WALR-FM (104.1 MHz Kiss 104.1 ) is a commercial radio station licensed to Palmetto, Georgia and serving Metro Atlanta . It is owned by the Cox Media Group and airs an urban adult contemporary radio format . The studios are co-located with other Cox-owned radio stations and WSB-TV in Midtown Atlanta on West Peachtree Street .
54-599: WALR-FM is a Class C1 station with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100,000 watts . The transmitter is on Duncan Memorial Highway (Route 166) in Winston, Georgia . WALR-FM broadcasts in the HD Radio hybrid format. Its HD2 digital subchannel carries a dance music format known as "The Surge." Mornings begin with Atlanta radio legend Frank Rodriguez, known professionally as Frank Ski . Middays are hosted by Dyron Ducati, followed by British rapper Monie Love in afternoons. In
108-691: A news-talk simulcast of WSB . Previously, co-owned WFOX had played urban contemporary music as "97.1 Jamz" until 2006 , when it flipped to classic hits and classic rock as WSRV "The River." In June 2011 , WALR-FM shifted back to urban AC; the station added more contemporary R&B music and dropped some of the older titles, after spending eight years as a classic and gold-based R&B and soul music format. This helped WALR-FM increase its listeners, especially against longtime CBS -owned WVEE and direct format rival WAMJ / WUMJ . WALR-FM's logo and slogan were modified as well from Atlanta's Old School R&B Station to Atlanta's R&B ; in addition,
162-573: A 50,000 watt maximum for the US and Canada, but no maximum for other governments in the region. Mexico, for example, typically runs 150,000 to 500,000 watts, but some stations are grandfathered at 10,000 to 20,000 watts at night; by treaty, these sub-50,000 watt Mexican stations may operate with a maximum of 100,000 watts during the daytime. Because the AM broadcast band developed before technology suitable for directional antennas , there are numerous exceptions, such as
216-460: A few Class B stations with grandfathered power limits in excess of 50 KW, such as WETA (licensed for Washington DC in zone I, at a power of 75 kW ERP), WNCI ( Columbus, Ohio in zone I, at 175 kW ERP), KPFK (Los Angeles in zone I-A, at 110 KW ERP), and the most extreme example being WBCT ( Grand Rapids, Michigan , in zone I, at 320 kW ERP). Notes: All full-power analog television station transmissions in
270-416: A large influence on contemporary Christian music and are one of the largest producers of CCM. Contemporary Christian music has also expanded into many subgenres . Christian punk , Christian hardcore , Christian metal and Christian hip hop , although not normally considered CCM, can also come under the genre's umbrella. Contemporary worship music is also incorporated in modern CCM. Contemporary worship
324-494: A lifestyle based on drugs, free sex and "radical politics", some of the Jesus ' hippies ' became known as 'Jesus people'". It was during the 1970s Jesus movement that Christian music started to become an industry within itself. "Jesus music" started by playing instruments and singing songs about love and peace, which then translated into love of God. Paul Wohlegemuth, who wrote the book Rethinking Church Music , said "[the] 1970s will see
378-418: A marked acceptance of rock-influenced music in all levels of church music. The rock style will become more familiar to all people, its rhythmic excesses will become refined, and its earlier secular associations will be less remembered." Evangelical artists made significant contributions to CCM in the 1960s, developing various Christian music styles , from Christian rock to Christian hip-hop passing through
432-498: A station of this type shares the callsign of another station. In analog, these services often were broadcast on the same or adjacent channels to their parent station, except in certain areas with tight packing of television stations (such as central Mexico). In digital, these services usually operate on the same RF channel as their parent station, except for those with conflicting full-power applications ( XHBS-TDT Cd. Obregón, Son., channel 30 instead of 25), in certain other cases where it
486-548: Is a genre of modern popular music , and an aspect of Christian media , which is lyrically focused on matters related to the Christian faith and stylistically rooted in Christian music . Originating in the United States, it was formed by those affected by the 1960s Jesus movement revival who began to express themselves in other styles of popular music, beyond the church music of hymns , gospel and Southern gospel music that
540-528: Is both recorded and performed during church services . In the 2000s, contemporary worship music with a distinctly theological focus has emerged, primarily in the Baptist , Reformed and more traditional non-denominational branches of Protestant Christianity. Artists include well-known groups such as Shane & Shane and modern hymn-writers, Keith & Kristyn Getty as well as others like Sovereign Grace Music , Matt Boswell and Aaron Keyes . The format
