Pt1 (22:18)

Pt2 (13:40)

Pt3 (30:10)

Pt4 (19:45)

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale [scoped-stereo]

Wednesday, March 30, 1983 (62:01)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Some musical magic from Pete. And there's a news report at the end that doesn't sound so different than what you would hear today, if music radio still had the guts to play the news.

Pete Fornatale

AIRCHECK: Mark McEwen & Scott Muni [stereo]

Easter Sunday, April 3, 1983 (70:35)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Sixteen minutes in, Scott Muni plays a set of music "for headphones only" in this special show and concludes with a classical piece, something no pop/rock music radio station would have the guts to do today, een on Easter Sunday. Even though WNEW-FM was partially playlisted by 1983, the programming was still diverse and brave.

For headphones only

AIRCHECK: Mixed Bag w/ Pete Fornatale [scoped-stereo]

Sunday, April 17, 1983

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Here's a typical easy-going Sunday morning Mixed Bag effort.

Mixed Bag (18:39)

AIRCHECK: Mixed Bag w/ Pete Fornatale [scoped-stereo]

Sunday, April 17, 1983

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

And here's a much longer version of the same show, featuring Al Jardine live in the studio.

Part 1 (62:16)

Part 2 (53:43)

AIRCHECK: Mixed Bag w/ Pete Fornatale [scoped-stereo](57:50)

May 8, 1983

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

More of Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag. Part 2 features an interview and live performances by Roger McGuinn.

Pt1(20:42)

Pt2(37:08)

PRESS: A Radio Time Machine

Newsday: May 6, 1983

“I feel it's closer to the kind of radio I used to do.”

Another article about Pete Fornatale's weekend Mixed Bag radio show.

AIRCHECK: Mixed Bag w/ Pete Fornatale and guests Flo & Eddie [scoped-stereo](58:23)

June 12, 1983

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Pete Fornatale with guests Flo & Eddie (Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan). They were founding members of The Turtles who also played with Frank Zappa and appeared as backup singers on many great recordings. They appear as Flo & Eddie to this day.

Pt1(22:40)

Pt2(35:33)

AIRCHECK: Richard Neer [scoped-stereo]

June 24, 1983 (58:35)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

A Richard Neer Friday show. Note that this was full service radio with news, traffic and weather. Earle Bailey does a very funny bit around some Washington-based organization that claims that the U.S. Government is paying welfare money to illegal space aliens to keep them quiet.

Part 2 features the landing of the space shuttle (with Sally Ride aboard) and some really funny (in retrospect) complaints about the tolls and transit fares. And to top it all off, there's a bit of Pete Fornatale at the very end.

Pt1(28:10)

Pt2(30:25)

AIRCHECK: Mixed Bag w/ Pete Fornatale “Portraits of America in Song” [scoped-stereo](71:58)

Sunday, July 3, 1983

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Pete Fornatale's July 4th special from 1983, featuring songs about America as well as some great montages from various sources.

Pt1(16:33)

Pt2(30:34)

Pt3(24:51)

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale [scoped-stereo]

Wednesday, July 27, 1983 (34:13)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete Fornatale doing his usual thing on a Wednesday morning including some workforce blocks. We also hear a nice newscast and a feature from The Source.

Pete

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale celebrates Labor Day [stereo]

Sunday, September 4, 1983 (93:03)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete Fornatale plays the ultimate Work Force Block as he celebrates Labor Day, 1983.

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's 1st Saturday Morning Sixties [complete-stereo]

Saturday, September 10, 1983 (184:00)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Bob Lewis started hosting "Saturday Morning Sixties" in February of 1983, but only did three shows. Pete Fornatale revived the show in September of 1983 and this is the first one. As you'll hear, Pete puts everything into this show and proves that even a show of largely well-known songs can be interesting and dynamic.

Pete

AIRCHECK: Dennis Elsas [scoped-stereo](30:34)

Sunday, October 9, 1983

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Dennis Elsas airchecks are fairly rare. Here's one from the day before Columbus Day. Dennis leaves his show slightly early and a DJ named Larry Kleinman takes his place. This is the first we've ever heard of him, but he had a good voice and pleasant personality.

Dennis

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale [scoped-stereo](33:58)

Sunday, October 16, 1983

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Here's a bit of Pete Fornatale on a Sunday moorning playing a bit of everything with Dennis Elsas at the end.

Pete

REVIEW: Mixed Bag

Variety: November 30, 1983

“It is good to know there is at least one d.j. in N.Y. radio...who treats radio as something other than a bland jukebox to air the latest hits.”

A Variety review of Pete Fornatale's "Mixed Bag" radio show on WNEW-FM.

AIRCHECK: Pete Forntale's Mixed Bag Christmas Show [scoped - stereo]

December 18, 1983 (56:13)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Here's Pete Fornatale doing his Xmas thing back in 1983. The first part of the show features musician John Fahey playing acoustic instrumentals live. The third section includes some live Christmas carols.

Pt1

Pt2

Pt3

December 19, 1983: WNEW-FM Holiday Concert with Cyndi Lauper and Eddie Money

PROMOTION: WNEW-FM Christmas Concert

December 19, 1983

Promotion for the Christmas concert with Eddie Money and Cyndi Lauper

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1984

January 20, 1984: Meg Griffin's Last Show

January 23, 1984: Carol Miller takes the 5-9pm Shift

PROMOTION: 1980's WNEW-FM Swag

1980's

Like most radio stations, WNEW-FM gave away all kinds of swag to listeners in respone to contests and at station events, like concerts. Here are a few from the 1980's.

The 17th Anniversary WNEW-FM Bomber Jacket

A variety of swag.

V-neck T-Shirt

Pilot's Pin

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag w/ guest Roger McGuinn
[scoped - stereo]

Sunday, March 18, 1984 (58:51)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Pete Fornatale doing an Earth Day show with guest Roger McGuinn.

Pt1(22:50)

Pt2(36:01)

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag w/ guest Kenny Rankin
[scoped - stereo]

Sunday, April 15, 1984 (29:07)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Pete Fornatale interviewing the great songwriter and interpreter, Kenny Rankin.

