View source for WERE

{{Short description|Talk radio station in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, serving Cleveland}}
{{For|the Cleveland radio station which identified as WERE from 1949 to 2007|WJMO}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WERE
| logo = WERE logo.webp
| logo_size = 150px
| city = [[Cleveland Heights, Ohio]]
| country = US
| area = [[Greater Cleveland]]
| branding = NewsTalk 1490
| frequency = {{Frequency|1490|[[Hertz#SI multiples|kHz]]}}
| repeater = {{Radio Relay|93.1|[[WZAK-HD3]]|[[Cleveland]]}}
| airdate = {{start date and age|1947|12|12|p=y|br=yes}}
| language = [[English language|English]]
| format = [[Talk radio]]
| power = {{val|1000|u=[[watt]]s|fmt=commas}}
| class = C
| licensing_authority = [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
| facility_id = 74472
| coordinates = {{coord|41|30|48.00|N|81|36|5.00|W}}
| licensee = Blue Chip Broadcasting Licenses, Ltd.
| owner = [[Urban One]]
| affiliations = {{ubl|[[Premiere Networks]]|[[Westwood One]]}}
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WSRS (1947–59)|WJMO (1959–2007)}}
| callsign_meaning = Transferred from the former WERE (1300&nbsp;AM) in Cleveland, now [[WJMO]]
| sister_stations = {{hlist|[[WENZ]]|[[WJMO]]|[[WZAK]]}}
| webcast = {{ubl|{{listenlive|http://newstalkcleveland.com/listen-live}}|{{TuneIn|WERE-1490-s29914}}}}
| website = {{URL|newstalkcleveland.com}}
}}

'''WERE''' (1490 [[AM broadcasting|AM]]) is a commercial [[radio station]] licensed to serve [[Cleveland Heights, Ohio]], and carrying a [[talk radio]] [[radio format]] known as "NewsTalk 1490". Owned by [[Urban One]], the station serves the [[Greater Cleveland]] region. WERE is one of two Cleveland-area stations that carries ''[[The Rickey Smiley Morning Show]]'',{{r|CPD20200101pP1}} syndicated personalities [[Al Sharpton]] and [[Jesse Jackson]], and is the Cleveland affiliate for ''[[Red Eye Radio]]''. Since 2008, an emphasis has been placed on [[brokered programming]].{{r|CPD20080127pJ7}}

Built and launched in 1947 as WSRS, a suburban station focused on Cleveland Heights proper, this station became the second in the Cleveland market to use the WJMO [[call sign]] in 1959. During this period, WJMO carried a [[rhythm and blues]]/[[soul music]] format continuously from 1959 to 1999, reputedly longer than any other such station in the United States,{{r|WJMOrnb}} and was one of the first major-market radio stations to have an [[African-American]] serve as their [[general manager]]. At the same time, a number of legal issues surrounding owner United Broadcasting, repeated technical violations committed, strained relations between station management and the station's staff and audience, and a controversial ownership transfer in 1992 attracted criticism and scrutiny by the public, the [[Southern Christian Leadership Conference]] (SCLC), and the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC), at one point putting the station's [[broadcast license]] in question. A series of ownership buyouts in the late 1990s saw the station adopt an [[urban gospel]] format, then come under control of Radio One (now Urban One); a 2007 format swap resulted in {{Frequency|1490|AM}} picking up the format and calls of WERE from [[WJMO|{{Frequency|1300|AM}}]], which it has maintained to the present day.

WERE's studios are located in the Cleveland suburb of [[Independence, Ohio|Independence]], while the station transmitter resides near [[University Circle]], adjacent to the [[Case Western Reserve University]] campus. In addition to a standard [[analog transmission]], WERE's programming is available online and [[simulcast]] on the [[HD Radio|HD]] [[digital subchannel]] of co-owned [[WZAK]].

