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{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| city = [[Rockville, Maryland]]
| city = [[Washington, D.C.]]
| above =
| above =
| name = WIHT
| name = WIHT
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| frequency = {{Frequency|99.5|[[MHz]]}} {{HD Radio}}
| frequency = {{Frequency|99.5|[[MHz]]}} {{HD Radio}}
| rds = HOT995
| rds = HOT995
| branding = HOT 99-5
| branding = HOT 99.5
| languages =
| languages =
| format = [[Contemporary hit radio|Top 40 (CHR)]]
| format = [[Contemporary hit radio|Top 40 (CHR)]]
| subchannels = HD2: [[Pride Radio]] ([[Top 40]]/[[dance music|Dance]])
| subchannels = HD2: [[Pride Radio]] ([[Top 40]]/[[dance music|Dance]])
| network =
| network =
| affiliations =
| affiliations = [[Premiere Networks]]
| owner = [[iHeartMedia]]
| owner = [[iHeartMedia]]
| licensee = iHM Licenses, LLC
| licensee = iHM Licenses, LLC
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| airdate = {{start date and age|1960}} (as WGAY)
| airdate = {{start date and age|1960}} (as WGAY)
| last_airdate =
| last_airdate =
| former_callsigns = WGAY-FM (1960–1993)<br />WGAY (1993–1995)<br />WEBR (1995–1996)<br />WGAY (1996–1999)<br />WGAY-FM (1999)<br />WJMO-FM (1999–2001)
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WGAY-FM (1960–1993)|WGAY (1993–1995)|WEBR (1995–1996)|WGAY (1996–1999)|WGAY-FM (1999)|WJMO-FM (1999–2001)}}
| former_names =
| former_names =
| former_frequencies =
| former_frequencies =
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| repeaters =
| repeaters =
| webcast = {{iHeartRadio|2509}}
| webcast = {{iHeartRadio|2509}}
| website = {{URL|https://hot995.iheart.com/}}
| website = {{URL|https://hot995.iheart.com/}}<br>HD2: {{URL|https://prideradiodc.iheart.com/}}
}}
}}


'''WIHT''' (99.5 [[FM broadcasting|FM]]) is a [[Contemporary hit radio|Top 40 (CHR)]] formatted [[radio station]] that serves the greater [[Washington, D.C.]] [[Washington metropolitan area|metropolitan area]]. Located on the fifth floor of 1801 [[Maryland Route 355|Rockville Pike]] in [[Rockville, Maryland]], the station broadcasts 24 hours a day and is licensed to, and owned by, [[iHeartMedia]]. The transmitter is located on [[Maryland Route 190|River Road]] in [[Bethesda, Maryland]].
'''WIHT''' (99.5 [[FM broadcasting|FM]]) is a [[Contemporary hit radio|Top 40 (CHR)]] formatted [[radio station]] that serves the greater [[Washington, D.C.]] [[Washington metropolitan area|metropolitan area]]. Located on the fourth floor of 1801 [[Maryland Route 355|Rockville Pike]] in [[Rockville, Maryland]], the station broadcasts 24 hours a day and is licensed to, and owned by, [[iHeartMedia]]. The transmitter is located on [[Maryland Route 190|River Road]] in [[Bethesda, Maryland]].


==History==
==History==


===Early years (1960s–1999)===
===Early years (1960s–1999)===
Long known as '''WGAY''' (named for its owner, [[Connie B. Gay]], a well-known country music promoter<ref>Quoting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WBQH It was believed that WGAY was named for one-time owner, Connie B. Gay, though it was merely coincidental...</ref>) and located in [[Silver Spring, Maryland]], the station ran a [[beautiful music]] format in the 1960s and 1970s, which evolved to an [[easy listening]] format by the 1980s (though it would initially air a [[country music|country]] format for a year when it signed on in 1960). During that era, WGAY-FM typically simulcast its AM sister station, 1050 [[WBQH|WQMR]] "Washington's Quality Music Radio," continuing the WQMR programming after the AM station signed off. Eventually the FM came to be considered the primary signal, and WGAY would often finish at number one in the Persons 12+ [[Arbitron]] radio ratings for the Washington, D.C. area during the 1970s and 1980s.
Long known as WGAY (named for its owner, [[Connie B. Gay]], a well-known country music promoter) and located in [[Silver Spring, Maryland]], the station ran a [[beautiful music]] format in the 1960s and 1970s, which evolved to an [[easy listening]] format by the 1980s (though it would initially air a [[country music]] format for a year when it signed on in 1960). During that era, WGAY-FM typically simulcast its AM sister station, 1050 [[WBQH|WQMR]] "Washington's Quality Music Radio," continuing the WQMR programming after the AM station signed off. Eventually, the FM came to be considered the primary signal, and WGAY would often finish at number one in the Persons 12+ [[Arbitron]] radio ratings for the Washington, D.C. area during the 1970s and 1980s.