Pete w/Rankin

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, October 14, 1984 (26:07)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Pete Fornatale celebrating both Columbus Day and the natives who were already here when Columbus arrived.

Oct14

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, October 21, 1984 (26:03)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

A segment of Pete's show that includes a segment dedicated to those people having significant birthdays, a segment about radio and a segment of live performances from Tom Paxton.

Oct21

AIRCHECK: Scott Muni Live at the Hard Rock Cafe - 17th Anniversary [scoped - stereo]

Friday, October 26, 1984 (63:48)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Scott Muni celebrates the 17th anniversary of WNEW-FM four days early. Guests include Peter Wolf, Joan Jett (on the phone), Mark McKuen, Charlie Kendall, Richard Belzer and Carol Miller.

Pt1

Pt2

AIRCHECK: Saturday Morning 60's w/ Pete Fornatale - 17th Anniversary [scoped - stereo]

Saturday, October 27, 1984 (58:46)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Pete celebrates WNEW-FM's 17th anniversary a few days before the event.

Pt1(22:29)

Pt2(11:20)

Pt3(20:48)

Pt4(9:09)

AIRCHECK: Dennis Elsas [scoped - stereo]

Saturday, October 27, 1984 (19:09)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

A bit of Dennis's show that followed Pete's. The beginning of the show features the station's "Are You Ready for the Weekend" promo

Elsas

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, November 4, 1984 (54:44)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

This show includes sets dedicated to Election Day, live recordings from Joni Mitchell and an interview with the Washington Squares, who play live in the studio.

Pt1(23:50)

Pt2(30:54)

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, November 25, 1984 (17:56)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

This is a segment of Pete's interview with Jorma Kaukonen, of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna fame.

Pete & Jorma

December 21, 1984: Christmas Concert with The Kinks at Madison Square Garden to benefit United Cerebral Palsy

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag w/Tom Rush [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, December 23, 1984 (53:23)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Part 1 of this show celebrates the Christmas holiday and Part 2 features an interview and live in the studio performances by Tom Rush.

Pt1 (26:39)

Pt2 (26:44)

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag "Classics" [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, December 30, 1984 (83:16)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

This is a great year-end show that features classic songs as suggested by Pete's listeners.

Pt1 (20:44)

Pt2 (16:14)

Pt3 (32:23)

Pt4 (13:55)

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1985

PROMOTION: WNEW-FM Calendar

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

1985

WNEW-FM created a calendar every year, with the profits going to the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia and Cancer Research, a music industry initiative. This is the 1985 calendar which was produced by George Meredith of the Gianettino and Meredith ad agency and it was photographed by William G Wagner with Diane Frank. Like every year, the theme was based upon song titles, but this year's calendar was photographed in stark black & white.

(Click for a larger version)

Our cast of characters: Scott Muni, Richard Neer, Lisa Glasberg, Dave Herman, Carol Miller, Dan Carlisle, Mark McEwen, Pete Fornatale, Dennis Elsas, Maxanne Sartori, Bob Kocak, Marty Martinez, Jim Monaghan, Tom Couch and Charlie Kendall

January 1985

It's a concrete fact that Marty, Charlie, Carol and Dan are much more than just ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

February 1985

Richard gets a pounding as Lisa shouts, STOP DRAGGING MY HEART AROUND

March 1985

Scott's earned his wings and been Led up the STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

April 1985

As you can see, Jim, Tom, Richard and Dennis really dig being BACK ON THE CHAIN GANG.

May 1985

Bob, Dave, Dan and Mark take refuge UNDERCOVER OF THE NIGHT.

June 1985

Dan's bride thinks June is a nice month for a WHITE WEDDING

July 1985

Jim, Lisa, Bob, Carol and Dennis strut their stuff while WALKING ON THE MOON.

August 1985

Are Lisa and Dave seeing the light or DANCING IN THE DARK?

September 1985

Pete proves he's a PINBALL WIZARD, as Maxanne and Marty flip.

October 1985

With Tom, Dennis, Pete, Marty and Maxanne on call, there's just no way to LIGHT MY FIRE.

November 1985

Scott said he was taking off but Lisa, Charlie, Maxanne and Marty underestimated their ROCKET MAN.

December 1985

Dave, Mark and Charlie thought they were well-dressed dudes 'til they met a real SHARP DRESSED MAN.

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag "Classics" [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, January 6, 1985 (88:37)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Pete starts the year with another episode of Mixed Bag Classics featuring the "second cut".

Pt1 (25:52)

Pt2 (19:09)

Pt3 (24:06)

Pt4 (19:30)

AIRCHECK: Dennis Elsas [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, January 6, 1985

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Here's a bit of the Dennis Elsas show that followed the Fornatale show above.

Elsas (13:29)

AIRCHECK: Pete Forntale's Mixed Bag [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, January 27, 1985 (69:12)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag radio show, this time featuring folk-singer Tom Paxton.

Pt1(28:25)

Pt2(40:47)

AIRCHECK: WNEW-FM's 2 millionth Song [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, April 7, 1985

Contributed by David Weinstein

WNEW-FM did a promotion to celebrate the playing of their 2-millionth song. Whether they really knew it was the 2-millionth song or not is anyone's guess. Personally, I think they estimated it. The celebration takes place outside of Tower Records, presumably the one on Broadway by NYU with a live crowd and with most of the DJs in attendance. Sounds like a fairly large crowd. After playing the 2-millionth song, they play a montage of songs they've played over the years.

2-millionth song (24:49)

AIRCHECK: Saturday Morning Sixties w/ Pete Fornatale [scoped - stereo]

Saturday, April 6, 1985 (73:11)

Contributed by Brian L. Wolfsohn

Pete Fornatale plays the 60's, including but not limited to some big hit singles. We also hear interview segments with Joan Baez talking about early Bob Dylan and with songwiter Ellie Greenwich talking about the songs she wrote with Jeff Barry and Phil Spector. And there's even some news from The Source. An altogether great example of what made weekends on WNEW-FM a fun and worthwhile listen, a sharp contrast to today when most music stations don't even try anymore.

