WFME (FM) - History

History

The 94.7 FM frequency signed on in 1947 as WAAT-FM, and was owned by the Bremer Broadcasting Company along with sister station WAAT (970 AM, now WNYM). The following year Bremer launched a television station, WATV on channel 13, New Jersey's first TV outlet. In 1958 the three stations were sold by Bremer to National Telefilm Associates, who changed the operation's call letters to WNTA-FM. During this period, the station had diversified programming such as jazz, classical music, and easy listening music.

National Telefilm split up its holdings in 1962, with WNTA-TV (now WNET) being sold to a New York City-based nonprofit educational group, and the WNTA radio stations going to Communications Industries Broadcasting. The new owners changed the calls to WJRZ-FM and initially retained the station's previous format, but in 1964 began leasing airtime to Family Radio. In 1965, the station was renamed to its current WFME, and on March 10, 1966, Family Radio bought 94.7 FM outright and began airing its religious programming around-the-clock.

In the present-day, WFME's local programming consists of community announcements; weekend public affairs; and news, weather and traffic inserts during Family Radio's Rise and Rejoice morning show. WFME originates a portion of the network's overnight program Nightwatch, hosted by station manager/chief engineer Charlie Menut. The rest of the station's schedule originates from Family Radio headquarters in Oakland.