594-464: Is divided into three zones for FM broadcasting: I, I-A and II. The zone where a station is located may limit the choices of broadcast class available to a given FM station. Zone I in the US includes all of Connecticut , the District of Columbia , Delaware , Illinois , Indiana , Massachusetts , Maryland , New Jersey , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , and West Virginia . It also includes
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#1732877091756648-553: Is gaining traction in many churches and other areas in culture as well as being heard in CCM collections & musical algorithms on several Internet streaming services. According to a 2023 study by Worship Leader Research, of the top 25 most popular song licenses used by churches between 2010 and 2020, nearly 100% came from 3 megachurch music groups; Hillsong Worship ( Hillsong Church ), Bethel Music ( Bethel Church ), and Elevation Worship ( Elevation Church ). Brian Schwertley of
702-423: Is licensed for two watts in digital. The highest-powered shadows are XEQ-TDT Toluca and XHBS-TDT Ciudad Obregón, both at 200 kW. The United States Federal Communications Commission lists the following services on their website for television broadcasting: Christian Contemporary music Contemporary Christian music ( CCM ), also known as Christian pop , and occasionally inspirational music ,
756-599: Is still considered LPTV with respect to stations in Canada and Mexico. Class-A stations (US) (suffix: -CA or -CD for digital class A): The class-A television class is a variant of LPTV created in 2000 by the FCC to allocate and protect some low-power affiliates. Class-A stations are still low-power, but are protected from RF interference and from having to change channel should a full-service station request that channel. Additionally, class-A stations, LPTV stations, and translators are
810-513: Is technically not feasible ( XHAW-TDT Guadalupe, NL, channel 26 instead of 25) or to make way for eventual repacking on upper UHF ( XHPNW-TDT has four shadows on 33, its post-repacking channel, instead of 39). Equipos complementarios can relay their parent station, or a station that carries 75% or more of the same programming as its parent station. Stations of either type may have unusually low or high effective radiated powers. XHSMI-TDT in Oaxaca
864-599: The Christian punk or the Christian metal . Those involved were affected by the late 1960s to early 1970s Jesus movement , whose adherents colloquially called themselves the "Jesus Freaks", as an Evangelical Christian response to the counterculture movements such as hippies and flower children who were finding widespread traction. The Calvary Chapel was one such response, which launched Maranatha Music in 1971. They soon began to express themselves in alternative styles of popular music and worship music. The Dove Awards , an annual ceremony which rewards Christian music,
918-542: The Empire State Building , giving it coverage of much of the Atlanta radio market . It began broadcasting Al Ham's syndicated " Music Of Your Life " adult standards format with call signs WJYF and WJYA-FM, a simulcast partner with WJYA (1080 AM) . In 1985, it was acquired by Zapis Communications, headed by Lee Zapis. In 1987, he switched the format to urban contemporary as WEKS, "Urban Kiss 104." Zapis then sold
972-465: The Reformed Presbyterian tradition wrote in 2001 that the inclusion of CCM in a worship service violates the second commandment and the regulative principle of worship because it adds man-made inventions, lyrics, and instrumental music to the biblically appointed way of worshipping God. "The responsibility of the church is not to provide escape from reality", according to Donald Ellsworth,
1026-763: The US-Canada or US-Mexico border must get approval by both the domestic and foreign agency. These agencies are Industry Canada / Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in Canada, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US, and the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) in Mexico. All domestic (United States) AM stations are classified as A , B , C , or D . Notes: AM station classes were previously assigned Roman numerals from I to IV in
1080-625: The United States by Billy Ray Hearn, a Christian music graduate from the Baylor University . The songs of Hillsong Music , founded in 1991 by Hillsong Church , in Sydney , Australia , have been translated into various languages and have had an influence considerable in evangelical churches worldwide. In Christian hip-hop , TobyMac , Todd Collins, and Joey Elwood founded the first specialized label Gotee Records in 1994. The founding of
1134-459: The 1960s that contained contemporary-sounding songs, there were two albums recorded in 1969 that are considered to be the first complete albums of "Jesus rock": Upon This Rock (1969) by Larry Norman initially released on Capitol Records , and Mylon – We Believe by Mylon LeFevre , released by Cotillion, which was LeFevre's attempt at blending gospel music with southern rock . Unlike traditional or southern gospel music, this new Jesus music