Pete Fornatale

AIRCHECK: Pete Forntale's Mixed Bag [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, May 26, 1985 (93:57)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Another easy-going early-morning show from Pete Fornatale. Part 3 comprises an interview and live performance with Country Joe McDonald.

Pt1(35:00)

Pt2(31:43)

Pt3(27:14)

AIRCHECK: Scott Muni's Ticket to Ride [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, May 26, 1985 (11:17)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

A few minutes of Scott Muni's syndicated "Ticket to Ride" show.

Muni

AIRCHECK: Maxine Santori, Dennis Elsas [stereo]

contributed by Rob Frankel via his RadioMaven77 postings on Mixcloud

Monday, May 27, 1985 (128:10)

A bit of the Top 1027 songs of all time, played over Memorial Day Weekend. The fact that a radio station would play over 1000 different songs over a weekend is absolutely shocking today. The big question with all listener contributed voting is did the station really follow them or did they manipulate them? We know stations like WCBS-FM manipulated them because they woud never play anything that didn't meet format. We don't really know if WNEW-FM played it straight. I suspect they did, because the audience was self-reinforcing anyway and "programmed" to like the tracks the station played anyway.

Dennis Elsas joiins in at about the one-hour mark.

AIRCHECK: Pete Forntale's Mixed Bag [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, August 11, 1985

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Pete Fornatale interviews Dan Fogelberg, including a live performance.

Fornatale (28:30)

AIRCHECK: Scott Muni's Ticket to Ride [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, August 11, 1985

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Another few minutes of Scott Muni's syndicated "Ticket to Ride" show.

Muni (11:17)

December 12, 1985: WNEW-FM Holiday Concert with Heaven and Starship

AIRCHECK: WNEW-FM's “A Christmas Carol” [mono]

December, 1985

Contributed by Richard Krumm

This is the 1985 version of WNEW-FM's “A Christmas Carol”, the classic Dickens story and a throwback to old-time drama on radio. Introduced by Pete Fornatale and also featuring Scott Muni as Scrooge, the cast includes Tom Crouch, Dennis Elsas, Dave Herman, Carol Miller, Lisa Glassberg, Dan Neer, Mark McEwen, Richard Neer, Ken Dashow, Marty Martinez and Maxanne Sartori.

Note that we also have the 1980 version above. 1980 version

XmasCarol '85 (21:45)

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1986

PROMOTION: WNEW-FM Calendar

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

1986

WNEW-FM created a calendar every year, with the profits going to the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia and Cancer Research, a music industry initiative. This is the 1986 calendar which was produced by George Meredith, Paul Schindel and James Olsen of the Gianettino and Meredith ad agency and it was photographed by Bill Wagner, Karen Sexton, Diane Frank and Susan Frank. This year's calendar theme was about the artists and returned to full 'technicolor" from the previous year's black & white imagery.

(Click for larger versions)

January 1986

U2: Happy NEW YEAR'S DAY from Dave, Ken, Pete, Ray, Marty, Mark, Lisa, Richard and everyone at 102.7 WNEW-FM.

February 1986

The POLICE: Stranded on a deserted island in mid-February, Dave, Lisa, Mark, Dan-O and Richard discovered this MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE: Rock Lives at WNEW-FM.

March 1986

BOB DYLAN: Lisa, Mark, Richard, Dave and Ray make the best music where 102.7 Avenue meets POSITIVELY 4TH STREET.

April 1986

THE GRATEFUL DEAD: Scott takes a turn behind the big wheel, while Dave drives Ray, Lisa, Richard, Dennis, Marty and Mark in some classic TRUCKIN'.

May 1986

DAVID BOWIE: Great rock never goes out of FASHION for Richard, Carol, Dave, Lisa, Dan-O and Mark - or the Directors.

June 1986

BILLY JOEL: Rock 'n roll puts Carol, Maxanne, Mark, Dave, Dan-O, Lisa, Richard and Scott in a NEW YORK STATE OF MIND.

July 1986

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: These rockers were BORN TO RUN: Mark and Richard, Marty, Dan-O and Lisa wait for Scott's starting shot, as Tom Couch clocks the action.

August 1986

ELTON JOHN: As the "Radio Vice" squad, Richard, Lisa and Mark know that if you lead it to water, you can make a CROCODILE ROCK.

September 1986

THE ROLLING STONES: GIMME SHELTER, says the crew that knows where rock lives: Jim, Pete and Dennis oversee Ken, Marty, Scott and Ray.

October 1986

THE WHO: It's hard to figure out Who WON'T BE FOOLED AGAIN when the WNEW-FM family plays 3-card monte at the Hard Rock.

November 1986

LED ZEPPELIN: Mark, Richard and Scott check out Dennis' dream dancer while Dan-O and Lisa whoop it up at the MISTY MOUNTAIN HOP.

December 1986

THE BEATLES: Scott Muni collects a TICKET TO RIDE from Richard, Mark, Lisa, Bob, Pete and Carol.

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale [stereo]

Sunday Janaury 5, 1986 (139:14)

Pete celebrates the birthdays of Rod Stewart and Joan Baez on a Sunday morning - a spot that enabled Pete to avoid the playlists and restrictions of other dayparts.

Pete

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale with Joni Mitchell [scoped - stereo]

January 12, 1986 (1:42:49)

Contributed by Simon Montgomery

This might be the most comprehensive interview ever conducted with Joni Mitchell as Pete interviews Joni about her entire career, accompanied by her music including one live-in-the-studio song at the end.

Pt1(34:08)

Pt2(29:27)

Pt3(32:28)

Pt4(6:46)

PRESS: Metromedia Sells WNEW-FM

New York Times: March 25, 1986

“It is believed to be the largest sale ever of a radio station group...”

