WSRS - FM 96.1 - Worcester, MA

WSRS was born on June 17, 1940 as W1XTG, an experimental FM Station on 43.3 MHz. The strange call sign, W1XTG, resulted from the station being in New England (W1), being experimental (X), and being owned by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette (TG). The strange frequency, 43.3 MHz, came from ... See more the FCC’s original allocation of 42 – 50 MHz for experimental FM work. There were about 30 other licensed FM stations in the United States. W1XTG’s programming was devoted mainly to musical programs such as “Happy Jack”, “Rhythmic Melodies”, “Concert Gems in Minature”, “Stars Over Manhattan” and “Symphony Hall of the Air”. Many of these programs featured local talent, as well as the station’s own baby grand piano, Hammond organ and Novachord. On January 30, 1944 the station switched from experimental to commercial status and the call letters became WTAG-FM. The FCC decided to move the FM band up to 92 to 108 MHz. There was not enough room in the old band to handle the expected FM “explosion”, and the old frequency range was prone to interference from distant stations “skipping” in during periods of high sunspot activity. WTAG-FM’s frequency moved to 102.7 MHz for several years. Then, on November 11, 1947, the final frequency jump was made to 96.1. In the fall of 1963, the station was purchased from the Telegram & Gazette, and on Monday, December 30, 1963 it became Worcester’s Stereo Radio Station or WSRS. Initial broadcasting hours were 5PM to midnight, Monday through Saturday, and 4PM to midnight on Sundays. WSRS’s programming included shows like: “Stereo Spectrum”, “The Best of Broadway and Hollywood”, and “Tonight at Pops” – All broadcast in FM stereo! Throughout the years WSRS has updated it’s music to meet the changing tastes of our listeners. The last three and a half decades have brought us from “beautiful music” to “easy listening” to “lite ‘n easy” to the lite rock sound of today! WSRS also continues to be on the cutting edge of technological innovations. Our state of the art studios and equipment provide us with superior broadcasting abilities! Yet, while WSRS has changed its programming and improved its technology over the years, one thing remains the same, our commitment to our clients, listeners, and the community!

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