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#17328770917561188-611: The 1980s to present. With the format shift, WALR-FM's longtime slogan changed from Atlanta's R&B Station to Atlanta's Old School R&B Station . In late 2004, WALR switched to a new tower, closer to Atlanta. It also began broadcasting in IBOC digital radio , using the HD Radio system from iBiquity . WALR-FM became the last Atlanta station owned by Cox Radio targeting the African-American audience. On August 16, 2010, co-owned WBTS flipped from rhythmic contemporary to WSBB-FM ,
1242-536: The 1980s. Many CCM artists such as Benny Hester , Amy Grant , DC Talk , Michael W. Smith , Stryper , and Jars of Clay found crossover success with Top 40 mainstream radio play. The genre emerged and became prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s. Beginning in July 1978, CCM Magazine began covering "contemporary Christian music" artists and a wide range of spiritual themes until it launched online publications in 2009. It has certain themes and messages behind
1296-638: The Christian messages. Though his style was not initially well received by many in the Christian community of the time, he continued throughout his career to create controversial hard-rock songs such as "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?". He is remembered as the artist "who first combined rock 'n' roll with Christian lyrics" in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame . Though there were Christian albums in
1350-639: The Fish" WFSH-FM and the 104.1 frequency became Hot Urban AC , "Kiss 104.1," taking the WALR-FM call sign. The smooth jazz format was picked up the following year by WJZZ (now WAMJ ). Also, the AM simulcast on what is now WIFN ceased shortly after the switch although it continued to carry the WALR call sign under a changed format for some time. In Atlanta, the rights to the " Kiss FM " brand had been grandfathered; thus Clear Channel Communications (later iHeart), which trademarked
1404-487: The LaGrange Broadcasting Company. Both stations simulcast a country music format. WLAG-FM's power was 29,500 watts and the antenna height was 220 feet (67 m), so it was not heard in the Atlanta area. The station changed its call sign to WWCG in 1977 and continued with a country format. In the early 1980s, the station got a big boost in power. It increased to 100,000 watts, using a tower taller than
1458-649: The UK's Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart . Top-selling CCM artists will also appear on the Billboard 200 . In the iTunes Store , the genre is represented as part of the Christian and gospel genre while the Google Play Music system labels it as Christian/Gospel. The growing popularity of rock and roll music in the 1950s was initially dismissed by the church because it was believed to encourage sinfulness. Yet as evangelical churches adapted to appeal to more people,
1512-630: The US use of 800 (kHz) and 900 non-directionally in Alaska, limited to 5 kW at night; and 1050 and 1220, directionally, in the continental US , and without time limits; each of these being assigned to specific cities (and each of these being Mexican Class I-A clear channels). In return for these limits on US stations, Mexico accepted limits on 830 and 1030 in Mexico City, non-directionally, restricted to 5 kW at night (both of these being US Class I-A clear channels). Notes: The following table lists
1566-439: The US were terminated at midnight Eastern Daylight Time on June 12, 2009. Many broadcasters replaced their analog signal with their digital ATSC signal on the same transmission channel at that time. Notes: LPTV (secondary) (suffix: -LP, or a sequential-numbered callsign in format W##XX with no suffix for analog or with -D suffix for digital, or -LD for low-power digital stations): The LPTV (low-power television) service
1620-801: The US, with subclasses indicated by a letter suffix. Current class A is equivalent to the old class I; class B is the old classes II and III, with class D being the II-D, II-S, and III-S subclasses; and class C is the old class IV. The following conversion table compares the old AM station classes with the new AM station classes: The following chart lists frequencies on the broadcast company band, and which classes broadcast on these frequencies; Class A and Class B , 10,000 watt and higher (full-time) stations in North America which broadcast on clear-channel station frequencies are also shown. By international agreement, Class A stations must be 10,000 watts and above, with
1674-458: The antenna site," based on the determined noise-limited bounding contour. All digital television stations in Mexico have -TDT callsign suffixes. Analog stations, which existed until December 31, 2016, had -TV callsign suffixes. The equivalent of low power or translator service in Mexico is the equipo complementario de zona de sombra , which is intended only to fill in gaps between a station's expected and actual service area caused by terrain;
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1728-579: The areas south of latitude 43.5°N in Michigan , New Hampshire , New York, and Vermont ; as well as coastal Maine , southeastern Wisconsin , and northern and eastern Virginia . Zone I-A includes California south of 40°N, as well as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands . Zone II includes the remainder of the continental US , plus Alaska and Hawaii . In Zones I and I-A, there are no Class C, C0, or C1 stations. However, there are
