…albeit on the LPFM frequency of 97.5 that was previously WRYR-LP Sherwood, MD. WHFS is now on a Baltimore TV tower as a 250-watt translator after CBS Radio took over the frequency. The legendary DC Progressive/Free form commercial station launched by Jake Einstein in the late 60’s was first found on 102.3 FM, licensed to Bethesda, MD. Then it moved to 99.1 out of Annapolis. CBS Radio bought the station in 1996 and flipped it to Alternative. It then moved to Baltimore on 105.7, while CBS Radio flipped the 99.1 frequency to Spanish, “El Zol” in 2005.
The 105.7 frequency (now WJZ-FM Sports Talk) was Sports Talk and Talk during the day and Alternative at night and weekends. In June of 2009, CBS Radio moved the imaging and logo to WIAD-HD2 in DC. So, now as of 8/1, it’s back in Baltimore on 97.5 analog; on sister station WWMX-HD2 (106.5) and via http://whfs.radio.com or www.hfs975.com. Personalities include Tim Virgin, Gina Crash, Jenn Marino, Chris Emery, and Neci, some of which worked at the original ‘HFS.
Although a carrier signal as of 8/1 with the HFS readout displayed, CBS may continue airing ‘HFS on WIAD-HD2.
Bob Philips, SVP/Market Manager of CBS Radio Baltimore said, “The music made popular by HFS has lived on long after the station went off the air. HFS has built a loyal following online and now those listeners can have more access than ever before as we bring back one of Baltimore’s well-known brands to radio stations across the dial. HD Radio Technology allows us to offer additional channels of programming alongside our over the air stations, and through a relationship with the owners of 97.5 we have this unique opportunity to expand the reach of the HFS programming.”
HFS listeners will also hear “Loveline with Mike & Dr. Drew,” an entertaining and informative show offering advice to callers about relationships and addiction, weeknights from 10:00PM to Midnight.
RBR-TVBR observation: We hope they do keep the signal on WIAD, but it’s not looking promising, from what we’ve heard. WIAD-HD2 may become a WJZ or other CBS Radio simulcast, maybe Sports. Strange, because Baltimore is chock-full of AAA and Alternative stations: WIYY-HD2, WRNR-FM, WXPN-FM Philadelphia’s simulcast on 90.5 and Towson University’s WTMD-FM. DC has DC-101 and that’s it. DC-101’s Indie Rock HD-2 signal e-Rockster is long gone and has been replaced with basically a clone of the main signal — although Active Rock is the format name.