Television ads for the station in the 1970s and 1980s featured station programmer Bob Chandler relaxing in a recliner while listening to his station's light mix of music playing in the background. During the 1980s, WGAY was reported to be then [[President of the United States|President]] [[Ronald Reagan]]'s favorite radio station. WGAY was one of the last remaining major-market [[easy listening]] stations in the United States, as the format, which targeted older demographics, evolved towards a more mainstream [[adult contemporary]] format, or was dropped altogether.
Television ads for the station in the 1970s and 1980s featured station programmer Bob Chandler relaxing in a recliner, while listening to his station's light mix of music playing in the background. During the 1980s, WGAY was reported to be then [[President of the United States|President]] [[Ronald Reagan]]'s favorite radio station. WGAY was one of the last remaining major-market [[easy listening]] stations in the United States, as the format, which targeted older demographics, evolved towards a more mainstream [[adult contemporary]] format, or was dropped altogether.


At midnight on December 26, 1991, WGAY changed branding to "Easy 99.5", and shifted towards mainstream AC.
At midnight on December 26, 1991, WGAY changed branding to "Easy 99.5", and shifted towards mainstream AC.
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David Burd of [[WASH-FM]] and Beverly Fox of [[WIAD|WARW]] became the new morning hosts in 1994, replacing Steve Schy.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Vox Jox|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|last=Stark|first=Phyllis|date=June 4, 1994|volume=106|issue=23|page=129}}</ref>
David Burd of [[WASH-FM]] and Beverly Fox of [[WIAD|WARW]] became the new morning hosts in 1994, replacing Steve Schy.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Vox Jox|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|last=Stark|first=Phyllis|date=June 4, 1994|volume=106|issue=23|page=129}}</ref>


On September 1, 1995, at 8 a.m., WGAY re-branded as "Star 99.5", shifted towards [[adult contemporary music#Hot adult contemporary|hot AC]], and announced plans to change its call sign.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RR-1995-09-08 |url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1995/RR-1995-09-08.pdf |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref><ref name="wp-wgaystar">{{cite news |last1=Yorke |first1=Jeffrey |title=At WGAY-FM, 'easy' come, 'easy' go |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1995/09/05/at-wgay-fm-easy-come-easy-go/ebc201ff-e356-46b4-9142-e86753141ae7/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |date=September 5, 1995}}</ref> The "Star" name was dropped by the end of the month, following a lawsuit by [[WSMD-FM]] in [[Mechanicsville, Maryland]] (which has branded as "Star 98.3" since 1988); the station then took on the "Bright 99.5" branding,<ref name="wp-wgaynostar">{{cite news |last1=Yorke |first1=Jeffrey |title=WGAY's 'star' flames out |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1995/10/03/wgays-star-flames-out/d8db5097-64ec-478a-b10b-f6b3f7a5c68e/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |date=October 3, 1995}}</ref> and changed its call sign to WEBR in November.<ref name="wp-wgaytowebr">{{cite news |last1=Yorke |first1=Jeffrey |title=Dennis Owens, high achiever |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1995/11/07/dennis-owens-high-achiever/152d20fe-d777-4505-8a32-b298d2316009/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |date=November 7, 1995}}</ref> Listeners did not accept the more up-tempo music, and the station switched back to branding themselves under the WGAY calls, though with a [[soft rock]] format, on June 24, 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |title=R&R-1996-06-28 |url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1996/R&R-1996-06-28.pdf |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref><ref name="wp-webrtowgay">{{cite news |last1=Yorke |first1=Jeffrey |title=Bright 99.5 eclipsed |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1996/06/25/bright-995-eclipsed/bc9e7df4-d36c-45a1-b1e3-bee4cd18ed94/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |date=June 25, 1996}}</ref>
On September 1, 1995, at 8 a.m., WGAY re-branded as "Star 99.5" with new call sign WEBR, and shifted towards [[Adult contemporary music|Hot AC]], but listeners didn't accept the more up-tempo music, and the station switched back to branding themselves under the WGAY calls, though with a [[soft rock]] format, on June 24, 1996.<ref>http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1995/RR-1995-09-08.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref><ref>http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1996/R&R-1996-06-28.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>