==WSRS (1947–1959)==
{{Distinguish|text=Worcester, Massachusetts radio station [[WSRS]]}}

=== Early years ===
Samuel R. Sague established this station as WSRS on December 12, 1947, the call letters being derived from his initials; an FM sister station, [[WKRK-FM|WSRS-FM (95.3)]], followed one week later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cabcleveland.com/index.php?page=Sam-Sague|title=Sam Sague|website=www.cabcleveland.com|publisher=Cleveland Association of Broadcasters|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807001657/http://www.cabcleveland.com/index.php?page=Sam-Sague|url-status=live}}</ref> Both the AM and FM stations were licensed to [[Cleveland Heights]], and positioned themselves as focusing on the Cleveland suburb specifically as opposed to all of [[Greater Cleveland]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p16007coll50/id/598|title=Heights Radio Station WSRS|date=June 20, 1946|work=Heights Press|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224065424/https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p16007coll50/id/598|url-status=live}}</ref> WSRS-FM duplicated the AM station's programming full-time, but Sague—an early proponent of FM broadcasting—referred to it in a ''[[Cleveland Press]]'' profile as WSRS that was simulcasting WSRS-FM.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zhGDMDQ2osM/R7u2GcL1S-I/AAAAAAAAAak/OxSy7HrY5W8/s1600/FM+Intro.jpg|title=Programs of 4 FM Stations Here Promise Fine Entertainment|date=December 16, 1947|work=The Cleveland Press|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203848/https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zhGDMDQ2osM/R7u2GcL1S-I/AAAAAAAAAak/OxSy7HrY5W8/s1600/FM+Intro.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref>

WSRS's establishment on the [[List of North American broadcast station classes#Station class descriptions|class C local channel]] frequency of {{Frequency|1490|[[kHz]]}} was made possible in part after [[WHKW|WGAR (AM)]] had completed a frequency switch from {{Frequency|1480|AM}} to {{Frequency|1220|AM}} two and a half years earlier.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1944/1944-06-05-BC.pdf|title=WGAR MAKES A MOVE: Shifts to 1220 kc With Heavy Promotion Campaign|date=June 5, 1944|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 29, 2019|page=20|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203840/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1944/1944-06-05-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fybush.com/site-20150501/|title=Site of the Week 5/1/15: Three Venerable Cleveland AMs|last=Fybush|first=Scott|date=May 1, 2015|website=Fybush.com|language=en-US|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-date=December 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229215745/https://www.fybush.com/site-20150501/|url-status=live}}</ref> Operating initially with 250 [[watt]]s around the clock, WSRS billed itself on-air as the "Community Information Voice of Cleveland", featuring a diverse lineup of [[block programming]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WSRS-FM|title=WSRS-FM|website=Cleveland, Ohio Broadcast Radio Archives Project|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030201081329/http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WSRS-FM|url-status=live}}</ref>{{r|WSRSBlock}} WSRS's staff announcers also included the first male and female African-American announcers in Cleveland radio: "Walkin' Talkin' Bill Hawkins", who later worked for multiple radio stations at the same time, and whose on-air presentation has been seen as a significant influence on [[Alan Freed]];<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/theater/reviews/14sear.html|title=In Search of My Father ... Walkin' Talkin' Bill Hawkins|last=Gelder|first=Lawrence Van|date=June 14, 2008|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229195707/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/theater/reviews/14sear.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/programs/lnfsound/stories/991217.stories.html|title=Walkin' Talkin' Bill Hawkins: Searching For My Father's Voice|website=Lost and Found Sound: The Stories|publisher=[[National Public Radio]]|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-date=December 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229195707/https://www.npr.org/programs/lnfsound/stories/991217.stories.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cabcleveland.com/index.php?page=Bill-Hawkins|title=Walkin' Talkin' Bill Hawkins|website=www.cabcleveland.com|publisher=Cleveland Association of Broadcasters|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807013353/http://www.cabcleveland.com/index.php?page=Bill-Hawkins|url-status=live}}</ref> and Mary Holt, who initially played [[country music]], later becoming a newscaster at different radio and television stations in the market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Segall |first=Grant |date=March 16, 2011 |title=The dapper, dimpled Mary Holt was a radio and TV pioneer |url=https://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/2011/03/the_dapper_dimpled_mary_holt_w.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229195711/https://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/2011/03/the_dapper_dimpled_mary_holt_w.html |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |access-date=December 29, 2019 |website=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |language=en}}</ref> By 1949, Sague entered into an alliance with other foreign language/ethnic radio programmers, including [[WADO|WOV (AM)]]/[[New York City]] and stations in [[Boston]], [[Scranton, Pennsylvania]] and [[Detroit]], titled the "Foreign Language Quality Group", with intent of launching a [[broadcast network]] of their own.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1949/1949-08-15-BC-II.pdf|title=Foreign Group: Network Plans Formulated|date=August 15, 1949|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 24, 2019|page=26|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203858/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1949/1949-08-15-BC-II.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