This sale constituted nine of Metromedia's 11 radio stations. The investor group was led by Carl C. Brazell Jr, the then current president of Metromedia Radio. The investors would hold the stations for just two years before selling them again, to Legacy Broadcasting and they would be sold again not long after to Westinghouse.

Each time the stations sold, they sold for a higher price, thereby increasing the debt the stations held. Because of the high debt, stations had to appeal to the widest common denominator in order to be profitable, which is what helped destroy quality radio programming.

According to journalist (and site contributor) Dan McCue, “Almost immediately afterward, the buyers, burdened with debt, set about dismantling WNEW-AM. They slashed all but the morning newscasts, canceled the live shows and broke up the music late at night with a syndicated talk program featuring psychologist Toni Grant. An evening sports program seemed even more glaringly out of place and Steve Allen was paid a pile to do a talkative daytime broadcast that evolved into an inside joke among him and his friends.”

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Saturday Morning Sixties [stereo]

Saturday, June 21, 1986

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete celebrates Ray Davies' (The Kinks) birthday and includes interviews with Ray. He also plays a set of music from June 1966.

Part One (62:08)

Part Two (101:15)

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Saturday Morning Sixties [stereo]

Saturday, September 20, 1986 (89:47)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete plays the Vanilla Fudge and a bunch of early 60's singles from Gary U.S. Bonds, the Isley Brothers and others.

Pt1

Pt2

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale [stereo-scoped]

November 30, 1986 (50:25)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete highlights Loggins & Messina.

Pete

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Saturday Morning Sixties [scoped - stereo]

Dec 13, 1986 (86:31)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Pete's 25th anniversary of the Beach Boys special, featuring interviews with Al Jardine, Dennis Wilson and Brian Wilson.

Pt1

Pt2

Pt3

Pt4

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1987

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag [stereo]

Sunday, January 4, 1987 62:32

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete highlights Joan Baez and Stephen Stills.

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, January 11, 1987

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete doing his usual Sunday morning themed show, this time about the California Gold Rush.

Pete Fornatale (46:36)

AIRCHECK: Dennis Elsas Pays Tribute to Bob Lewis [scoped - stereo]

circa February 7, 1987

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Bob Lewis was a staple of New York radio having appeared on WMGM, WINS, WABC, WABC-FM, WNEW-FM and WCBS-FM. As such, he's mentioned on many different pages of this site.

Bob was born April 3, 1937 putting him at the center of early top-40 radio. We all remember "Bob-a-Loo". When FM radio split from AM radio simulcasting in 1966, Bob saw the potential of working in a freer creative environment and started doing the only weekday live show on WABC-FM in April of 1967. Formats were changing quickly, but by October of 1967, he was doing a one-hour show on Saturday nights called, "Some Trust In Chariots" with music producer Tom Wilson doing a show before him and Chuck Leonard and Dan Ingram each doing one hour shows following him. From mid-1968 to early 1969, he did a weekday show called "Radio Free New York".

By September of 1970, he was doing 5-9pm weekdays on CBS-FM when the station had an AOR format. And later in 1970, he was doing weekends on WNEW-FM. He was also a voice-over artist and appeared on many radio commercials.

Bob Lewis died on January 23, 1987 at the young age of 49.

Bob Lewis (12:41)

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale & Roger McGuinn Celebrate Dylan's 46th Birthday [mono]

May 24, 1987 (172:37)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete and Roger McGuinn (The Byrds) celebrate Dylan's birthday in 1987. This is a great aircheck that also includes a few news segments back when radio was "full service".

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Saturday Morning Sixties [stereo]

June 6, 1987 (92:43)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete playing the 60's.

Sat Morn 60's

WNEW-FM 20th Anniversary Celebration

Variety - October 28, 1987

Variety published a special issue in 1987 celebrating the 20th anniversary of WNEW-FM and PD Scott Muni.

AIRCHECK: Scott Muni Live at the Hard Rock Cafe [scoped - stereo]

20th Anniversary: October 30, 1987
(Pt1-22:51, Pt2-19:42, Pt3-9:42, Pt4-21:48, Pt5-15:19, Pt6-12:02, Pt7-16:54, Pt8-22:40, pt9-23:46)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

WNEW-FM held regular events at the Hard Rock Cafe on 57th Street, especially anniversary celebrations. It gave the staff another chance to meet fans and as an excuse to have lots of artists stop by.

Part One of this show includes Iggy Pop, John Zacherley and Richard Marx. Zach had left WNEW-FM in 1971 for WABC-FM and stayed there (as it became WPLJ) until 1980. You can hear in Scott's comments that he wanted Zach to come back to WNEW-FM, but Zach apparently didn't want the full-time work. Zacherley would have been 69 when this show was broadcast and he still sounds incredibly great.

Part Two of this show includes Richard Marx, Joe Cocker (by telephone), Bill Graham and the voice of John Cleese.

Part Three features Pete Fornatale and Richie Havens.

Part Four features Alison Steele, Dennis Elsas, Ron Delsner, David Lee Roth and Cyndi Lauper.

Part Five features Jon Bon Jovi, Carol Miller and David Lee Roth.

Part Six features David Lee Roth.

Part Seven features David Lee Roth, Jimmy Page, NYC Mayor Ed Koch and most of the WNEW-FM jocks in the background.

Part Nine features Dave Herman and Pete Fornatale continuing their discussion about the history of the station along with Dennis Elsas, Scott Muni and Carol Miller, who also discuss the Beatles and Scott's early days when he was told by everyone that he was wasting his time because "rock wouldn't last".

Pt1

Pt2

Pt3

Pt4

Pt5

Pt6

Pt7

Pt8

Pt9

AIRCHECK: WNEW-FM 20th Anniversary Documentary (Scoped)

WNEW-FM - October 30, 1987

WNEW-FM created a 4-hour radio documentary to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 1987. This is a scoped version of that documentary.

