THE HISTORY
The very first radio broadcasting station in Lockport was born October 19, 1922. It was WMAK, one of the few radio stations in the country and was built on Mill Street by Norton Laboratories engineer I. R. Lounsberry. It operated at 360 meters and it was only on the air a few hours a week, but the powerful signal could be heard hundreds of miles away. Eventually, the studios were moved from the Mill Street location to the second floor of the former Rialto Theater which was on the southeast corner of Walnut and Pine Streets.
From there, the studios ended up at Buffalo's Hotel Lafayette downtown and in 1927 the towers and transmitter were moved to Shawnee Road in the Town of Wheatfield. Later studio locations included both the Rand Building and the Liberty Bank Building in Buffalo. Then early in the 30s the Federal Communications Commission awarded the frequency to the Buffalo Evening News and WBEN went on the air. WMAK then ceased to exist.
On August 14, 1940, the Corson family of Lockport, owners of the Lockport Union Sun and Journal newspaper sent a letter to the FCC requesting an FM frequency for Lockport. The OK was given the summer of 1946, and even with the aftermath of World War Il and the shortage of manpower and materials, construction began and the 320 Michigan Street studios were ready to go by October, 1948, and sign-on and full programming began on Halloween of that year.
Your hometown station is a local favorite with exclusive shows like “Dial a Deal” and Tradio!
There is always one 'go to' guy and for WLVL 1340 that’s John Maser. John not only hosts the hit morning show 'Wake up Niagara' Monday through Friday, but also oversees the day-to-day administrative operations at the station. Listener’s love to hear his familiar voice and we appreciate his know how!
Meet John Maser:
WLVL is part of the local community and with that has dedicated clients who support the station and gain added exposure for their business.
One such client is Cornerstone Arena:
Cornerstone Ice Arena located at l Grigg Lewis way in Lockport, NY is the coolest place in town. The arena is comprised of a 93,500 square foot facility with two NHL-sized, sled hockey accessible, ice rinks with seating for 630 spectators that offer a variety of adult hockey programs, public skating, Ice Bumper Cars and more. Host your birthday party or special event on ice or dry floor.
Cornerstone Arena has played a part in our Scholastic Bowl which is an academic competition aired yearly on WLVL Radio 1340 AM. Participants have been awarded free skates for their efforts! Check out all that they have to offer at Cornerstoneicearena.com!
To Advertise on this station contact: Lori Lotempio 716.913.3454 or LoriLotempio@webr1440.com.