WILI (AM)
Ownership
In May 2005, Florida-based Hall Communications reached an agreement to acquire WILI and WILI-FM from Nutmeg Broadcasting Co. At the time of the purchase, Hall already owned WICH and WCTY in Norwich and WNLC and WKNL in New London. In addition, Hall owns a number of stations in medium-sized markets along the eastern seaboard from Vermont to Florida.
Boom Box Parade
WILI has gained international attention for its unusual July 4 Boom Box Parade. Called "Connecticut's Unique People's Parade," it is the largest parade of its kind in the world. In 1986, no marching band could be found for Windham's Memorial Day Parade. Five weeks later, the "Boom Box Parade" concept was born, as WILI plays the marching band music on the air, while thousands march and watch, loudly playing their radios boom boxes.
Anyone can march in the Boom Box Parade. The only requirement is to wear some red, white, and blue, and bring a radio tuned to WILI. American flags are optional, but encouraged. There is no official theme for the parade. Every year WILI morning disc jockey Wayne Norman serves as the parade's Grand Marshal.
It was not held in 2020 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic but a Virtual Version was held instead.
Translators
Call sign | Frequency | City of license | FID | ERP (W) | HAAT | Class | Transmitter coordinates | FCC info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W237EL | 95.3 FM | Willimantic, Connecticut | 140714 | 5 | 77 m (253 ft) | D | 41°41′0.4″N 72°12′55.3″W / 41.683444°N 72.215361°W | LMS |
References
- ^ Cronin, Anthony (May 4, 2005). "Florida radio company to buy two Willimantic stations". The Day (New London, CT).
- ^ "Facility Technical Data for WILI". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
External links
- Official website
- Facility details for Facility ID 66180 (WILI) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
- WILI in Nielsen Audio's AM station database
- Facility details for Facility ID 140714 (W237EL) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
- W237EL at FCCdata.org