WFMT Radio Network
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| City | Chicago, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Chicago market |
| Branding | 98.7 WFMT |
| Slogan | Chicago's Classical Experience |
| Frequency | 98.7 MHz (also on HD Radio) |
| First air date | December 13, 1951 (at 105.9) |
| Format | Classical music |
| ERP | 6,000 watts |
| HAAT | 470 meters (1,540 ft) |
| Class | B |
| Facility ID | 10801 |
| Former callsigns | WOAK (dates unknown) WGN-FM (1951–1954) |
| Former frequencies | 105.9 MHz (1951-1954) |
| Owner | Window To The World Communications, Inc. |
| Sister stations | WTTW |
| Webcast |
Listen Live iTunes WinAmp Windows Media Player RealPlayer |
| Website | wfmt.com |
WFMT is an FM radio station in Chicago, Illinois, featuring a format of fine arts, classical music programming, and shows exploring such genres as folk and jazz. The station is managed by Window To The World Communications, Inc., owner of WTTW, one of Chicago's two Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Public television stations. WFMT is also the primary station of the WFMT Radio Network, and the Beethoven and Jazz Networks. WFMT transmits from the Willis (Sears) Tower.
A unique feature of this commercial station is that it airs no pre-recorded (by non-station hosts) advertising on-air. A brief attempt at introducing pre-recorded commercial advertising, the only time in its history, proved unpopular with listeners. All advertising on the station is currently read exclusively by WFMT's on-air hosts.
WFMT's programs can be heard through its satellite services, or syndication, internationally. The station's programming is also available online.
WFMT is an associate member of the European Broadcasting Union.
On December 13, 1951, Bernard and Rita Jacobs put WFMT on the air at 105.9 FM with a classical music/fine arts radio format. They began with 8-hour-a-day broadcasts (3-11 PM), with Bernard serving as the station's engineer, and Rita as the station's announcer. By 1953, programming had expanded to 18 hours per day.
WFMT moved to new studios in the LaSalle-Wacker Building in 1954. The station's power and antenna height were increased, increasing its broadcast range, and the transmitting frequency was changed to the present-day 98.7 MHz (105.9 was relicensed to Elmwood Park and is currently home to WCFS-FM, which simulcasts WBBM's all-news format). That same year, WFMT aired a live recording made on July 4 at Circle Pines Center in Delton, Michigan, with Pete Seeger and Big Bill Broonzy.
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