Signing on at 105.5 MHz, WPXZ originated as WPME-FM, simulcasting with its then same-named daytime only AM sister station, known today as WECZ. In 1981, the station pair would both be rebranded as WPXZ-AM-FM, continuing with simulcasting until 1989, when management finally began separate broadcasts. Seeing the FM station as the driving force of the two, the AM station would be rebranded under the WECZ call sign. While WECZ would adopt a format featuring big band, swing and other types of nostalgia music aimed at an older demographic and branded as "Easy 1540," WPXZ-FM continued operating under an adult contemporary format, albeit with a full service mindset. In addition to music the station's programming featured hourly ABC national news, high school sports and Pittsburgh Pirates baseball broadcasts, and a wide variety of other, locally-themed programming. The station would also operate a second studio/office location in nearby Brookville for a period of 15 years, ending in the mid-1990s. Then and now, WPXZ has provided a unique proving ground for young, up and coming radio talent. Dave Walters, Alan Freed, D.P. McIntire, Lou Jordan and numerous others would take to the air and thrive in the format, albeit not always without incident. For instance, Freed recounted this story to 440.com...
In 1996, Renda received permission to put another FM station on the air. In order for the new station to go on the air, many existing FM stations would have to shuffle their frequencies in order to fit the channel in its assigned community of Brookville, some 15 miles away from Punxsutawney. One of the affected stations was WPXZ. Renda gave up the 105.5 frequency for WPXZ to move to 104.1. The new Brookville station debuted in 2000 under an oldies format, the call letters WBEU and the moniker "Kool 103.3." In a 2004 management change, WPXZ moved to more CHR-based adult contemporary format in an effort to hip up WPXZ's stodgy image of tired music. The change also resulted in scaling back the station's news content, which did not go over well with listeners.
WPXZ today
In April 2005, WPXZ underwent management changes at the administrative, programming and sales levels. Increased efforts at local news and sports, as well as community-oriented events, resulted in a very successful turnaround for all three stations. The music also shifted from a CHR-based AC to a 1980s oldies based AC, which improved listenership. Yearly, on Groundhog Day, the song "Groundhog Groundhog" by Brave Combo is played.