===Jam'n 99.5 (1999–2001)===
===Jam'n 99.5 (1999–2001)===
'''WGAY''' switched from the still ratings successful format permanently by the late 1990s, although not because its listeners were too few, but because [[Demographics|demographically]], they were getting too old and therefore less desirable for radio advertisers. At 2:00&nbsp;p.m. on April 13, 1999, "[[Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)|Evergreen]]" by [[Barbra Streisand]] was faded out with a liner touting a change, bringing the end to WGAY. After three days of simulcasting sister stations [[WWPR-FM|WTJM]] in [[New York City]], [[KRRL|KCMG]] in [[Los Angeles]], and [[WKSC-FM|WUBT]] in [[Chicago]], the station changed to an [[rhythmic oldies|urban oldies]] format at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. on April 16, known as '''WJMO-FM''' ("Jam'n 99.5").<ref>http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-04-16.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref> At the time, they were co-owned with AM station [[WJMO]] in [[Cleveland, Ohio]]. The format lasted for almost two years. However, with ratings on the decline due to the arguable burnout factor of the music, combined with competition from WBIG-FM (which at the time played an oldies format; they now play a classic rock format), Clear Channel Communications (now [[iHeartMedia]]) (who acquired the station in 2000 due to a merger with AMFM Media and had dropped the format in other markets due to similar factors) decided to take the station in a different direction. Unlike other stations that dropped the format, however, WJMO gave its listeners the weekend to say goodbye.
WGAY switched from the still ratings successful format permanently by the late 1990s, although not because its listeners were too few, but because [[Demographics|demographically]], they were getting too old and therefore less desirable for radio advertisers. At 2:00&nbsp;p.m. on April 13, 1999, "[[Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)|Evergreen]]" by [[Barbra Streisand]] was faded out with a liner touting a change, bringing the end to WGAY. After three days of simulcasting sister stations [[WWPR-FM|WTJM]] in [[New York City]], [[KRRL|KCMG]] in [[Los Angeles]], and [[WKSC-FM|WUBT]] in [[Chicago]], the station changed to an [[rhythmic oldies|urban oldies]] format at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. on April 16, known as WJMO-FM ("Jam'n 99.5").<ref>{{Cite web |title=RR-1999-04-16 |url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-04-16.pdf |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref> At the time, they were co-owned with AM station [[WJMO]] in [[Cleveland, Ohio]]. The format lasted for almost two years. However, with ratings on the decline due to the arguable burnout factor of the music, combined with competition from WBIG-FM (which at the time played an oldies format; they now play a classic rock format), Clear Channel Communications (now [[iHeartMedia]]), (who acquired the station in 2000 due to a merger with AMFM Media and had dropped the format in other markets due to similar factors) decided to take the station in a different direction. Unlike other stations that dropped the format, however, WJMO gave its listeners the weekend to say goodbye.


===Hot 99.5 (2001–present)===
===Hot 99.5 (2001–present)===
[[File:Logo of WIHT Hot 99.5 (2001–2014).png|thumb|left|WIHT's station logo from April 2001 to September 2014.]]
[[File:Logo of WIHT Hot 99.5 (2001–2014).png|thumb|WIHT's station logo from April 2001 to September 2014.]]
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"Jam'n" signed off at 7:00&nbsp;a.m. on April 2, 2001; the last song played on "Jam'n" was "[[Last Dance (Donna Summer song)|Last Dance]]" by [[Donna Summer]]. That was followed by a "Survivor Radio 99.5" stunt before the current [[contemporary hit radio|CHR]] format debuted as "Hot 99.5" at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. on April 6. The first song on "Hot" was "[[Survivor (Destiny's Child song)|Survivor]]" by [[Destiny's Child]].<ref>http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2001/RR-2001-04-13.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref><ref name="arb1">{{Cite web |work=Arbitron |title=Station Information Profile |url=http://www.arbitron.com/radio_stations/station_information.htm |access-date=June 28, 2009}}</ref> With the change of format came a change in call sign to the current '''WIHT''' on April 18, 2001.<ref name="fcc1">{{Cite web |title=Call Sign History |url=http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=25080&Callsign=WIHT |work=FCC Media Bureau CDBS Public Access Database |access-date=June 28, 2009}}</ref>


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"Jam'n" signed off at 7{{nbsp}}a.m. on April 2, 2001; the last song played on "Jam'n" was "[[Last Dance (Donna Summer song)|Last Dance]]" by [[Donna Summer]]. That was followed by a "Survivor Radio 99.5" stunt before the current [[contemporary hit radio|CHR]] format debuted as "Hot 99.5" at 5{{nbsp}}p.m. on April 6. The first song on "Hot" was "[[Survivor (Destiny's Child song)|Survivor]]" by [[Destiny's Child]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=RR-2001-04-13 |url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2001/RR-2001-04-13.pdf |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref><ref name="arb1">{{Cite web |work=Arbitron |title=Station Information Profile |url=http://www.arbitron.com/radio_stations/station_information.htm |access-date=June 28, 2009}}</ref> With the change of format came a change in call sign to the current WIHT on April 18, 2001.<ref name="fcc1">{{Cite web |title=Call Sign History |url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=25080&Callsign=WIHT25080|work=FCC Media Bureau CDBS Public Access Database |access-date=January 23, 2024}}</ref>
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WIHT's full market signal helped competitor 104.1 WWZZ (Z104) evolve into a more [[modern AC]] direction in late 2001; WWZZ would be driven out of the format entirely in 2006 as a result of [[WTOP-FM|WTOP]] moving to [[WGMS (defunct)|WGMS]]' former 103.5 FM frequency. The station was also considered to be [[Baltimore]]'s default Top 40 station since their previous Top 40 station, WXYV (102.7 FM, now [[WQSR]]), would flip in September 2001, and promos for Clear Channel's Baltimore stations would occasionally air on WIHT.<ref>http://tophour.com/audio/Washington%20DC/fm0995_2009-08_wiht_wharms.mp3 At the very beginning, tail end of promo for WCHH Baltimore airs prior to legal ID</ref> (Baltimore finally got a Top 40 station in November 2009, when sister station [[WZFT|WCHH]] flipped from [[modern rock]] to Top 40 as "Z 104-3.") The station's main competitors are [[Entercom]]'s combination of [[rhythmic top 40|urban-leaning Rhythmic Contemporary]] [[WPGC-FM]] 95.5 and for years [[adult top 40]] [[WIAD]] ("94.7 Fresh FM", now [[classic hits]] "94.7 The Drive"), and [[Cumulus Media]]'s [[adult top 40]] WRQX ("Mix 107.3", now [[K-Love]] station [[WLVW]]).

