WGML
WGML (990 AM) was a Christian radio station broadcasting a Gospel format. Licensed to Hinesville, Georgia, United States, the station served the Savannah area. The station was owned by Powerhouse of Deliverance Church, Inc.[1]
| City | Hinesville, Georgia |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Savannah area |
| Frequency | 990 kHz |
| Slogan | Am99 |
| Programming | |
| Format | Defunct (was Gospel) |
| History | |
First air date | November 1958 |
Call sign meaning | "Give Me Liberty" (Based in Liberty County) |
| Technical information | |
| Facility ID | 7815 |
| Class | D |
| Power | 250 watts day 76 watts night |
Transmitter coordinates | 31°51′1.00″N 81°36′4.00″W |
History
WGML had been on the air under the WGML call letters as a daytime radio broadcaster since November 1958. It was originally owned by the Liberty Broadcasting Company. During that time, it was the only station that could be heard with a strong signal at Fort Stewart. (Several Savannah stations and a Jacksonville station could be picked up during the daytime with somewhat weaker signals.) At that time (1960s), the station offered a mix of middle-of-the-road music and local interest programming. The station had undergone numerous format changes during its history, from its original middle of the road programming, to pop/rock, country, talk, and its final gospel format.
WGML ownership had changed several times since its inception by Liberty Broadcasting Company (established by local businessmen Paul Sikes and Roscoe Denmark). Jim Watson, who had become the general manager of the station, bought it in 1959. It was subsequently owned by Harris Slotin, a Savannah businessman, who sold it to Dave Steele in the 1970s. It was ultimately purchased by the Powerhouse of Deliverance Church.
The first announcer/manager of WGML was Don Kordecki. In addition to Jim Watson, many local announcers were hired, particularly in its early years. Some of the local personalities were Donald Browning, David (Butch) Fulton, Gary Smiley, Bill Meacham, Dennis Eversoll, Bob Groover, and Brian Steele. Many other local persons have served in various capacities and still do so, giving the station a strong local area appeal.
WGML's license was cancelled on April 2, 2020, due to the station failing to file an application for renewal of the license by April 1.
In October 2020, a man climbed up to the top of the station’s radio tower in Hinesville. Local police and firefighters had a standoff with the man, and he was eventually lowered after several hours. The man appeared to have been having a mental breakdown.[2]
References