Bill Spry fulfills promise to loyal listeners by bringing classic rock station to Butler County
In a move that delighted his dedicated ClassX Radio listeners, Bill Spry has made good on his promise to expand coverage for his small classic rock station. WHSS 89.5 FM, a heritage station that has served Hamilton, Ohio, since 1975, is now part of the ClassX Radio network. This acquisition not only fulfills the requests of listeners in Butler County but also adds another signal to Spry’s growing radio empire.
A Heritage Station with a Rich History
WHSS 89.5 FM has a storied past, beginning as a Hamilton High School class project with periodic broadcasts. Over time, it evolved into a 24-hour station, offering a mix of classical and jazz music, public affairs programming, and play-by-play sports broadcasts. In the 1980s and 1990s, it shifted to a pop and rock music format, capturing the hearts of many local listeners.
From School Ownership to Sacred Heart Radio
In May 2010, live programming on WHSS came to an end, and the Hamilton City Schools decided to sell the station. The buyer was Sacred Heart Radio, a regional Catholic-centered station looking to expand its reach in northern Cincinnati. The acquisition allowed Sacred Heart Radio to broaden its footprint, which already included WPFB 910 AM in Middletown, acquired in April 2016.
The Opportunity for ClassX Radio
When Bill Spry, owner of Spryex Communications and ClassX Radio, learned that WHSS 89.5 FM was no longer being utilized, he saw an opportunity to expand his station’s coverage. Spry approached Sacred Heart Radio and purchased the dormant channel. This acquisition allowed Spry to simulcast ClassX Radio programming just in time, as the station’s license was at risk of being revoked by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) due to non-use.
Filling the Gap in Coverage
Spry saw the acquisition of WHSS 89.5 FM as a perfect fill-in to bridge the gap between Cincinnati and Lebanon, reaching the northern Cincinnati area. Prior to this expansion, Spryex Communications operated two channels: 88.9 FM, which primarily served western Hamilton County, and 89.1 FM, which covered the Lebanon-Springboro areas in Warren County. With the addition of WHSS, ClassX Radio now has a more comprehensive reach across the region.
Non-Profit and Community-Focused
ClassX Radio takes pride in being a non-profit station that prioritizes serving the community over financial gain. Spry emphasizes that their mission is not solely about money but about providing local programming and support to local communities. By acquiring WHSS 89.5 FM, ClassX Radio continues to fulfill this mission and expand its impact on the communities it serves.
Conclusion:
Bill Spry’s acquisition of WHSS 89.5 FM has brought ClassX Radio’s classic rock programming to Butler County, fulfilling the requests of loyal listeners. This expansion not only adds another signal to Spry’s radio network but also strengthens ClassX Radio’s reach across the region. By prioritizing community service over profits, Spryex Communications continues to demonstrate its commitment to local programming and the listeners it serves. As ClassX Radio expands its coverage, it remains poised to seize future opportunities that align with its mission.
Leave a Reply