Small Beginnings
John F. Dille took over responsibility of The Elkhart Truth newspaper in Elkhart, IN, which included WTRC-AM (1340) and WLTA-FM (100.7). WLTA changed its call letters to WBYT in 1994 to become B100, Today’s Best and Most Country.
Federated Media proudly operates 10 radio stations and a digital marketing agency located in Northern Indiana.
Below, you’ll see some significant events that helped Federated Media become the innovative media company it is today.
John F. Dille took over responsibility of The Elkhart Truth newspaper in Elkhart, IN, which included WTRC-AM (1340) and WLTA-FM (100.7). WLTA changed its call letters to WBYT in 1994 to become B100, Today’s Best and Most Country.
Federated Media owns WSJV-TV in Elkhart, IN, (later sold in 1974/75) as well as the first cable provider, St. Joseph Valley Cable.
Federated Media purchases WMEE-FM (97.3) and WMEF-FM in Fort Wayne, IN, and later acquires WOWO-AM (1190), WQHK-FM (105.1), WBYR-FM (98.9) and WFWI-FM (92.3). Federated Media also purchases radio stations in Cincinnati, OH, Grand Rapids, MI, and Tulsa, OK.
Talking Stick, a Federated Media subsidiary, purchases WRBR-FM (103.9) in Mishawaka, IN.
In anticipation of the FCC Telecommunications bill of 1996, Federated Media sells all stations in the larger markets of Cincinnati, Grand Rapids and Tulsa. This allowed Federated Media to focus in the smaller markets central to the corporate office in Elkhart, IN.
Federated Media purchases WAOR-FM (95.3) and WNIL-AM (1680) in Niles, MI.
Federated Media purchases WRSW-AM (1480) and WRSW-FM (107.1) of Warsaw, IN. Later, Federated Media purchased and launched a second FM station in Warsaw, which is WAWC-FM (103.5) today.
Federated Media purchases WGSM-FM (102.7) of Ligonier, IN, and changes the call letters to WLEG.
Federated Media purchases WLRX-FM (95.7) of Nappanee, IN, to launch a new Hot AC station in the South Bend, IN, market.
Federated Media changes the call letters of WLRX to WYPW and changes the format from Hot AC to Hip Hop.
Federated Media launches Federated Interactive, a digital marketing agency.
Federated Media changes the call letters of WAOR (95.3) to WTRC, launching the first FM News/Talk format in South Bend, IN. Federated Media changes the call letters of WYPW to WAOR and switches from the hip hop format to classic rock.
Federated Media becomes one of the first broadcasters to implement responsive website design for all station websites. Read more about this innovative decision.
WOWO (1190am) wins the coveted NAB Marconi Award for medium market radio stations.
Federated Interactive changes its name to Federated Digital Solutions.
Federated Media sells WNIL-AM (1680) and WAOR-FM (95.7) to Redeemer Radio, Catholic News Talk.
Federated Media sells The Elkhart Truth.
WOWO (1190AM, 107.5 FM) wins the coveted NAB Service to America Award for its annual fundraiser, Penny Pitch.
WAOR wins The Indiana Broadcaster’s Association’s Spectrum Award for Best Promotional Campaign – Celebrating Seniors
WRBR wins The Indiana Broadcaster’s Association’s Spectrum Award for Best Commercial – Justin Elias State Farm’s, “Ask Questions.”
2/23 – MNC Nation was launched on 1340am and 101.9fm in Elkhart
3/23 – WUBU was sold
5/23 – WOWO began simulcasting on 92.3 in Fort Wayne
9/23 – Radio morning hosts Jason Lee & Kluck signed a syndication deal with Audio 1
10/23 – Deb Miles was inducted into the Indiana Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame.
WOWO officially moves into their new studios located at 5503 Coventry Lane in Fort Wayne on May 15th.
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