WSRS was notable for different area promotions and gimmicks. One such content was a "Big Week-End" competition in 1956, where WSRS acted as an intermediary for the winner and negotiate with said winner's employer for [[paid time off]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-01-23-BC.pdf|title=WSRS Cleveland Features 'Big Week-End' Competition|date=January 23, 1956|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 23, 2019|page=72|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203843/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-01-23-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The station engaged in an ad campaign with an area appliance store based on a "mystery song" of the day, this was intertwined with WSRS's afternoon lineup.<ref name="WSRSBlock">{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1953/BC-1953-03-30.pdf|title=A radio success story: Mystery Tunes build Appliance Sales|date=March 30, 1953|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 23, 2019|page=77|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203819/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1953/BC-1953-03-30.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1957, WSRS celebrated its tenth anniversary by holding a "Super-Chek" contest, where the station's advertisers received numbered certificates resembling dollar bills to distribute to customers, and the station would announce the winning number hourly.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-10-28-BC.pdf|title=Programming and Promotions: WSRS Celebrates Tenth Year|date=October 28, 1957|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 23, 2019|page=126|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203829/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-10-28-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Another promotion was aimed as [[housewives]] listening to the station at home, with recorded spots suggesting that their spouses' possible bad humor is the result of his employer's poor sales, suggesting that he contact WSRS for advertisement information.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-11-25-BC.pdf|title=WSRS Promotes Its Own Facilities|date=November 25, 1957|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 23, 2019|page=100|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203826/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-11-25-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, the station hosted a nightly hour block at midnight devoted to music unpublished elsewhere; titled "Tune Quest," this program was sponsored by a local [[recording company]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/50s/1955/Billboard%201955-10-01.pdf|title=Go, Cleffer: WSRS Beckons|date=October 1, 1955|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 23, 2019|page=17|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203845/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/50s/1955/Billboard%201955-10-01.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The station, and Sague himself, publicly advocated for the use of [[courtroom photography and broadcasting]] in the [[Judiciary of Ohio]]. On April 25, 1957, WSRS and Sague hosted a private screening of mass murderer [[Jack Gilbert Graham]]'s trial, complied from television and film coverage, for the judges of the [[Cuyahoga County]] [[Ohio Courts of Common Pleas|Court of Common Pleas]]; Graham's trial was the first one to have such coverage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-05-13-BC.pdf|title=From Erie's Shore: Relax Canon 35|date=May 13, 1957|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 23, 2019|page=140|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203849/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-05-13-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> WSRS would also make news on July 15, 1958, when two on-air hosts of a panel discussion program dealing with [[trade union]]s and [[right to work]] [[Right-to-work law|legislation]] were attacked by two unknown assailants outside the studio; the station had previously been subject to a series of threatening telephone calls over the program's subject matter. Rival organizations Ohioans for the Right-to-Work and the Cleveland [[AFL-CIO]] both offered up rewards for the arrests and convictions of the attackers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-07-21-BC.pdf|title=Assailants Injure WSRS Employes|date=July 21, 1958|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 28, 2019|page=60|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203847/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-07-21-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Originally an [[independent station]], WSRS picked up an affiliation with the [[Mutual Broadcasting System]] on September 30, 1956,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-10-01-BC.pdf|title=WSRS Now Mutual Affiliate|date=October 1, 1956|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 28, 2019|page=88|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203853/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1956/1956-10-01-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> then added [[ABC Radio Network]] programming in January 1958 after [[WKNR|WJW ({{Frequency|850|AM}})]] dropped the affiliation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-01-20-BC.pdf|title=WSRS Becomes ABN's 303rd|date=January 20, 1958|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 23, 2019|page=82|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203857/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-01-20-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The dual affiliation lasted until that July 23, when Mutual programming moved to [[WCCR (AM)|WDOK ({{Frequency|1260|AM}})]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-07-28-BC.pdf|title=MBS Signs Two 'Independents' Under New Network Service Plan|date=July 28, 1958|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 28, 2019|page=58|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203852/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-07-28-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Sale to United ===
[[File:Richard Eaton.jpg|thumb|200x200px|Richard Eaton<ref name="wapo/Eaton">{{cite news |title=Richard Eaton, Pioneer in Black Radio With Station WOOK, Dies at Age 81 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1981/06/03/richard-eaton-pioneer-in-black-radio-with-station-wook-dies-at-age-81/34ed196a-3019-42d3-b03a-37bd96fa0a82/ |access-date=1 September 2024 |work=[[Washington Post]] |date=24 December 2023}}</ref><ref name="dg/1959-1963">{{cite web |last1=Gleason |first1=David |title=My first job at WJMO and WCUY Cleveland |url=https://www.davidgleason.com/1959-1963-E.htm |website=david gleason .com |access-date=1 September 2024}}</ref>]]