What's interesting about the documentary is that it reminds us that WNEW-FM was far more than what today constitutes a classic rock station. It had dominant and distinctive air personalities and along with the music were live concerts, special events such as beach parties, news, coverage of wars, civil rights and drug abuse issues; benefits for charities and interviews with the giants as well as newcomers to the rock scene, including John Lennon as disc jockey. In addition, it cultivated strong talent and frequently hired people out of college radio or from smaller local stations. There's nothing like it today.

Pt1

Pt2

Pt3

Pt4

Pt5

Pt6

Pt7

Pt8

AIRCHECK: Dennis Elsas [scoped - stereo]

October 31, 1987

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

This is a segment of Dennis' show from the 20th anniversary of WNEW-FM, Saturday, October 31, 1987 followed by a "Weekend Warrior" bit.

Although WNEW-FM always celebrated the anniversary on October 31, the actual anniversary of the first Rosko show was October 30th.

Elsas(10:16)

AIRCHECK: WNEW-FM Montage [scoped - stereo]

various dates

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

These are various bits from WNEW-FM including an Earle Bailey Summer montage, Pat St. John's theme, a Star Trek/WNEW-FM promo and Curt Chaplin's last show.

WNEW-FM(9:07)

AIRCHECK: Scott Muni's "Ticket to Ride" with Bob Gruen [scoped - stereo]

November, 1987 (32:50)

Contributed by Dan McCue

This is a complete (but scoped and without commercials) edition of Scott Muni's syndicated "Ticket to Ride" show about the Beatles. It played on WNEW-FM on Sundays. This edition features an interview with photographer Bob Gruen, who became personal friends with John and Yoko and frequently photographed them. Gruen took the famous photo of Lennon in his New York City shirt.

Ticket to Ride

AIRCHECK: Scott Muni's Twentieth Anniversary [scoped-stereo]

December 18, 1987 (129:00)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Thanks to collector Ken Tullipano, we have a complete aircheck of Scott Muni's show of December 18th, 1987, his 20th anniversary at WNEW-FM. Although the station started playing rock on October 30th, 1967, Muni didn't join until December.

Part 1 of this aircheck also features Dave Herman and part 2 features Jonathan Schwartz. Muni didn't usually do a lot of talking on his shows, but he did for the anniversary and of course, Schwartz can't stop talking.

Part 3 continues with Scott and Dave Herman . There's lots of great radio stories in this segment. And there's an old Scottso jingle at about 7:10. Following that, a stripper sent over by Columbia Records does her thing with Scott (who also gets undressed). Maybe this is where Howard Stern got his inspiration from. Dennis Elsas and Jim Monahan join at about 13:30.

Part 4 includes Dennis Elsas, Jim Monahan and Pete Fornatale as well as very high quality versions of Muni's 1950s and 1960s WMCA and WABC jingles and show intros (at 5:39). Muni talks about Alan Freed and we also hear Muni broadcasting from WNEW-FM's transmitter during the New York City power blackout.

Part 5 continues with the fun with some old airchecks and a recording of Elton John doing a spot for the Pink Pussycat Boutique.

Part 6 concludes with Muni, Dennis Elsas and Pete Fornatale.

Pt1

Pt2

Pt3

Pt4

Pt5

Pt6

December 18, 1987: Christmas Concert with Yes at Brendan Byrne Arena

PROGRAMMING: 1987's Top 1027 Songs of All Time

1987

Around their 20th anniversary, WNEW-FM polled listeners as to their choices for the top 1027 songs of all time. It doesn't look like the station cheated, but fans who voted mostly chose all the very obvious hit tracks - the same tracks a programmer would have chosen with only a few exceptions.

Click for list

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1988

PRESS: Metropolitan Broadcasting Merges with Sillerman Acquisition Corp.

Broadcasting: April 11, 1988

“...in a transaction valued at more than $300 million”

This was the second time WNEW-FM had been sold. And it would be sold again to Westinghouse which would then buy CBS.

As we noted with the previous sale of the station, each time the stations were sold, they sold for a higher price, thereby increasing the debt the stations held. Because of the high debt, stations had to appeal to the widest common denominator in order to be profitable, which is what helped destroy quality radio programming.

PRESS: WNEW-FM Joan Jett Concert Results in Skipped Classes

Asbury Park Press: May 28, 1988

“I've been fuming all day”

WNEW-FM scheduled a beach party concert on a school day and an awful lot of kids in Asbury Park didn't show up for school that day. WNEW-FM always did have a very loyal audience. So the school official were extremely upset that the station "interfered with the kids' education". So what did they claim they were going to do? Implement widespread suspensions, keeping the kids out of classes. Geniuses.

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag [scoped - stereo]

Saturday, September 25, 1988
(96:24)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete Fornatale celebrates Bruce Springsteen's 39th birthday and welcomes guest Livingston Taylor live in the studio. There's also a news report in Part 2.

Pt1(60:40)

Pt2(67:30)

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, October 2, 1988
(173:29)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete would leave WNEW-FM in September of 1989 (althouth return in January of 1997, so October 1988 was initially the last time Pete would be there during anniversary month of the station (although Pete doesn't specifically mention that it's close to the 21st anniversary of the station).

In this edition, Pete celebrates the Greenwich Village Folk Festival. And we even get a short newscast at the beginning from NBC Radio News. (I don't recall when WNEW-FM gave up its own news department.)

Pete

AIRCHECK: Scott Muni with Paul Simon [stereo]

November 29, 1988
(96:24)

Contributed by Dan McCue

This is a pre-recorded interview that Scott Muni conducted with Paul Simon when Simon co-hosted Muni's show. It's an unedited raw interview without the music tracks that would be added later and is probably far more detailed than what eventually made it to air.

Muni always attracted great guests, but was not known as a great interviewer. However, in this interview, in which Simon co-hosted the show, Muni gets a lot out of the normally reclusive Simon and gives him plenty of space to express what he wanted to say.

They spend much time discussing both Simon's musical roots as well as the roots of rock and roll music.

Part 3 is a conversation that took place between Simon and Muni after the interview was finished and was not intended for air. This is an incredible exclusive and we thank WNEW-FM historian Dan McCue for providing it.