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WIHT's full market signal helped competitor 104.1 WWZZ (Z104) evolve into a more [[adult contemporary music#Modern adult contemporary|modern AC]] direction in late 2001 (additionally, when the station launched, some of their on-air material repeatedly jabbed Z104 for it's "continuous, annoying static");<ref>https://formatchangearchive.com/995-wjmo-drops-jammin-oldies-for-chr/ Hot 99.5 sign on, including Z104 reference</ref> WWZZ would be driven out of the format entirely in 2006 as a result of [[WTOP-FM|WTOP]] moving to [[WGMS (defunct)|WGMS]]' former 103.5 FM frequency. The station was also considered to be [[Baltimore]]'s default Top 40 station since their previous Top 40 station, WXYV (102.7 FM, now [[WQSR]]), would flip in September 2001, and promos for Clear Channel's Baltimore stations would occasionally air on WIHT.<ref>http://tophour.com/audio/Washington%20DC/fm0995_2009-08_wiht_wharms.mp3 At the very beginning, tail end of promo for WCHH Baltimore airs prior to legal ID</ref> (Baltimore finally got a Top 40 station in November 2009, when sister station [[WZFT|WCHH]] flipped from [[modern rock]] to Top 40 as "Z 104-3.") The station's main competitors are [[Entercom]]'s combination of [[rhythmic top 40|urban-leaning Rhythmic Contemporary]] [[WPGC-FM]] 95.5 and for years [[adult top 40]] [[WIAD]] ("94.7 Fresh FM", now [[classic hits]] "94.7 The Drive"), and [[Cumulus Media]]'s [[adult top 40]] WRQX ("Mix 107.3", now [[K-Love]] station [[WLVW]]).


===HD Programming===
===HD Programming===
WIHT-FM's [[HD Radio]] '''HD2''' format was flipped to [[iHeartMedia]]'s successful [[Pride Radio]] format at Midnight on July 16, 2013, replacing the "Hot Spot"-branded "New! Music" format that had been running on the HD2 signal since 2007.<ref>http://hdradio.com/station_guides/widget.php?id=8 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002015738/http://hdradio.com/station_guides/widget.php?id=8 |date=2015-10-02 }} HD Radio Guide for Washington D.C.</ref>
WIHT-FM's [[HD Radio]] HD2 format was flipped to [[iHeartMedia]]'s successful [[Pride Radio]] format at Midnight on July 16, 2013, replacing the "Hot Spot"-branded "New! Music" format that had been running on the HD2 signal since 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HD Radio Guide for Washington D.C. |url=http://hdradio.com/station_guides/widget.php?id=8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002015738/http://hdradio.com/station_guides/widget.php?id=8 |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=January 28, 2024}}</ref>


====The Kane Show====
====The Kane Show====
Kane resigned from his programming position at [[WFLZ]]/[[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]] on October 31, 2006, to start "The Kane Show" during the morning drive programming block on WIHT. He replaced the existing show ''The Hot Morning Mess'' with Mark Kaye, Kris Gamble and producer Ron Ross, who exited the station on November 1, 2006. The ''Kane Show'' officially hit the Washington, D.C.-area airwaves on November 13, 2006.
Kane resigned from his programming position at [[WFLZ]] in [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]] on October 31, 2006, to start "The Kane Show" during the morning drive programming block on WIHT. He replaced the existing show ''The Hot Morning Mess'' with Mark Kaye, Kris Gamble and producer Ron Ross, who exited the station on November 1, 2006. The ''Kane Show'' officially hit the Washington, D.C.-area airwaves on November 13, 2006.


