WFNX Celebrates 25 Years

(L-R) ND Henry Santoro, DJ Julie Kramer and PD Keith Dakin.

In the beginning, 25 years ago, the station played a format without a name. Calling itself "the new rock on the block" and "rock the boat radio," PHOENIX MEDIA Alternative WFNX/BOSTON aired rock music, but not the familiar sound of market giants like WBCN, writes THE BOSTON GLOBE. Broadcasting lesser-known artists, more imports and the more out-there sounds of punk and new wave, the little LYNN-based station was a pioneer, broadcasting what would become known as the New Rock, Modern Rock or Alternative format.

"We certainly led the charge," recalls News Dir. HENRY SANTORO. Hired in early 1983, several weeks before the PHOENIX MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS GROUP bought what was then Hard Rock outlet WLYN, the station veteran recalls a time of 12-hour days that culminated in the launch of the new format with a song by THE CURE, "Let's Go To Bed." That song has since launched all of the WFNX sister stations, says SANTORO, including WPHX and WFEX, both broadcasting at 92.1 FM in MAINE and SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE.

The station is marking its anniversary all year by playing noteworthy songs from each of its years on air, and a celebration is planned for OCTOBER.

« see more Net News