Pt1(49:03)

Pt2(35:25)

Pt3(11:56)

AIRCHECK: Saturday Morning Sixties w/Pete Fornatale
and guest Brian Wilson [scoped - stereo]

December 24, 1988
(78:40)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

On Christmas Eve, 1988, Pete replayed his extensive and detailed interview with Brian Wilson that he first aired the previous summer. This is the type of programming that you never hear on the radio today, not even on talk radio or public radio stations because they'll never do anything longer than 20-something minutes.

One unique highlight of this interview is when Pete takes Brian into the WNEW-AM live studio, sits him at the piano and has Brian present an incredible tutorial in songwriting and production. Wow.

Pt.1(28:24)

Pt.2(32:35)

Pt.3(17:41)

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Christmas Backtrack [scoped - stereo]

December, 1988
(28:47)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

We don't know too much about this show. We suspect this was a syndicated show created by Pete Fornatale that WNEW-FM happened to play in New York. This is the Christmas edition with songs, movie soundtrack bits and old radio spots. As usual, we had to scope the songs, but you'll still get the idea.

Backtrack

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1989

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag
with guest James Taylor [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, March 12, 1989 (134 minutes)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete Fornatale's Sunday morning show on WNEW-FM. The second half of the show features a repeat of an interview Pete did with James Taylor, who also performs live in the studio. The show also includes several news segments back when radio still felt a responsiblity to provide some public service.

PtI (63:33)

PtII (70:51)

PRESS: Westinghouse Buys 10 Stations from Metropolitan Radio

New York Times: April 21, 1989

“That would make the purchase the largest radio deal ever...”

This is the third sale of WNEW-FM. This consolidation of radio ownership would be one more step driving the end of quality radio due to debt service. Six years later, Westinghouse would buy CBS and merge their radio stations.

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's Mixed Bag w/ Dr. John [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, May 14, 1989 (114:28)

Contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Pete Fornatale spent this edition of the show celebrating Mother's Day and a new album from the great Dr. John (Mac Rebennak). Pete interviews Dr. John in the last segment.

Pt.1

Pt.2

Pt.3

June 27, 1989: WNEW-FM Presents The Who at Madison Square Garden

AIRCHECK: Pete Fornatale's 20th Anniversary [scoped - stereo]

July 22, 1989 (9:11)

Contributed by Don Balogh

Pete Fornatale joined WNEW-FM on July 26, 1969, just six days after the moon landing and three weeks before the Woodstock festival. He started his radio career on college radio station WFUV, the college radio station of Fordham University, in 1964. In April of 1964, he hosted a show called "Friday Musicale" which soon evolved into "New Friday Musicale", then "Friday in New York" and then to "Swing Easy" before becoming "Campus Caravan" in late November of 1964.

Although always stylistically different, Pete was heavily influenced by Rosko who became his mentor and was partially responsible for Pete joining WNEW-FM.

This short aircheck is of Dennis Elsas taking over Pete's show so he could interview Pete on his 20th anniversary at WNEW-FM. We also hear from Rosko and Richie Havens. This aircheck is from a few days before the actual anniversary.

Anniversary

PRESS: Pete Fornatale leaves WNEW-FM for WXRK

New York Post: September 18, 1989

“Should I stay or should I go?”

Fornatale leaves WNEW-FM for WXRK. Dave Herman would also wind up there, but both would eventually return to WNEW-FM for the "Classic Rocks & Classic Jocks" format

December 21, 1989: WNEW-FM Holiday Concert with Little Feat, the Neville Brothers and Bonnie Raitt at Madison Square Garden

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1990

December 13, 1990: Christmas Concert with Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians and John Hiatt at the Beacon Theatre

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1991

AIRCHECK: Richard Neer's Morning Show [scoped - stereo]

circa late 1991 (21:38)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

This is a bit of Richard Neer's morning show from sometime in late 1991 or early 1992.

Neer

VIDEO AIRCHECK: Scott Muni

circa 1991

As posted by Art Vuolo on YouTube

This is a short video of Scott Muni on the air in 1991. Never realized the studio was that small. Looks like his back is against the wall..

December 10, 1991: Christmas Concert with The Moody Blues at the Paramount Theatre

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1992

AIRCHECK: Scott Muni's 25th Anniversary [scoped - stereo]

December 18, 1992 (155:42)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

WOW! Thanks to Ken Tullipano's incredible archive, we have the entire four hour (of airtime) special celebrating Scott Muni's 25th anniversary at WNEW-FM from 1992, accompanied by Dennis Elsas.

Part 1 features much discussion about Scott's history on the air in New York, including many of the jingles and themes he used when he worked in top-40 radio at WMCA and WABC-AM. (30:45)

Part 2 features more history as well as the beginnings of a discussion about Cat Olsen, the attempted bank robber who called into the station and got Scott to come down to the bank. (20:55)

Part 3 continues the story. (13:18)

Part 4 features excerpts from Elton John's visit to the station and the New York power failure of July 1977 when Scott broadcast from the transmitter site. It also includes reminisces about Cat Stevens and Janis Joplin. (34:58)

Part 5 (18:52) and Part 6 (18:59) finds Scott talking about Jimmy Page, the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead and Harry Chapin.

Part 7 concludes with The Who and the Jefferson Airplane. (17:55)

Pt1

Pt2

Pt3

Pt4

Pt5

Pt6

Pt7

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1995

AIRCHECK: Flashback promo

contributed and produced by Rob Frankel

circa 1995

Flashback was a pre-produced show that played on Saturday mornings from 5-9am. Being a late sleeper, I probably never heard the show.

Rob Frankel, who originally produced this promo, tells us, "Flashback is a syndicated weekly 4 hour classic rock show, hosted by Bill St. James. Next month we'll celebrate our 24th year of production. The show mixes classic rock with clips of TV shows, movies, newscasts, comedy and even vintage rock'n'roll radio in thematic segments. When we were on WNEW, we produced a special local version hosted by Pete Fornatale (and by Ken Dashow, when Pete was at K-ROCK)."