1782-543: The author of Christian Music in Contemporary Witness , "but to give answers to contemporary problems through legitimate, biblical means". According to Vice magazine, CCM "has often functioned as a propaganda wing of the Christian right ", presenting views on topics such as the war on drugs , Christian nationalism , mission trips , school prayer , and the LGBT community . Several high-profile bands have rejected
1836-425: The brand for its Top 40 stations, heard in many U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and Boston , did not attempt to take legal action against Cox. On February 21, 2003, WALR-FM switched to Urban Oldies , while retaining the "Kiss" branding. Cox wanted to draw a distinction between "Kiss" and co-owned WFOX (97.1 FM) . At the time, WFOX experimented with a format consisting of R&B , hip hop and rap music from
1890-592: The evening, a "Slow Jamz" show is heard until midnight. On Sunday mornings, ordained minister Twanda Black hosts an urban gospel program. In 2018, Terri Avery became the Program Director. On September 1, 1947, the station first signed on as WLAG-FM. Its city of license was LaGrange, Georgia , about 40 miles (64 km) southwest of Atlanta and near the Alabama border. It was the FM counterpart to WLAG 1240 AM , owned by
1944-454: The label Reach Records in 2004 by Lecrae and Ben Washer also had a significant impact in the development of Christian hip-hop. Contemporary Christian musicians and listeners have sought to extend their music into settings where religious music traditionally might not be heard. For instance, MercyMe 's song " I Can Only Imagine " was a crossover success in 1999 despite having a clear Christian message. In 2018, Lauren Daigle 's ' You Say '
1998-408: The label "Christian music", such as Needtobreathe and Mutemath , with the latter suing their record label over being marketed as such. Of the categorization, Needtobreathe said to Rolling Stone: "Any label is limiting. That one in particular is especially limiting. To me, I think people pass over the band all the time because they read that....I hate the idea that they somehow feel like I didn't make
2052-450: The longtime Atlanta affiliate for "The Tom Joyner Morning Show" and also carried the syndicated " Michael Baisden Show" in afternoons. The morning drive time show was replaced with Art Terrell and comedian Roy Wood Jr. on November 27, 2017. Wood decided to concentrate on his TV appearances and was replaced by Cory "Zooman" Miller. Baisden's show was replaced by Sasha the Diva, who in turn
2106-457: The musical styles used in worship changed as well by adopting the sounds of this popular style. The genre became known as contemporary Christian music as a result of the Jesus movement revival in the latter 1960s and early 1970s, and was originally called Jesus music . "About that time, many young people from the sixties' counterculture professed to believe in Jesus. Convinced of the "bareness" of
2160-427: The only stations currently authorized to broadcast both analog and digital signals, unlike full-power stations which must broadcast a digital signal only. In Canada, there is no formal transmission power below which a television transmitter is considered broadcasting at low power. Industry Canada considers that a low power digital television undertaking "shall not normally extend a distance of 20 km in any direction from
2214-446: The other side of Atlanta. The two stations began competing with long-time Atlanta country leader WKHX . On January 1, 1994, the simulcast ended, with 104.1 flipping to a smooth jazz format as "Jazz Flavors 104.1". In addition, the station changed calls to WJZF to match the new branding. Cox Enterprises , owner of WSB , WSB-FM , WSB-TV and two newspapers, entered into a local marketing agreement (LMA) with WJZF. Cox tried to buy
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2268-408: The songs and their lyrics, including praise and worship, faith, encouragement, and prayer. These songs also focus on themes of devotion, inspiration, redemption, reconciliation, and renewal. Many people listen to contemporary Christian music for comfort through tough times. The lyrics and messages conveyed in CCM songs have had varied, positive Christian messages over the decades. For instance, some of
2322-408: The songs have been aimed to evangelize and some of the lyrics are meant to praise and worship Jesus. One of the earliest goals of CCM was to spread the news of Jesus to non-Christians. In addition, contemporary Christian music also strengthens the faith of Christians. Various evangelical record labels have supported the movement. In Christian rock , there is Sparrow Records founded in 1976 in
2376-652: The station in 1995. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) denied the request when challenged by Jacor Broadcasting , even though Cox intended to make changes to the WJZF signal "to avoid cross-ownership conflicts." The station that would later migrate to this frequency began in 1964 in Athens, Georgia as WDOL-FM at 104.7 MHz. At first it simulcast its AM sister station, 1370 WDOL. It later began airing separate programming, first as "Love 104," then as "Kiss 104.7" , an urban contemporary station. (This new "Kiss" on 104.7
