WLDS

Overview

WLDS (1180 AM) is a radio station licensed to Jacksonville, Illinois, airing a talk format with local news, agricultural reports and sports for West Central Illinois.

History

WLDS signed on the air December 9, 1941, two days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The station originated in the mind of Hobart Stephenson, an instructor at the Illinois School for the Blind, who partnered with local businessmen Milton Edge and E.J. "Pete" Korsmeyer to form its first ownership group. WLDS is owned by Jacksonville Area Radio Broadcasters, Inc. Because 1180 AM is a clear-channel frequency reserved for WHAM in Rochester, New York, WLDS must reduce power at night from 300 watts to 2 watts to avoid interference.

Notable works

WLDS's decades of continuous service rank it among the top five percent of U.S. radio stations in length of operation.

Key personnel

Owner: Jacksonville Area Radio Broadcasters, Inc.

Audience

WLDS serves Jacksonville, Illinois, and Morgan and Scott counties, broadcasting alongside sister station WEAI 107.1 FM, "The Eagle."

Location and contact info

Address
2161 Old State Road, P.O. Box 1180
Jacksonville, IL 62650
Phone
(217) 245-7171
Website
https://wlds.com