This promo features Dashow.

Flashback

MEDIA: WNEW-FM Changes Formats to Alt-Rock

NY Times: August 1, 1995

In a desperation move, WNEW-FM switches to an AAA format in order to play more new music. Theoretically a good idea consistent with the roots of the station, but the audience doesn't accept it and it will turn out to be a failure.

Pg1

Pg2

MEDIA: Westinghouse Agrees to Buy CBS

NY Times: August 2, 1995

Westinghouse Broadcasting, which had bought WNEW-FM along with other stations in April of 1989, announces it will buy the CBS Corporation. The deal would be completed in November. CBS would later merge with Viacom in 2000 and break the companies apart again in 2005. They would merge the radio group (to avoid taxes) with Entercom in 2017.

MEDIA: Alison Steele Dies

NY Times - September 27, 1995

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

The NY Times Obit for the great Alison Steele. Of course, the Times gets at least one fact wrong: when WNEW-FM started the rock format, both Steele and Nell Bassett were originally asked to stay and be part of the initial lineup.

Larger image

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1996

AIRCHECK: Vin Scelsa's "Sunday Night" with guests Pete Fornatale and Shawn Colvin [stereo] (144:20)

contributed by Brian Wolfsohn

Sunday, October 16, 1996

Vin Scelsa left K-Rock and returned to WNEW-FM in January of 1996. Pete Fornatale left K-Rock around the same time when K-Rock (WXRK) became a Modern Rock station. Pete would rejoin WNEW-FM in January, 1997 when it switched from Alternative to Classic Rock. It's not known whether he knew he was returning when this was broadcast on October 6, 1996.

Pete and Vin talk about their respective radio histories and even their disagreements. About an hour into the show, they're joined by Shawn Colvin.

This show was originally broadcast a few weeks before the 29th anniversary of WNEW-FM and 8 days after the 30th anniversary of jocks joining WOR-FM.

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1997

PROMOTION: Classic Rock

circa January 1997

In a last desperate move after the failure of the alternative rock format, WNEW-FM returned to a "Classic Rock and Classic Jocks" format on January 2, 1997. But it would start phasing out music after November of 1998.

Keychain Swag

AIRCHECK: Carol Miller, Vin Scelsa, Alison Steele [stereo] (93:19)

contributed by Rob Frankel via his RadioMaven77 postings on Mixcloud

Friday, May 23, 1997

This appears to be WNEW-FM on its 30th anniversary in 1997 looking back and pretending it was 1972. But Alison died in 1995 and the DJ's weren't that good at acting. When they did other such "pretends", it was quite obvious. And IMO, it would have been in bad taste for Vin Scelsa to state that he was called in to do Alison's show beause she had to take a trip if she had already passed away. So I originally thought this really was from 1972. However, there's a commercial for a novel by Amanda Quick that wasn't published until 1997, so this indeed really is from 1997.

In any case the "Alison tape" that is played is really terrific because Alison tells the history of her role on the station and how she becamse "The Nightbird".

This aircheck seems to be a more extended version of the two that follow below.

AIRCHECK: Alison Steele: Back to 1972 [scoped - stereo]

May 1997 (32:56)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Five months before the 30th anniversary, WNEW-FM decided to look back 25 years before, to 1972. Alison Steele "left" this tape to play at the beginning of Vin Scelsa's show. At the beginning of the aircheck, we hear the end of Carol Miller's shift and a discussion between Vin and Carol before Vin starts this tape.

Alison doesn't just go back to 1972 -- she goes back to 1967 and talks about the very early days of the station and how she became "The Nightbird". And when you hear her theme, her poem and the incredibly smooth transition to and out of The Moody Blues track, you hear the power of what incredibly creative radio once was.

Alison Steele

AIRCHECK: Vin Scelsa: Back to 1972 [scoped - stereo]

May 1997 (42:27)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

Vin Scelsa picks up from the end of the Alison Steele aircheck, continuing to "pretend" that it was 1972 on the day that Dave Herman joined the station.

This is an interesting show because Scelsa reveals lots about the reasons for the call letter change at WABC-FM to WPLJ and the later change in format.

Pt1

Pt2

AIRCHECK: WNEW-FM 30th Anniversary Celebration at the Museum of Television & Radio (Scoped)

WNEW-FM - circa October 30, 1997

WNEW-FM celebrated it's 30th anniversary by broadcasting from the Museum of Television & Radio in NYC (now the Paley Center for Media). These are scoped excerpts from that event. The 30th anniversary documentary is posted below.

Dave Herman

Pete Fornatale

Pete con't

Fornatale w/Richie Havens

Havens con't

Muni w/Jonathan Schwartz

Scott Muni

Muni w/Stevie Nicks

DeNuzio

Pat St. John

Dennis Elsas w/John Zacherley

Elsas-Zach con't

AIRCHECK: WNEW-FM 30th Anniversary Documentary (Scoped)

WNEW-FM - circa October 30, 1997

As it had done for previous decade anniversaries, WNEW-FM created a 4-hour radio documentary to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 1997. This is a scoped version of that documentary.

It reminds us again that while over the years, WNEW-FM became more formatted, regimented and commercially oriented as it sought ratings, it remained pretty much a full-service radio station and also continued to play a large role in the industry and in the community. From sponsoring concerts in Central Park, beach parties and fireworks on the Hudson to activities that benefited charities, the station was always active. But this anniversary was its swan song...WNEW-FM became an adult talk station just two years later.

A few segments are missing, probably due to tape turns. We apologize for those omissions.

Pt1

Pt2

Pt3

Pt4

Pt5

Pt6

Pt7

Pt8

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1998

WNEW-FM Ends the Classic Rock & Classic Jocks Format

New York Times: September 6, 1998

WNEW-FM ends the classic rock format. They would mix music and talk for another year with only Carol Miller remaining from the old team along with Opie & Anthony from 3-7pm for another year, when they would go all talk.