2430-509: The station to NewCity Communications in 1989. NewCity had a plan to pair two different FM stations surrounding Atlanta to create one facility covering the market. To bring attention to the change, on June 21, WEKS went silent . The station signed back on the air on June 28, and began stunting with music played by local celebrities, including then-Atlanta mayor Andrew Young . Finally, at 3 p.m. on June 30, WEKS switched back to country music as WYAI ("Y104"), simulcasting with WYAY FM (Y106.7) on
2484-493: The station's branding was shortened to simply Kiss 104 , omitting the ".1". At the same time, WALR-FM dropped all weekend mix shows, and expanded its nighttime slow jams show. As of February 2012 , the station has not been listed on the Mediabase urban AC add board. In 2017, WALR-FM changed its city of license from LaGrange to Palmetto, Georgia , a suburban community about 15 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta. WALR-FM had been
2538-710: The various classes of FM stations, the reference facilities for each station class, and the protected and city grade contours for each station class: Historically, there were local "Class A" frequencies (like AM radio's class C stations) to which only class A stations would be allocated & the other frequencies could not have a class A. According to the 1982 FCC rules & regulations, those frequencies were: 92.1, 92.7, 93.5, 94.3, 95.3, 95.9, 96.7, 97.7, 98.3, 99.3, 100.1, 100.9, 101.7, 102.3, 103.1, 103.9, 104.9, 105.5, 106.3 & 107.1. Stations on those twenty frequencies were limited to having equivalent signals no greater that 3KW at 300 feet (91 meters) above average terrain. The US
2592-400: Was a resurrection of the previous incarnation from WEKS mentioned above, although it only covered the eastern suburbs of the Atlanta market, from its Athens tower.) On August 30, 2000, Cox and Salem Communications swapped frequencies. "Kiss 104.7" migrated to the 104.1 frequency, previously a Christian Contemporary music station known as "The Fish." The former WALR-FM at 104.7 became "104.7
2646-450: Was a similar hit. According to a 2009 study published by Faith Communities Today, 64% of churches that adopted contemporary Christian music in the past five years saw an increase in service attendance of 2% or more. Contemporary Christian music has influences from folk, gospel, pop and rock music. Genres of music such as soft rock, folk rock, alternative, hip-hop, etc. have played a large influence on CCM. Charismatic churches have had
2700-504: Was birthed out of rock and folk music . Pioneers of this movement also included Andraé Crouch and the Disciples , the Imperials , Michael Omartian , 2nd Chapter of Acts , Phil Keaggy , Love Song , Barry McGuire , Evie , Paul Clark , Randy Matthews , Randy Stonehill and Keith Green among others. The small Jesus music culture had expanded into a multimillion-dollar industry by
2754-609: Was created in Memphis, Tennessee in October 1969 by the Gospel Music Association . There was some internal critique of CCM at its advent. The Christian college Bob Jones University discourages its dormitory students from listening to CCM. Larry Norman is often remembered as the "father of Christian rock", because of his early contributions (before the Jesus movement ) to the developing new genre that mixed rock rhythms with
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#17328770917562808-490: Was created in 1982 by the FCC to allocate channels for smaller, local stations, and community channels, such as public access stations. LPTV stations that meet additional requirements such as children's " E/I " core programming and Emergency Alert System broadcasting capabilities can qualify for a Class A (-CA) license. Broadcast translators , boosters , and other LPTV stations are considered secondary to full-power stations, unless they have upgraded to class A. Class A
2862-670: Was prevalent in the church at the time. Initially referred to as Jesus music , today, the term is typically used to refer to pop , but also includes rock , alternative rock , hip hop , metal , contemporary worship , punk , hardcore punk , Latin , electronic dance music , R&B-influenced gospel , and country styles. After originating in the US, it has since become a globally recognized style of popular music. It has representation on several music charts, including Billboard ' s Christian Albums , Christian Songs , Hot Christian AC (Adult Contemporary), Christian CHR, Soft AC/Inspirational, and Christian Digital Songs as well as
2916-466: Was replaced by British rapper Monie Love in afternoons. List of North American broadcast station classes This is a list of broadcast station classes applicable in much of North America under international agreements between the United States, Canada and Mexico. Effective radiated power (ERP) and height above average terrain (HAAT) are listed unless otherwise noted. All radio and television stations within 320 kilometers (199 miles) of
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