Our History

Federated Media proudly operates 12 radio stations and a digital marketing agency located in northern Indiana. Below, you’ll see some significant events that helped Federated Media become the innovative media company it is today.

1952

John F. Dille took over responsibility of The Elkhart Truth newspaper in Elkhart, IN, which included WTRC-AM (1340) and WLTA-FM (100.7). WLTA changed its call letters to WBYT in 1994 to become B100, Today’s Best and Most Country.

1960s

Federated Media owns WSJV-TV in Elkhart, IN, (later sold in 1974/75) as well as the first cable provider, St. Joseph Valley Cable.

1970s

Federated Media purchases WMEE-FM (97.3) and WMEF-FM in Fort Wayne, IN, and later acquires WOWO-AM (1190), WQHK-FM (105.1), WBYR-FM (98.9) and WFWI-FM (92.3). Federated Media also purchases radio stations in Cincinnati, OH, Grand Rapids, MI, and Tulsa, OK.

1993

Talking Stick, a Federated Media subsidiary, purchases WRBR-FM (103.9) in Mishawaka, IN.

1996

In anticipation of the FCC Telecommunications bill of 1996, Federated Media sells all stations in the larger markets of Cincinnati, Grand Rapids and Tulsa. This allowed Federated Media to focus in the smaller markets central to the corporate office in Elkhart, IN.

1997

Federated Media purchases WAOR-FM (95.3) and WNIL-AM (1680) in Niles, MI.

2002

Federated Media purchases WRSW-AM (1480) and WRSW-FM (107.1) of Warsaw, IN. Later, Federated Media purchased and launched a second FM station in Warsaw, which is WAWC-FM (103.5) today.

2003

Federated Media purchases WGSM-FM (102.7) of Ligonier, IN, and changes the call letters to WLEG.


Federated Media purchases WLRX-FM (95.7) of Nappanee, IN, to launch a new Hot AC station in the South Bend, IN, market.

2005

Federated Media changes the call letters of WLRX to WYPW and changes the format from Hot AC to Hip Hop.

2010

Federated Media launches Federated Interactive, a digital marketing agency.


Federated Media changes the call letters of WAOR (95.3) to WTRC, launching the first FM News/Talk format in South Bend, IN. Federated Media changes the call letters of WYPW to WAOR and switches from the hip hop format to classic rock.

2013

Federated Media becomes one of the first broadcasters to implement responsive website design for all station websites. Read more about this innovative decision.

2014


WOWO (1190am) wins the coveted NAB Marconi Award for medium market radio stations.

 

 

 

 


 

Federated Interactive changes its name to Federated Digital Solutions.

2015

Federated Media sells WNIL-AM (1680) and WAOR-FM (95.7) to Redeemer Radio, Catholic News Talk.

2016

Federated Media sells The Elkhart Truth.

2017

 

 

Federated Media becomes first broadcaster to build Amazon Alexa skills, launching the B100 Alexa skill in the spring of 2017. Article 1Article 2


Federated Media buys WUBU of South Bend, IN and changes WAOR format to Froggy.

2018


WOWO (1190AM, 107.5 FM)
wins the coveted NAB Service to America Award for its annual fundraiser, Penny Pitch.

2021

WAOR wins The Indiana Broadcaster’s Association’s Spectrum Award for Best Promotional Campaign – Celebrating Seniors

WRBR wins The Indiana Broadcaster’s Association’s Spectrum Award for Best Commercial – Justin Elias State Farm’s, “Ask Questions.”

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