WASR (AM)

WASR
Broadcast areaLakes Region of New Hampshire
Frequency1420 kHz
BrandingMountain Country 97
Programming
FormatCountry
AffiliationsTotal Traffic and Weather Network
Ownership
OwnerLakes Media, LLC
History
First air date
April 1970
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID54889
ClassD
Power
  • 5,000 watts day
  • 137 watts night
  • (translator 250 watts)
Transmitter coordinates
43°35′31″N 71°13′10″W / 43.59194°N 71.21944°W / 43.59194; -71.21944
Translator(s)97.1 W246DI (Wolfeboro)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen live
Websitemountaincountry97.com

WASR (1420 kHz) is a commercial AM radio station broadcasting a country music format. WASR is licensed to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, and serves the New Hampshire Lakes Region. The station is owned by Lakes Media, LLC and runs local programming with national news and weather.[2] WASR is also heard on a 250-watt FM translator, 97.1 W246DI.

At one time, WASR was an adult standards station, carrying Citadel Media's Timeless service. It also tried conservative talk with little success. On February 24, 2020 new station manager Eric Scott changed the format to variety hits with some local talk including a live call in show at noon, a local sports show on Friday afternoons, and a live Catholic Mass Sunday mornings. WASR also carries the WTPL-produced talk show Good Morning New Hampshire, hosted by Jack Heath.

At the end of 2023, Eric Scott retired and WASR contracted with Consultant J. R. Russ Programming & Research to assist in the day to day programming. Among Russ' accomplishments was a focusing and re-branding of the stations to "971 The Shore" to take advantage of the resort area known as the "Seven Lakes Region" with the slogan of "It's BETTER on the Shore". Music programming was skewed to lean more Classic Rock with a Classic Hits, Yacht Rock and Rockin' Oldies blend that was "tempo-flowed".

In May of that year The syndicated Todd Newton Morning Show from SuiteRadio was added with the initial sponsorship of a septic service company and branding the show as "The only morning show sponsored by poop" which generated considerable market publicity. Russ was the consistent voice of imaging, commercials, promos and features always with a local "Lakes Region" focus.

In June 2024 the sale of WASR was announced.

On September 11, 2024, WASR changed their format from classic hits to country, branded as "Mountain Country 97", simulcasting WCGY-FM 97.3 Jefferson, NH.[3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WASR". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ "WASR Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
  3. ^ Mountain Country Expands in New Hampshire Radioinsight - September 11, 2024
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