The show originally started off with Kane as the host and Sarah Fraser and Samy K as his co-hosts. After Samy left the show in August 2011 to work on his musical career with his band, Bonnie Rash, he was replaced by Intern John in 2012 (who got his stage name from the intern position he was holding at the time).<ref>{{cite web|last=Swartz|first=Daniel|title=Samy K Toasted At Jack Rose During Surprise "Good Bye Kane Show's Rose" Farewell Party|url=http://www.revamp.com/story.php?StoryID=1979|work=Revamp|date=31 August 2012|access-date=21 June 2016}}</ref> During this time period, Melanie Glazener joined the show as a fourth co-host operating remotely out of Tampa, Florida. Sarah announced she was leaving the show in January 2013 to pursue a TV career in New York.<ref>{{cite web|last=Regan|first=Tim|title=Sarah Fraser Leaving The Kane Show|url=http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/buzz-bin/2013/01/22/sarah-fraser-leaving-the-kane-show/|work=Northern Virginia Magazine|date=22 January 2013|access-date=21 June 2016}}</ref> She officially left the show later that Spring and was soon replaced by Danni Starr. After a period of absence, on January 20, 2014, Melanie announced on Instagram that she had left the show due to workplace differences.<ref>http://instagram.com/p/jZze5iw-wn/?modal=true {{Dead link|date=August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Drama at the Kane Show?|url=https://pulsefeedz.wordpress.com/2014/01/21/drama-at-the-kane-show/|work=Pulsefeedz|date=21 January 2014|access-date=21 June 2016}}</ref> Soon after she was replaced by Rose. On February 11, 2016, Danni Starr left halfway during the show. After {{frac|3|1|2}} weeks of being off air and many speculations on multiple media sites, Program Director Tommy Chuck confirmed that Danni had left the show.<ref>{{cite web|title=Danni Starr Exits As 'The Kane Show' Co-Host|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/151239/danni-starr-exits-as-the-kane-show-co-host|work=All Access Music Group|date=7 March 2016|access-date=21 June 2016}}</ref>
The show originally started off with Kane as the host and Sarah Fraser and Samy K as his co-hosts. After Samy left the show in August 2011 to work on his musical career with his band, Bonnie Rash, he was replaced by Intern John in 2012 (who got his stage name from the intern position he was holding at the time).<ref>{{cite web|last=Swartz|first=Daniel|title=Samy K Toasted At Jack Rose During Surprise "Good Bye Kane Show's Rose" Farewell Party|url=http://www.revamp.com/story.php?StoryID=1979|work=Revamp|date=August 31, 2012|access-date=June 21, 2016}}</ref> During this time period, Melanie Glazener joined the show as a fourth co-host operating remotely out of Tampa, Florida. Sarah announced she was leaving the show in January 2013 to pursue a TV career in New York.<ref>{{cite web|last=Regan|first=Tim|title=Sarah Fraser Leaving The Kane Show|url=http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/buzz-bin/2013/01/22/sarah-fraser-leaving-the-kane-show/|work=Northern Virginia Magazine|date=January 22, 2013|access-date=June 21, 2016}}</ref> She officially left the show later that Spring and was soon replaced by Danni Starr. After a period of absence, on January 20, 2014, Melanie announced on Instagram that she had left the show due to workplace differences.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/jZze5iw-wn/?modal=true |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Drama at the Kane Show?|url=https://pulsefeedz.wordpress.com/2014/01/21/drama-at-the-kane-show/|work=Pulsefeedz|date=January 21, 2014|access-date=June 21, 2016}}</ref> Soon after she was replaced by Rose. On February 11, 2016, Danni Starr left halfway during the show. After {{frac|3|1|2}} weeks of being off air and many speculations on multiple media sites, Program Director Tommy Chuck confirmed that Danni had left the show.<ref>{{cite web|title=Danni Starr Exits As 'The Kane Show' Co-Host|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/151239/danni-starr-exits-as-the-kane-show-co-host|work=All Access Music Group|date=March 7, 2016|access-date=June 21, 2016}}</ref>


The full lineup as it stands today is Intern John, Rose, and Riley (who joined in early 2017) as co-hosts.
The full lineup as it stands today is Intern John, Rose, and Riley (who joined in early 2017) as co-hosts.
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The show was named "Best Local Morning show" in 2009 by industry magazine ''FMQB''. The ''Kane Show'' was broadcast on seven additional radio stations, such as [[WNRW]] in [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]], and [[WZFT]] in [[Baltimore, Maryland|Baltimore]]. After 18 years, [[WFLZ]]'s ''MJ Morning Show'' ended on February 17, 2012. It was announced that the Kane show would replace that show three days later.
The show was named "Best Local Morning show" in 2009 by industry magazine ''FMQB''. The ''Kane Show'' was broadcast on seven additional radio stations, such as [[WNRW]] in [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]], and [[WZFT]] in [[Baltimore, Maryland|Baltimore]]. After 18 years, [[WFLZ]]'s ''MJ Morning Show'' ended on February 17, 2012. It was announced that the Kane show would replace that show three days later.


