WPEO

In today's world, WPEO has become a topic of general interest that crosses different areas of society. From its impact on the economy to its influence on popular culture, WPEO has captured the attention of experts and fans alike. In this article, we will explore the many facets of WPEO, analyzing its historical importance, its contemporary implications and its future projection. Through different perspectives and sources of information, we aim to shed light on this topic and provide the reader with a broad and versatile vision to understand its relevance today.

For the simulcasting FM station in Farmer City, see WPEO-FM.

WPEO
Broadcast areaPeoria metropolitan area
Frequency1020 kHz
BrandingThe Word
Programming
FormatChristian talk and teaching
Ownership
OwnerWPEO Radio Foundation, Inc.
History
First air date
1946 (1946) (as WMMJ)[1][2]
August 1950 (as WPEO)[1]
Former call signs
WMMJ (1946–1949)[1][2]
Call sign meaning
PEOria[1]
Technical information[3]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID52641
ClassD
Power1,000 watts daytime-only
Transmitter coordinates
40°41′53.1″N 89°31′31.3″W / 40.698083°N 89.525361°W / 40.698083; -89.525361 (NAD83)
Translator(s)97.7 W249CZ (Peoria)
103.9 W280FA (Peoria)
Repeater(s)WPEO-FM (98.3 MHz, Farmer City)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen Live
Websitewpeo.com

WPEO (1020 kHz) is a daytime-only AM radio station licensed to Peoria, Illinois.[4] It is owned by WPEO Radio Foundation, Inc., and it simulcasts a Christian talk and teaching radio format with co-owned WPEO-FM 98.3 FM in Farmer City, Illinois. The radio studios and offices are just south of Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois.

By day, WPEO is powered at 1,000 watts non-directional. But because 1020 AM is a clear channel frequency reserved for Class A KDKA Pittsburgh, WPEO must sign off at sunset to avoid interference. The radio studio and transmitter are on Highview Road, just south of Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois.[5] Programming is heard around the clock on two FM translators: 97.7 W249CZ and 103.9 W280FA in Peoria, as well as 98.3 WPEO-FM in Farmer City.

History

The station was first on the air from 1946 to 1949 as WMMJ, the second radio station in Peoria after 1470 WMBD. WMMJ played big band music and broadcast sports, but it had financial difficulties and went off the air.[1][2]

WPEO signed on in August 1950, with its studios in the Jefferson Hotel downtown, and started its top 40 format in 1954, competing with 1290 WIRL. During this time, noted disc jockey Harry Harrison was at WPEO as the "Morning Mayor of Peoria"[2] and station manager. In 1959, he left for New York's WMCA,[citation needed] and WPEO switched to country music in 1960.[1]

In 1970, WPEO was bought by the Pinebrook Foundation, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based non-profit corporation, and switched to a Christian radio format.[1][2] As of 2009, its programming is based on paid time for various national Christian programming sources. It is still restricted to daylight hours to protect clear-channel station KDKA in Pittsburgh.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Station Profile". East Peoria, Illinois: Pinebrook Foundation, Inc. December 24, 2008. Retrieved January 30, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Tarter, Steve (October 31, 2009). "On the Air: Stalwart station a local favorite". Peoria Journal Star. Peoria, Illinois. Retrieved January 30, 2010.
  3. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WPEO". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  4. ^ "WPEO-FM Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
  5. ^ Radio-Locator.com/WPEO-AM


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