Since its inception in 1948, WAMO has been more than just a radio station for Pittsburgh—it has been a cultural institution, a community voice, and a vital platform for Black music, news, and identity. From its early days as WHOD to its current presence on 107.3 FM, WAMO's journey reflects the resilience and evolution of Black media in America.
The Early Days: WHOD and the Rise of R&B
WAMO began as WHOD on August 1, 1948, branding itself as the "station of nations" with a diverse ethnic programming lineup. It featured Greek, Hebrew, Italian, and African American music, reflecting Pittsburgh's multicultural population. One of its most groundbreaking hires was Mary Dee Dudley, believed to be the first Black female disc jockey in the U.S. Her show, "Movin' Around with Mary Dee," blended music with community news, setting a precedent for Black radio formats nationwide.
In the 1960s, WAMO became a powerful voice for Pittsburgh's Black community. News director Mal Goode, who later became the first Black network news correspondent at ABC, used the station to spotlight civil rights issues, police brutality, and housing discrimination.
WAMO also broadcast major events like the 1961 Freedom Rally at Forbes Field, which featured Martin Luther King Jr., Mahalia Jackson, and Sammy Davis Jr.
By the 1990s, WAMO had embraced hip-hop and R&B, becoming Pittsburgh's go-to station for urban music. It also pioneered local Juneteenth celebrations, hosting large-scale concerts and community events that brought national acts like Destiny's Child to the city. These gatherings helped raise awareness of Black history and culture in Pittsburgh long before Juneteenth became a federal holiday.
In 2009, WAMO's original frequencies (106.7 FM and 860 AM) were sold, leading to a temporary loss of Pittsburgh's only Black-owned radio station.
The community felt the void deeply.
However, in 2011, Martz Communications revived the WAMO brand on 660 AM and later added FM translators at 100.1 and 107.3. In 2022, Audacy, Inc. entered into a local marketing agreement to operate WAMO, bringing it under the same umbrella as KDKA and other major Pittsburgh stations. Despite these changes, WAMO has remained committed to its urban format and community roots
Now broadcasting as WAMO 107.3, the station continues to serve as Pittsburgh's only urban-format outlet, playing hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and soul.
It features syndicated shows like "DeDe in the Morning" and local programming that highlights community voices and issues.
WAMO's 75-year journey is a testament to the power of Black media and community resilience. Through music, news, and cultural programming, it has provided a vital platform for voices often marginalized in mainstream media.
As it continues to evolve, WAMO remains a beacon for Pittsburgh's Black community and a symbol of enduring legacy.
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