The Kane Show debuted on [[iHeartRadio]] as a 24-hour on-demand channel in January 2010. Listeners were able to stream the ''Kane Show'' through both the iHeartRadio website and its respective smartphone applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fmqbinsider.com/article.asp?id%3D299758 |title=FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more! |access-date=May 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816131056/http://fmqbinsider.com/article.asp?id=299758 |archive-date=August 16, 2011 }}</ref>
The Kane Show debuted on [[iHeartRadio]] as a 24-hour on-demand channel in January 2010. Listeners were able to stream the ''Kane Show'' through both the iHeartRadio website and its respective smartphone applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fmqbinsider.com/article.asp?id%3D299758 |title=FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more! |access-date=May 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816131056/http://fmqbinsider.com/article.asp?id=299758 |archive-date=August 16, 2011}}</ref>

⚫
On April 11, 2020, “The Kane Show” abruptly ended as Kane left the station after the previous day's show. On April 13, the show was rebranded as “Your Morning Show”, featuring remaining members Intern John, Riley Couture, Rose and Erick.<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/186055/the-kane-show-becomes-your-morning-show-as-kane-exits/ The Kane Show Becomes Your Morning Show as Kane Exits]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wjla.com/news/local/hot-995-removes-the-kane-show-from-its-on-air-schedule-leaving-loyal-listeners-puzzled|title=After HOT 99.5 removes 'The Kane Show', Intern John, former co-host Danni Starr react|date=11 April 2020}}</ref> Kane died less than a year after the show was cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2021/03/09/longtime-radio-dj-peter-kane-deibler-passed-away-after-long-illness/|title = Longtime Radio DJ Peter 'Kane' Deibler Dies After Long Illness|date = 9 March 2021}}</ref>


⚫
On April 11, 2020, “The Kane Show” abruptly ended as Kane left the station after the previous day's show. On April 13, the show was rebranded as “Your Morning Show”, featuring remaining members Intern John, Riley Couture, Rose and Erick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Kane Show Becomes Your Morning Show as Kane Exits |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/186055/the-kane-show-becomes-your-morning-show-as-kane-exits/ |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=radioinsight.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2020 |title=After HOT 99.5 removes 'The Kane Show', Intern John, former co-host Danni Starr react |url=https://wjla.com/news/local/hot-995-removes-the-kane-show-from-its-on-air-schedule-leaving-loyal-listeners-puzzled |website=wjla.com}}</ref> Kane died less than a year after the show was cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2021/03/09/longtime-radio-dj-peter-kane-deibler-passed-away-after-long-illness/|title=Longtime Radio DJ Peter 'Kane' Deibler Dies After Long Illness|date=March 9, 2021}}</ref>{{Portal|Maryland|Radio}}
==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Maryland|Radio}}
*[[WKYS]]
*[[WKYS]]
*[[WPGC-FM]]
*[[WPGC-FM]]
Line 93: Line 92:
==External links==
==External links==
*{{official website|https://hot995.iheart.com/}}
*{{official website|https://hot995.iheart.com/}}
**[https://stream.revma.ihrhls.com/zc2509/hls.m3u8 Live stream]
**[http://kaneshow.com/pages/main.html Kane Show official website]
**[http://kaneshow.com/pages/main.html Kane Show official website]
**[http://www.hot995.com/cc-common/hdradio/ WIHT-HD2]
**[http://www.hot995.com/cc-common/hdradio/ WIHT-HD2]
Line 102: Line 102:
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010407014502/http://www.hot995.com/ |date=April 7, 2001 |title=WIHT }}
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010407014502/http://www.hot995.com/ |date=April 7, 2001 |title=WIHT }}
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206030325/http://wqmrwgaymemories.org/ |date=December 6, 2008 |title=''WQMR/WGAY Memories'' }}
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206030325/http://wqmrwgaymemories.org/ |date=December 6, 2008 |title=''WQMR/WGAY Memories'' }}
*[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=80961 FCC History Cards for WIHT]


{{Washington Radio}}
{{Washington Radio}}

Revision as of 11:24, 28 April 2024

WIHT
HOT 99.5 logo
Broadcast areaWashington, D.C. metropolitan area
Frequency99.5 MHz (HD Radio)
RDSHOT995
BrandingHOT 99.5
Programming
FormatTop 40 (CHR)
SubchannelsHD2: Pride Radio (Top 40/Dance)
AffiliationsPremiere Networks
Ownership
Owner
WASH, WBIG-FM, WMZQ-FM, WUST, WWDC
History
First air date
1960; 64 years ago (1960) (as WGAY)
Former call signs
  • WGAY-FM (1960–1993)
  • WGAY (1993–1995)
  • WEBR (1995–1996)
  • WGAY (1996–1999)
  • WGAY-FM (1999)
  • WJMO-FM (1999–2001)
Call sign meaning
anagram of "hit"
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID25080
ClassB
ERP22,000 watts
HAAT229 meters (751 ft)
Transmitter coordinates
38°57′50″N 77°06′18″W / 38.964°N 77.105°W / 38.964; -77.105
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen live (via iHeartRadio)
Websitehot995.iheart.com
HD2: prideradiodc.iheart.com

WIHT (99.5 FM) is a Top 40 (CHR) formatted radio station that serves the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Located on the fourth floor of 1801 Rockville Pike in Rockville, Maryland, the station broadcasts 24 hours a day and is licensed to, and owned by, iHeartMedia. The transmitter is located on River Road in Bethesda, Maryland.

