WDZN (99.5
FM) is an
active rock formatted
broadcast
Broadcasting is the data distribution, distribution of sound, audio audiovisual content to dispersed audiences via a electronic medium (communication), mass communications medium, typically one using the electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves), ...
radio station
Radio broadcasting is the broadcasting of audio (sound), sometimes with related metadata, by radio waves to radio receivers belonging to a public audience. In terrestrial radio broadcasting the radio waves are broadcast by a land-based rad ...
licensed to
Midland, Maryland, serving the
Frostburg/
Cumberland area. WDZN is owned and operated by
WVRC Media .
History
Originally known as WVMD, the station was scheduled to begin broadcasting sometime in early 2007, but finally launched with a
smooth jazz format on April 1, 2008, at 12:00 midnight. Later that afternoon, a man named "Stu" claimed to have broken into and taken the radio station "hostage", playing only
Country
A country is a distinct part of the world, such as a state, nation, or other political entity. When referring to a specific polity, the term "country" may refer to a sovereign state, state with limited recognition, constituent country, ...
and demanding that the owner of the station bring back the
John Boy and Billy show. John Boy and Billy had previously aired on
WQZK, then an
active rock station, which West Virginia Radio Corporation purchased in December 2006 and subsequently changed the format to
Contemporary Hit Radio
Contemporary hit radio (CHR, also known as contemporary hits, hit list, current hits, hit music, top 40, or pop radio) is a radio format common in many countries that focuses on playing current and recurrent popular music as determined by the Top ...
.
On the afternoon of April 2, it was announced that the smooth jazz format and the man named "Stu" were part of an
April Fools' Day
April Fools' Day or April Fool's Day (rarely called All Fools' Day) is an annual custom on the 1st of April consisting of practical jokes, hoaxes, and pranks. Jokesters often expose their actions by shouting "April Fool " at the recipient. ...
joke and that the station ''would'' in fact, be carrying a country music format.
The 99.5 frequency was previously home to a translator of
Cumberland area radio station
WCBC-FM.
Locally produced "Sunday Morning Bluegrass", which was previously heard on WROG, moved to WVMD on September 7, 2008.
On August 10, 2012, the station changed its call sign and its format to WDZN as part of a swap with its
Romney, West Virginia-based sister station, 100.1 FM.
On October 3, 2016, WDZN changed their format from active rock to classic hits.
On February 7, 2022, at 9 am, WDZN changed their format from classic hits back to active rock, branded as "99.5 DZN", with the first song being "
Smells Like Teen Spirit" by
Nirvana.
WDZN Rocks Western Maryland
Radioinsight - February 7, 2022
FM Booster
WDZN's transmitter is located near Frostburg and the station's main signal has trouble reaching downtown Cumberland.
As such, West Virginia Radio Corporation applied for an FM booster, WDZN-FM1, located in Cumberland. The booster's antenna is located off Virginia Avenue, near Queen Street near the center of the city. This central location allows the booster to provide complete coverage of Cumberland.
References
External links
WDZN website
*
DZN
Active rock radio stations in the United States
Allegany County, Maryland
2008 establishments in Maryland
Radio stations established in 2008
{{Maryland-radio-station-stub