WPLR
Encyclopedia
WPLR based out of New Haven, Connecticut
, is a rock station owned by Cox Radio
.
The station, which started as WNHC-FM, has a history as a pioneer in the album oriented rock format which it has closely identified with since the format's inception in the early 1970s.
WPLR plays far fewer songs than in its formative years. Long gone are the days when DJ's selected their own music and local programmers shaped the programming. The station now plays approximately 300 songs selected primarily by focus groups.
The physical location of the station has also changed as the studios are now co-located with other radio stations in Milford, Connecticut
. Previously, the studios were located in Hamden and prior to that the offices and studios were on Chapel Street in New Haven.
The station plays a classic rock playlist but occasionally features newer songs. They also have a weekday morning talk show called Chaz & AJ
in the morning from 5:30-10:00 A.M. midday is hosted by The Wigmaster from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., afternoon drive is hosted by "Your Ol' Buddy Lappy" Mike Lapitino from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M., nights are hosted by Phil Antonelli from 8 P.M. to 12 Midnight and overnights are hosted by Ed The Producer from 12 midnight-5:30 A.M. On Fridays at 5:20 is the "Wig Out" in which the host, the Wig Master, gives his points of view on current events. It traditionally ends with the Wig Master saying "You gotta gotta gotta gotta gotta...(etc.) wig out!" http://wplr.com/about_us/shows.html
PLR is a traditional ratings powerhouse in southern Connecticut, but format changes at some Hartford stations have given it more of a statewide audience. The station is closely aligned with concert promoter Jim Koplik
and events at Toad's Place
nightclub.
Locally famous WPLR alumni include the late Stoneman (Joe Demaio), RJ Allison, Ed Sabatino (Eddie Sab), Travis James, Bob Nary, Bob Dark, Marcia Simon, Joe from Chicago, Bruce Manke, The Lich, Irv Goldfarb, Eddie Haskell, Brian Smith, Bruce Barber, Gordon Weingarth, Eddie Wazoo, Tom "Bassman" Bass, Pam Landry, Billy Winn, Mary Lee, Bob London, Mark Kaplowe, Joan McCarthy, Lynne Taylor, Lance Hollywood, Doc Rock, Country Paul Payton, Trapper Dave, Ron O, Pete Z, Anthony Griek, and Brett Perry.
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, is a rock station owned by Cox Radio
Cox Radio
Cox Radio, Inc. is a division of Cox Enterprises that holds a number of radio stations. Cox Radio is headquartered at 6205 Peachtree Dunwoody Road in Sandy Springs, Georgia....
.
The station, which started as WNHC-FM, has a history as a pioneer in the album oriented rock format which it has closely identified with since the format's inception in the early 1970s.
WPLR plays far fewer songs than in its formative years. Long gone are the days when DJ's selected their own music and local programmers shaped the programming. The station now plays approximately 300 songs selected primarily by focus groups.
The physical location of the station has also changed as the studios are now co-located with other radio stations in Milford, Connecticut
Milford, Connecticut
Milford is a coastal city in southwestern New Haven County, Connecticut, United States, located between Bridgeport and New Haven. The population was 52,759 at the 2010 census...
. Previously, the studios were located in Hamden and prior to that the offices and studios were on Chapel Street in New Haven.
The station plays a classic rock playlist but occasionally features newer songs. They also have a weekday morning talk show called Chaz & AJ
Chaz & AJ
Chaz & AJ in the Morning is a morning radio talk show program on 99.1 WPLR, a rock radio station broadcasting from New Haven, Connecticut. Though the show is mostly comedy based, it includes certain segments of more serious things, including interviews with politicians and authors.The show is...
in the morning from 5:30-10:00 A.M. midday is hosted by The Wigmaster from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., afternoon drive is hosted by "Your Ol' Buddy Lappy" Mike Lapitino from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M., nights are hosted by Phil Antonelli from 8 P.M. to 12 Midnight and overnights are hosted by Ed The Producer from 12 midnight-5:30 A.M. On Fridays at 5:20 is the "Wig Out" in which the host, the Wig Master, gives his points of view on current events. It traditionally ends with the Wig Master saying "You gotta gotta gotta gotta gotta...(etc.) wig out!" http://wplr.com/about_us/shows.html
PLR is a traditional ratings powerhouse in southern Connecticut, but format changes at some Hartford stations have given it more of a statewide audience. The station is closely aligned with concert promoter Jim Koplik
Jim Koplik
Jim Koplik is an American concert promoter who has produced shows by The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, REO Speedwagon, Madonna, Billy Joel and Elton John, among others. A resident of Stamford, Connecticut, Koplik works through Jim Koplik Presents, his Wallingford,...
and events at Toad's Place
Toad's Place
Toad's Place is a concert venue and nightclub in New Haven, Connecticut, with two other short lived locations in Waterbury, CT and Richmond, VA.-History:...
nightclub.
Locally famous WPLR alumni include the late Stoneman (Joe Demaio), RJ Allison, Ed Sabatino (Eddie Sab), Travis James, Bob Nary, Bob Dark, Marcia Simon, Joe from Chicago, Bruce Manke, The Lich, Irv Goldfarb, Eddie Haskell, Brian Smith, Bruce Barber, Gordon Weingarth, Eddie Wazoo, Tom "Bassman" Bass, Pam Landry, Billy Winn, Mary Lee, Bob London, Mark Kaplowe, Joan McCarthy, Lynne Taylor, Lance Hollywood, Doc Rock, Country Paul Payton, Trapper Dave, Ron O, Pete Z, Anthony Griek, and Brett Perry.