History

Early years (1960s–1999)

Long known as WGAY (named for its owner, Connie B. Gay, a well-known country music promoter) and located in Silver Spring, Maryland, the station ran a beautiful music format in the 1960s and 1970s, which evolved to an easy listening format by the 1980s (though it would initially air a country music format for a year when it signed on in 1960). During that era, WGAY-FM typically simulcast its AM sister station, 1050 WQMR "Washington's Quality Music Radio," continuing the WQMR programming after the AM station signed off. Eventually, the FM came to be considered the primary signal, and WGAY would often finish at number one in the Persons 12+ Arbitron radio ratings for the Washington, D.C. area during the 1970s and 1980s.

Television ads for the station in the 1970s and 1980s featured station programmer Bob Chandler relaxing in a recliner, while listening to his station's light mix of music playing in the background. During the 1980s, WGAY was reported to be then President Ronald Reagan's favorite radio station. WGAY was one of the last remaining major-market easy listening stations in the United States, as the format, which targeted older demographics, evolved towards a more mainstream adult contemporary format, or was dropped altogether.

At midnight on December 26, 1991, WGAY changed branding to "Easy 99.5", and shifted towards mainstream AC.

David Burd of WASH-FM and Beverly Fox of WARW became the new morning hosts in 1994, replacing Steve Schy.[2]

On September 1, 1995, at 8 a.m., WGAY re-branded as "Star 99.5", shifted towards hot AC, and announced plans to change its call sign.[3][4] The "Star" name was dropped by the end of the month, following a lawsuit by WSMD-FM in Mechanicsville, Maryland (which has branded as "Star 98.3" since 1988); the station then took on the "Bright 99.5" branding,[5] and changed its call sign to WEBR in November.[6] Listeners did not accept the more up-tempo music, and the station switched back to branding themselves under the WGAY calls, though with a soft rock format, on June 24, 1996.[7][8]

Jam'n 99.5 (1999–2001)

WGAY switched from the still ratings successful format permanently by the late 1990s, although not because its listeners were too few, but because demographically, they were getting too old and therefore less desirable for radio advertisers. At 2:00 p.m. on April 13, 1999, "Evergreen" by Barbra Streisand was faded out with a liner touting a change, bringing the end to WGAY. After three days of simulcasting sister stations WTJM in New York City, KCMG in Los Angeles, and WUBT in Chicago, the station changed to an urban oldies format at 3:00 p.m. on April 16, known as WJMO-FM ("Jam'n 99.5").[9] At the time, they were co-owned with AM station WJMO in Cleveland, Ohio. The format lasted for almost two years. However, with ratings on the decline due to the arguable burnout factor of the music, combined with competition from WBIG-FM (which at the time played an oldies format; they now play a classic rock format), Clear Channel Communications (now iHeartMedia), (who acquired the station in 2000 due to a merger with AMFM Media and had dropped the format in other markets due to similar factors) decided to take the station in a different direction. Unlike other stations that dropped the format, however, WJMO gave its listeners the weekend to say goodbye.

Hot 99.5 (2001–present)

WIHT's station logo from April 2001 to September 2014.

"Jam'n" signed off at 7 a.m. on April 2, 2001; the last song played on "Jam'n" was "Last Dance" by Donna Summer. That was followed by a "Survivor Radio 99.5" stunt before the current CHR format debuted as "Hot 99.5" at 5 p.m. on April 6. The first song on "Hot" was "Survivor" by Destiny's Child.[10][11] With the change of format came a change in call sign to the current WIHT on April 18, 2001.[12]

WIHT's full market signal helped competitor 104.1 WWZZ (Z104) evolve into a more modern AC direction in late 2001 (additionally, when the station launched, some of their on-air material repeatedly jabbed Z104 for it's "continuous, annoying static");[13] WWZZ would be driven out of the format entirely in 2006 as a result of WTOP moving to WGMS' former 103.5 FM frequency. The station was also considered to be Baltimore's default Top 40 station since their previous Top 40 station, WXYV (102.7 FM, now WQSR), would flip in September 2001, and promos for Clear Channel's Baltimore stations would occasionally air on WIHT.[14] (Baltimore finally got a Top 40 station in November 2009, when sister station WCHH flipped from modern rock to Top 40 as "Z 104-3.") The station's main competitors are Entercom's combination of urban-leaning Rhythmic Contemporary WPGC-FM 95.5 and for years adult top 40 WIAD ("94.7 Fresh FM", now classic hits "94.7 The Drive"), and Cumulus Media's adult top 40 WRQX ("Mix 107.3", now K-Love station WLVW).

