The WSSZ Z107 FM tribute page

The Background

In 1966, WOKU FM signed on the air. After playing music through September 6, 1996, WSSZ FM signed off, and a few minutes later WAMO began simulcasting on their old frequency. Prior to that I had promised to dedicate my energies to saving Z107. Now I wish only to have it back, but instead I present for you here a lasting tribute to the people, the music, and the shows which made WSSZ Z107 FM the great station that it was.

The People

The great music to be heard on Z107 was the work of a dedicated staff, some of whom continue to work locally at other radio stations. Here's how they are, and where they are now.

The Music

Before Z107 went off the air, I tried to tape as many hours of music as I could; Later I went back and identified as many songs as I could. This has been supplemented by information from others and from my memory. You can take a look at the current list of songs.

The Shows

Z107 also had a hefty slate of syndicated and locally produced programming. From memory, information from others, and what I've taped I've compiled a list of shows that aired on Z107.

The History

No history of Z107 could come close to being complete, and this one is no exception. It's mostly a capsule history, with small blurbs. I hope to fill it in with research and help from others over time.

The Schedule

Here's an unofficial home page for Z107 I did while they were still on the air.

The Things That Are Coming

I expect to add, among other things:

Z107 graphics
Station promotional spots, if I can figure out who I need to talk to.
A scanned copy of my rejection from the FCC.

and other things as I have time.

The Credits

Without help, prodding, and inspiration from various people, none of this would have ever happened. In the order that things fell together:

Gene James of Westmoreland Online, who when I read in May 7's Post-Gazette of the impending sale mentioned he had seen it earlier in the Tribune-Review (I had missed it) and provided me with the article, along with other support since.
Scott Hill of Greensburg, who on May 10, 1996 had a letter to the editor of the Post-Gazette published desiring something to be done of the impending sale of Z107 to the ownership of WAMO for simulcasting. I later got in touch with him and he has provided much useful information. If there is a bigger Z107 fan out there than me, certainly it is he.
Matt Falenski, a Westmoreland Online customer, who answered a query I posted to a newsgroup local to Westol about Z107 and indicated his support.
John Kochmar, a pgh.general reader who in a reply to a message I sent him in response to a post of his there and described the lengths to which he had gone in order to receive Z107's weak signal.
Jim DeCesare, whom I met at Menear Pools when he was on location for Z107 on Memorial Day, 1996. This was after I had replied to Scott's letter in the PG and had also written to the Tribune-Review. He told me the letters were on the wall at the station, and that my efforts were appreciated, which belayed my concerns that the station employees were in favor of the sale to the point that I would be annoying them.
John Biko(sp?), morning show host on Z107 until the end of July, who talked briefly with me on his last day, after a stop at Shop 'n Save in Norwin Hills Shopping Center.
Adam Prince, another local net-denizen and student, who found my web pages and has since provided various information as well as sanity-checked my song listings.
Jeff Roteman, whose KQV page's success provided the impetus for me to finish this page.

To these people, and to anyone I've forgotten, I owe the inspiration to actually do these pages.

The Guy to Bug with Information

If you have anything, information or otherwise, that's pertinent and you'd like to share, please feel free to drop a line to shadow@dementia.org.