WILI (1400 kHz) is an AM radio station in Willimantic, Connecticut, broadcasting at a power of 1,000 watts, full-time. WILI's programming is also heard on translator station W237EL (95.3 FM). It is affiliated with the ABC Entertainment Network, the Red Sox Radio Network, and the UConn Basketball and Football Networks. Its sister station is WILI-FM (98.3). The station is owned by Hall Communications, Inc. and its studios are located on Main Street in Willimatic, near the Willimantic Footbridge.
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| Frequency | 1400 kHz |
|---|---|
| Branding | 1400 AM and 95.3 FM WILI |
| Programming | |
| Format | Adult contemporary; talk radio |
| Affiliations | |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Hall Communications, Inc. |
| WILI-FM | |
| History | |
First air date | October 5, 1957[1] |
Call sign meaning | Willimantic |
| Technical information[2] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| Facility ID | 66180 |
| Class | C |
| Power | 1,000 watts |
Transmitter coordinates | 41°42′54″N 72°11′23″W / 41.71500°N 72.18972°W |
| Translator(s) | 95.3 MHz W237EL (Willimantic) |
| Links | |
Public license information | |
| Website | www |
Ownership edit
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In May 2005, Florida-based Hall Communications reached an agreement to acquire WILI and WILI-FM from Nutmeg Broadcasting Co. At the time of the purchase, Hall already owned WICH and WCTY in Norwich and WNLC and WKNL in New London. In addition, Hall owns a number of stations in medium-sized markets along the eastern seaboard from Vermont to Florida.[1]
Boom Box Parade edit
WILI has gained international attention for its unusual July 4 Boom Box Parade. Called "Connecticut's Unique People's Parade," it is the largest parade of its kind in the world. In 1986, no marching band could be found for Windham's Memorial Day Parade. Five weeks later, the "Boom Box Parade" concept was born, as WILI plays the marching band music on the air, while thousands march and watch, loudly playing their radios boom boxes.
Anyone can march in the Boom Box Parade. The only requirement is to wear some red, white, and blue, and bring a radio tuned to WILI. American flags are optional, but encouraged. There is no official theme for the parade. Every year WILI morning disc jockey Wayne Norman serves as the parade's Grand Marshal.
It was not held in 2020 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic but a Virtual Version was held instead.
Translators edit
| Call sign | Frequency | City of license | FID | ERP (W) | HAAT | Class | FCC info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W237EL | 95.3 MHz FM | Willimantic, Connecticut | 140714 | 5 | 77 m (253 ft) | D | LMS |
References edit
- ^ a b Cronin, Anthony (May 4, 2005). "Florida radio company to buy two Willimantic stations". The Day (New London, CT).
- ^ "Facility Technical Data for WILI". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
External links edit
- Official website
- WILI in the FCC AM station database
- WILI in Nielsen Audio's AM station database
- W237EL in the FCC FM station database
- W237EL at FCCdata.org