Tuning into 103.9 FM in the New York City area today, you’ll hear the uplifting sounds of Christian radio. But this frequency holds a much richer, more diverse history. It’s a story of adaptation, ambition, and the ever-shifting landscape of radio, echoing the journeys of other stations like Montreal’s 94.7 Hits FM and Philadelphia’s KYW. This is the tale of 103.9, from its humble beginnings as WFAS-FM in Hartsdale to its current incarnation, reflecting the constant pursuit of an audience in the dynamic world of broadcasting.
Our story begins in 1947, in the post-war tranquility of Hartsdale, New York. WFAS-FM, broadcasting on 103.9, emerged as a companion to its AM sibling, WFAS (1230 AM). Initially a simulcast, it offered a familiar mix of full-service programming—news, music, community updates—to Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley. Imagine families gathered around their radios, the warm glow of the vacuum tubes illuminating the living room as easy listening melodies filled the air. WFAS-FM was a local fixture, reflecting the heartbeat of its community.
Finding Its Own Rhythm: The Evolution of WFAS-FM
As the years passed, WFAS-FM began to carve its own identity, diverging from the AM simulcast. The programming evolved, transitioning from easy listening to the smoother sounds of adult contemporary, mirroring the changing musical tastes of its listeners. WFAS-FM remained a trusted companion for residents of the lower Hudson Valley, its familiar call letters a constant on the dial. But even this established presence couldn’t resist the allure of a bigger stage.
The Big Apple Beckons: Cumulus and the Birth of WNBM
Fast forward to 2012. The radio landscape had transformed. Competition was fierce, and the quest for listeners relentless. Cumulus Media, a major player in the industry, saw an opportunity. Recognizing the potential of 103.9 to reach a larger audience, they applied to relocate the transmitter to the Bronx, shifting the community of license to Bronxville. This was a gamble, a bold move with significant implications.
In 2014, the familiar voices of WFAS-FM signed off for the last time. On July 4th, as fireworks illuminated the night sky, a new sound emerged on 103.9. “Radio 103.9,” WNBM, was born, broadcasting Urban Adult Contemporary. It was a fresh start, an ambitious attempt to capture the vibrant energy of New York City. This era also marked a significant technical change, with the station’s power increasing to 600W.
From Urban Beats to Christian Hymns: A Continuing Evolution
The story of 103.9, however, continues to unfold. WNBM’s urban experiment eventually gave way to talk radio, briefly resurrecting the WFAS-FM call letters in a nostalgic nod to the past. But the dial, ever-turning, led to another transformation. Today, as WVBN, the frequency broadcasts Christian programming, a remarkable departure from its easy listening origins. This latest chapter is guided by VCY America, the current owner.
What Lies Ahead for 103.9?
The journey of 103.9 mirrors the dynamism of the radio industry, a testament to its constant evolution. From serving a local community to vying for a place in the largest media market in the country, 103.9 has seen a remarkable range of transformations. What does the future hold? Will WVBN and its Christian format find a stable audience? Or will the dial twist again, ushering in yet another chapter in this ongoing saga? The future remains unwritten, but the history of 103.9 FM offers a captivating glimpse into the ever-changing world of radio, where adaptation is essential and the search for connection never ends. This contrasts sharply with the fate of Montreal’s 94.7 Hits FM, which permanently ceased broadcasting after its sale and format change to K-Love. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s KYW has embraced a dual AM/FM approach, broadcasting its news programming on both 1060 AM and 103.9 FM since November 2020. This strategy suggests a desire to reach a broader audience and adapt to changing listening habits. The 103.9 frequency in the New York area might offer similar lessons for broadcasters navigating the complex and evolving radio landscape.
103.9 FM Through the Years
Era
Call Sign
Format
Owner
Location
Power
1947-2014
WFAS-FM
Simulcast/Easy Listening/Adult Contemporary
Hartsdale
2014-2022
WNBM
Urban AC/Talk Radio
Cumulus Media
Bronx
600W
Present
WVBN
Christian Radio
VCY America
Bronx
600W
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