HD Programming

WIHT-FM's HD Radio HD2 format was flipped to iHeartMedia's successful Pride Radio format at Midnight on July 16, 2013, replacing the "Hot Spot"-branded "New! Music" format that had been running on the HD2 signal since 2007.[15]

The Kane Show

Kane resigned from his programming position at WFLZ in Tampa on October 31, 2006, to start "The Kane Show" during the morning drive programming block on WIHT. He replaced the existing show The Hot Morning Mess with Mark Kaye, Kris Gamble and producer Ron Ross, who exited the station on November 1, 2006. The Kane Show officially hit the Washington, D.C.-area airwaves on November 13, 2006.

The show originally started off with Kane as the host and Sarah Fraser and Samy K as his co-hosts. After Samy left the show in August 2011 to work on his musical career with his band, Bonnie Rash, he was replaced by Intern John in 2012 (who got his stage name from the intern position he was holding at the time).[16] During this time period, Melanie Glazener joined the show as a fourth co-host operating remotely out of Tampa, Florida. Sarah announced she was leaving the show in January 2013 to pursue a TV career in New York.[17] She officially left the show later that Spring and was soon replaced by Danni Starr. After a period of absence, on January 20, 2014, Melanie announced on Instagram that she had left the show due to workplace differences.[18][19] Soon after she was replaced by Rose. On February 11, 2016, Danni Starr left halfway during the show. After 3+1⁄2 weeks of being off air and many speculations on multiple media sites, Program Director Tommy Chuck confirmed that Danni had left the show.[20]

The full lineup as it stands today is Intern John, Rose, and Riley (who joined in early 2017) as co-hosts.

The show was named "Best Local Morning show" in 2009 by industry magazine FMQB. The Kane Show was broadcast on seven additional radio stations, such as WNRW in Louisville, and WZFT in Baltimore. After 18 years, WFLZ's MJ Morning Show ended on February 17, 2012. It was announced that the Kane show would replace that show three days later.

The Kane Show debuted on iHeartRadio as a 24-hour on-demand channel in January 2010. Listeners were able to stream the Kane Show through both the iHeartRadio website and its respective smartphone applications.[21]

On April 11, 2020, “The Kane Show” abruptly ended as Kane left the station after the previous day's show. On April 13, the show was rebranded as “Your Morning Show”, featuring remaining members Intern John, Riley Couture, Rose and Erick.[22][23] Kane died less than a year after the show was cancelled.[24]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ Stark, Phyllis (June 4, 1994). "Vox Jox". Billboard. Vol. 106, no. 23. p. 129.
  3. ^ "RR-1995-09-08" (PDF). americanradiohistory.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  4. ^ Yorke, Jeffrey (September 5, 1995). "At WGAY-FM, 'easy' come, 'easy' go". Washington Post. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  5. ^ Yorke, Jeffrey (October 3, 1995). "WGAY's 'star' flames out". Washington Post. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  6. ^ Yorke, Jeffrey (November 7, 1995). "Dennis Owens, high achiever". Washington Post. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  7. ^ "R&R-1996-06-28" (PDF). americanradiohistory.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  8. ^ Yorke, Jeffrey (June 25, 1996). "Bright 99.5 eclipsed". Washington Post. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  9. ^ "RR-1999-04-16" (PDF). americanradiohistory.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  10. ^ "RR-2001-04-13" (PDF). americanradiohistory.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  11. ^ "Station Information Profile". Arbitron. Retrieved June 28, 2009.
  12. ^ "Call Sign History". FCC Media Bureau CDBS Public Access Database. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  13. ^ https://formatchangearchive.com/995-wjmo-drops-jammin-oldies-for-chr/ Hot 99.5 sign on, including Z104 reference
  14. ^ http://tophour.com/audio/Washington%20DC/fm0995_2009-08_wiht_wharms.mp3 At the very beginning, tail end of promo for WCHH Baltimore airs prior to legal ID
  15. ^ "HD Radio Guide for Washington D.C." Archived from the original on October 2, 2015. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  16. ^ Swartz, Daniel (August 31, 2012). "Samy K Toasted At Jack Rose During Surprise "Good Bye Kane Show's Rose" Farewell Party". Revamp. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  17. ^ Regan, Tim (January 22, 2013). "Sarah Fraser Leaving The Kane Show". Northern Virginia Magazine. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  18. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  19. ^ "Drama at the Kane Show?". Pulsefeedz. January 21, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  20. ^ "Danni Starr Exits As 'The Kane Show' Co-Host". All Access Music Group. March 7, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  21. ^ "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". Archived from the original on August 16, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  22. ^ "The Kane Show Becomes Your Morning Show as Kane Exits". radioinsight.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  23. ^ "After HOT 99.5 removes 'The Kane Show', Intern John, former co-host Danni Starr react". wjla.com. April 11, 2020.
  24. ^ "Longtime Radio DJ Peter 'Kane' Deibler Dies After Long Illness". March 9, 2021.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WIHT&oldid=1221186322"