WSJT - A History
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WSJT-FM 98.7 Holmes Beach – In July 1995, Lakeland’s 100,000-watt easy listening FM, WEZY (Easy 94.1), became Smooth Jazz WSJT when Root Communications sold the outlet to Paxson Broadcasting. Although still licensed to Lakeland, the operation essentially became a Tampa station when offices and studios were re-located there. Ownership moved from Paxson to Clear Channel in 1997 and then to Infinity in 1999.
WSJT’s original on-air lineup in 1995 included Maria Janello in morning drive, Al Santana in middays, Alicia Kaye in the afternoons, Tom Sanchez from 7 to midnight, and Chris Curley overnights.
Founding PD Ross Block and most of his staff exited in October 2008 and were replaced by Broadcast Architecture's Smooth Jazz Network. Kathy Curtis' morning show remained live and local, as did Alicia Kaye in the afternoon.
At 5 P.M. on August 19, 2009, CBS swapped WSJT’s 94.1 frequency with that of rhythmic CHR stable mate 98.7 WLLD, resulting in WSJT’s power being trimmed to 50,000 watts, and Holmes Beach becoming its new city of license.
About a year later, on August 31, 2010, CBS flipped WSJT to adult CHR as Play 98.7 FM, programmed by Orlando Davis, PD and morning show host for sister rhythmic CHR WLLD. The smooth jazz format was moved to WSJT HD2.
WSJT became Sports Radio 98.7 The Fan WHFS, Tampa Bay’s first all-sports FM, on August 2, 2012.
Names in WSJT history as a CHR station include Jay Styles (PD), Steve Kramer (mornings), Dana McKay (middays), and Chad Pitt (afternoons).
(Please contact us if you have additional information to share about WSJT-FM.)
Station History
2009 - 2012 Other Tampa Bay Area Stations (History)
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