCN, airing an eclectic mix of rock and related genres. "Free Form BCN" began airing live freeform shows in 2010 on 100.7 HD-3 and was re-branded WBCN Free Form Rock in late September 2010. While still digital and largely robotic, the station is live 11am–2pm weekdays, with other occasional live segments.