WPPZ-FM

Overview

WPPZ-FM, also known as "Praise 103.9 FM", is a Radio One-owned Philadelphia-area radio station based in Jenkintown, PA that features a Gospel Music format. WPPZ was originally WIBF with ethnic programming for many years, and later WPHI "103.9 The Beat", but on February 25, 2005, Radio One moved "The Beat" format to the 100.3 frequency, which was formerly WPLY Y100 Philadelphia, and on February 27, 2005, WPPZ was created as a brand-new station. Except for The Yolanda Adams Morning Show and CeCe McGhee weekdays afternoon, the station runs jockless throughout the day until August 2007. In late August the addition of performer Lonnie Hunter from Chicago was made to be the mid-day personality along with Sheik Meah. Famous Speaker Les Brown was also added to be on Sunday nights from 7-9pm. In September, Pastor Alan E Waller joined the staff to do a Saturday morning show from 10-11am and two more weekend shows were added. The Holy Hip-Hop show was added on Saturday nights from 7-9pm and a Christian Dating show was added on Sundays frm 9-11pm. Its transmitter is located in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia.

History

Began broadcasting in 1960 as an ethnic/religious station. The call letters WIBF stood for William, Irwin, and Benjamin Fox, who also owned channel 29 in the 1960s. On November 9, 1992, the station became WDRE, playing a Modern Rock format. Then, on February 7, 1997, under new ownership, the format became Urban Contemporary and the call letters WPHI. (Sister station WPLY picked up the Modern Rock format in 1995.) In Feb. 2005, the format and call letters moved over to 100.3 when Radio One dumped Y-100's format.

Weekday Programming

Praise 103.9 has 3 weekday programs. From 6AM-10AM is the Yolanda Adams Morning Show. Her show features a "Witness Fitness Mix". It's a 12-minute mix of 3 songs that is mixed by "Reverend Rob". She also does the "Points of Power", which is a message given everyday from a portion of the Bible. She uses different versions of the Bible. From 10AM-2PM,Lonnie Hunter has an afternoon show called "The Big Show-Real Christian Music". Lonnie Hunter is a minister,musician,producer,etc. His mother died when he was just turning 8 years old. Lastly, CeCe McGhee has an afternoon show from 2PM-6PM called "The Afternoon Praise Party with the Afternoon Angel". During the show, she has an "Inspirational Vitamin", which is an inspirational message for life. She also has a "Soulfood" segment.