WNEW-FM fires Scott Muni

NY Times: November 15, 1998

“Scott comes from an era when deejays mattered -- and Scott mattered more than any of them in New York because he put the team together at WNEW”

The NY Times' initial take on the firing of Scott Muni

A Radio Legend Searches For a New Gig

NY Times: November 27, 1998

“We see it all the time, the guy who puts in 40 years. . . ”

The NY Times' follow-up take on the firing of Scott Muni, conducted while he was cleaning out his office. Interesting that Scott thought about possibly finding a sports announcing gig. He wound up doing a daily one-hour show at WAXQ.

WNEW-FM fires Scott Muni and Dave Herman

Billboard: November 28, 1998

Two of the greatest air personalities to ever appear on New York radio are let go from WNEW-FM. Muni had been on WNEW-FM for over 31 years.

WNEW-FM 102.7: 1999

AIRCHECK: Vin Scelsa's "Idiot's Delight" with Peter Wolf [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, January 24, 1999 (137:24)

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

“I was a Bronx boy...it was a great place to grow up..well for guys it was a lot of...you learned the fine arts of spitting, smoking cigarettes and eating sunflower seeds.”

This is a great aircheck of Vin with Peter Wolf, best known for his many years with the J. Geils band, but also a great solo act, songwriter, DJ and music historian. Vin and Peter talk about growing up in the Bronx, Peter's years in Boston, being a DJ, his friendship with Van Morrison, listening to Dylan in 1962 on WBAI, Bill Graham, the Boston Tea Party music venue, the J. Geils band and they play a whole lot of great R&B and other music.

Pt.1 (34:12)

Pt.2 (30:44)

Pt.3 (31:13)

Pt.4 (41:15)

AIRCHECK: Vin Scelsa's "Idiot's Delight" [scoped - stereo]

Sunday, May 9, 1999

Contributed by Ken Tullipano

“There continues to be rumors, even news reports of rumors about a proposed format change at this station...I have heard nothing officially from anybody”

Vinnie obviously began to sense that it was almost over for WNEW-FM as a music station. But he still did his thing and this particular edition of "Idiot's Delight" proves once again that radio could entertain and inform with the highest degree of artistry. Salmon Rushdie was supposed to be a guest this night. Due to security concerns, he cancelled his appearance but Vin still dedicated much of the show to Rushdie spending part of the night reading from Rushdie's newest novel. Would any music DJ on any station, either commercial or non-commercial, do that today? Obviously not.

While Scelsa had the freedom he had largely because his show played on Sunday nights, was considered a specialty show and wasn't rated, so management probably didn't care all that much what he did, it's still amazing that it happened at all.

Why is it today that no commercial radio show demonstrates any signs of intellect? It's probably because to do so causes tune out, but one has to ask what happened to the audience for this kind of radio? With more students attending college than ever before and more books available than ever before, how have we become so anti-intellectual?

Pt.1 (60:17)

Pt.2 (47:48)

AIRCHECK: WNEW-FM flips from Rock to Full-time Talk: Ralph Totora / Opie & Anthony

Monday, September 13, 1999 (71:08)

contributed by Rob Frankel via his RadioMaven77 postings on Mixcloud

I guess "13" is a bad luck number. Except for some odds and endds, like Vin Scelsa's Sunday show, the end of rock music on WNEW-FM after 32 years.

WNEW-FM Goes All-Talk

New York Times: September 14, 1999

After over 30 years as a rock music station, WNEW-FM goes all-talk, a move that would lead to great afternoon ratings for a while, but in the end would prove disasterous after a sophmoric stunt by Opie & Anthony. That stunt would end the hot talk format in 2003 and lead into a series of quick format changes, none of which would be successful. After being the most influential (even though not the top rated) music station in New York City and possibly the country for more than 30 years, 102.7 (which recently regained back its original call letters), is of absolutely no consequence in 2016.

WNEW-FM moves to Talk Format

Billboard: October 2, 1999

Billboard's take on the end of rock WNEW-FM.

WNEW-FM 102.7: 2000

Rosko Dies

NY Daily News & NY Times - August, 2000

WOR-FM, WNEW-FM, WQIV, WKTU air personality Bill "Rosko" Mercer passed away after a battle with cancer on August 1, 2000.

WNEW-FM 102.7: 2001

The Last Idiot's Delight

NY Times - January 4, 2001

The NY Times reports on the last edition of Idiot's Delight on WNEW-FM, which took place on New Year's Eve 2000 into the early morning of New Year's Day 2001. Scelsa would later move the show to WFUV.

WNEW-FM 102.7: 2004

Scott Muni Dies

NY Times - September, 2004

Scott Muni, veteran of New York radio stations WMCA, WABC(AM), WOR-FM, WNEW-FM and WAXQ(FM) passed away on September 30, 2004 after suffering a stroke some months earlier.

WNEW-FM 102.7 Schedules

These schedules are sourced from newspapers, FM Guide (which was usually a few months behind changes), Radio Guide, Richard Neer's book on FM radio, personal recollections of myself and DJs and various postings on the web, especially those of Vince Santarelli. Corrections welcomed. In some cases, the same time periods are redunantly posted due to conflicting information from different sources.

Click for larger images

1966 - 1969

This schedule shows the beginnings of the station beginning with the "all-girls" format and Rosko joining the station on October 30, 1967 after qutting WOR-FM a few months before.

1969 - 1982

This is the schedule through the approximate end of the free-form period. While WNEW-FM was well programmed past this period, at least some of the air personalities feel that the station had reached its zenith just after John Lennon's death in December of 1980.

1982 - 1986

We begin to see a lot more jock turnover during this period as the station goes through a number of ownership and management changes.

1986 - 1996

Relative stability during most of this period and a number of former WPLJ jocks including Pat St. John, Tony Pigg and Carol Miller join the station join as "the next generation".

1997 - 2018

The end of the Alt-Rock format, the "Classic Rock & Classic Jocks" era when Pete Fornatale and Dave Herman rejoined the station and the beginnings of the hot talk format as Opie & Anthony join in late 1998. And then the beginning of a series of unsuccessful and quite boring CHR formats.