WWBF (1130 kHz) is a commercial AM radio station licensed to Bartow, Florida.[2] As the capital city of Polk County, Bartow is centrally located in the Lakeland - Winter Haven Metropolitan Area. WWBF has a classic hits radio format and is owned by Thornburg Communications, Inc. Its moniker is "102.9 WBF," using its FM dial position and dropping one of the two W's in its call sign.

WWBF
Broadcast areaPolk County, Florida
Frequency1130 kHz
BrandingClassic Hits 102.9 WBF
Programming
FormatClassic hits
AffiliationsWestwood One
Fox News Radio
Ownership
OwnerThornburg Communications, Inc.
History
First air date
September 6, 1969; 55 years ago (1969-09-06) (as WPUL)
Former call signs
WPUL (1969–1984)
Call sign meaning
Wonderful Bartow Florida
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID66926
ClassB
Power2,500 watts days
500 watts nights
Transmitter coordinates
27°54′31.00″N 81°49′33.00″W / 27.9086111°N 81.8258333°W / 27.9086111; -81.8258333
Translator(s)97.1 W246DX (Winter Haven)
102.9 W275AX (Bartow)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen live
Websitewwbf.com

By day, WWBF is powered at 2,500 watts non-directional. But to avoid interference with other stations on 1130 AM, it reduces power at night to 500 watts, using a directional antenna with a three-tower array.[3] Programming is also heard on FM translator W275AX at 102.9 MHz.

History

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WWBF was granted a license by the FCC on September 6, 1969; 55 years ago (1969-09-06). It has been under the same local ownership and management since 1984. It is on a clear-channel frequency (the only AM on 1130 kHz in the state of Florida is a member of the Florida Association of Broadcasters. WWBF must reduce nighttime power to prevent interference to the Class A stations on 1130 AM, which are CKWX Vancouver, KWKH Shreveport and WBBR New York City.

On September 11, 2013, WWBF began simulcasting on FM translator W275AX on frequency 102.9.

WWBF is a division of Thornburg Communications, Inc. The station is known in the local market as Classic Hits 102.9 WBF (after its translator frequency).

Programming

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WWBF's former logo (used its former "Stereo" tagline until 2000, and its former "Oldies 1130" tagline from 2000 until 2013).

WBF features a modernized version of the classic hits format playing rock & roll hits from the mid to late `60s, the `70s, and the `80s. At the core of WBF are artists like Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, the Eagles, Rod Stewart, Hall & Oates, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Doobie Brothers, and Motown superstars.

In addition to Fox News Radio, WBF is affiliated with Westwood One, the Motor Racing Network, and the Performance Racing Network.

WWBF is also the winter radio home for Prior Smith's Canada Calling.

WWBF covers many local events; broadcasting Bartow High School football, basketball, baseball and softball. Along with coverage of the annual Youth Villa Classic golf tournament, and NASCAR.

Translators

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Broadcast translators for WWBF AM (Main Programming)
Call sign Frequency City of license FID ERP (W) HAAT Class FCC info
W246DX 97.1 FM Winter Haven, Florida 202882 200 116 m (381 ft) D LMS
W275AX 102.9 FM Bartow, Florida 148943 240 121 m (397 ft) D LMS

References

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  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WWBF". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ "WWBF Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
  3. ^ Radio-Locator.com/WWBF
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