WEAN-FM
WEAN-FM is a radio station licensed to Wakefield-Peacedale, Rhode Island, United States. The station is owned by Cumulus Media, and airs a news/talk format. WEAN-FM is a full-time simulcast of WPRO in Providence, serving as WPRO's satellite in southern Rhode Island. Operations are based at WPRO's studios in Providence, Rhode Island|East Providence].
Prior to becoming WEAN-FM on March 11, 2008, 99.7 was modern rock "99.7 The Edge" WUAE, later WDGE; hard rock "99.7X" WXEX; classic rock simulcast "The Hawk"; 1980s music simulcast "Z100" and finally "The Score", which broadcast a sports radio format that simulcast most programming from WSKO.
Programming
As a simulcast of WPRO, much of WEAN-FM's programming is locally produced, with programs hosted by WJAR anchor Gene Vallicenti, Matt Allen, Dan Yorke, and former WLNE-TV reporter Tara Granahan. Syndicated programming includes John Batchelor and Red Eye Radio.
Weekend programming includes the John Loughlin Show, Steve Klamkin and the WPRO Saturday Morning News, locally produced brokered shows as well as syndicated shows such as Bill Cunningham.
WEAN-FM is an affiliate of the New England Patriots Radio Network.
History
1990s
The station was issued its first call sign, WUAE, on April 23, 1992. It would remain a construction permit until June 1995, when it would sign on as modern rock WDGE "99.7 The Edge". The station was built by local broadcast engineer Randy Place. Starting with the acquisition of former smooth jazz station WOTB in 1996, The Edge advertised itself as "99.7/100.3 The Edge." This simulcast would last a short time as the 100.3 frequency became "100.3 The Beat". Meanwhile, WDGE began leaning towards hard rock and became WXEX, calling itself "99.7X", in November 1997. This format lasted until January 1, 1999, when it returned to simulcasting 100.3 as "100FM The Hawk".
2000s
The 2000s started with 99.7 still simulcasting 100.3 as "The Hawk". Both stations would flip formats again, this time to all-1980s "Z100". In 2002, 99.7 turned off its stereo pilot and became sports talk "99.7 The Score", or most times when simulcasting WSKO, "99.7 and 790 The Score". WSKO-FM carried the Patriots [Rock Radio Network], Pawsox Radio Network until 2006 as well as the New York Yankees Radio Network until 2007. "The Score" ended on March 10, 2008, with the AM side becoming WPRV "True Oldies 790", and 99.7 becoming WEAN-FM and simulcasting WPRO.