Sague initially sold WSRS and WSRS-FM to [[John Kluge]] for $500,000 in July 1958 under the "Shawn Broadcasting Company" name.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-08-04-BC.pdf|title=Changing Hands: Announced|date=August 4, 1948|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 23, 2019|page=78|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203824/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-08-04-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> That sale was withheld by the FCC, then withdrawn by Sague, due to a review of [[WFTV|WLOF-TV]]/[[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]]'s establishment by the commission, of which Kluge was a principal in; Kluge also acquired controlling interest in [[Metromedia|Metropolitan Broadcasting]], which had purchased [[WHK (AM)|WHK ({{Frequency|1420|AM}})]] and [[WMMS|WHK-FM (100.7)]] earlier in the year.<ref name="United1958">{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-12-22-BC.pdf|title=Changing Hands: Announced|date=December 22, 1958|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 23, 2019|page=56|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203856/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-12-22-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Consequently, Sague sold 95% of both stations to Richard Eaton's United Broadcasting for $306,000, plus a consultant's fee of $20,000 annually for five years,{{r|United1958}} and a five-year [[non-compete clause]] preventing him from working for any other station in the Cleveland market.<ref name="Sague1958">{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1959/1959-01-19-BC.pdf|title=Changing Hands: Approved|date=January 19, 1959|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 23, 2019|page=62|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203902/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1959/1959-01-19-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

United Broadcasting already owned [[WWGK|WJMO ({{Frequency|1540|AM}})]] and the [[Planning permission|construction permit]] for an FM station at {{Frequency|106.5|FM}},<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-04-21-BC.pdf|title=For the Record: Call Letters Assigned|date=April 21, 1958|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 27, 2019|page=122|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203901/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1958/1958-04-21-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> both were divested to Tuschman Broadcasting Company for $250,000, while United retained use of the WJMO call letters.{{r|United1958}}{{r|Sague1958}}

== WJMO (1959–2007) ==
{{For|the current iteration of WJMO at 1300 AM|WJMO}}

=== Emergence as an urban outlet ===
Upon the deal's consummation on January 30, 1959, United Broadcasting changed the call letters of WSRS and WSRS-FM to WJMO and WJMO-FM, and reassigned on- and off-air staff while retaining WSRS's existing studios and facilities at 2156 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.adamjones.info/stories/a-endwsrs.htm|title=ADAM JONES stories - End of WSRS Cleveland|last=Ocopek|first=Adam|date=February 24, 2007|website=www.adamjones.info|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809061559/http://www.adamjones.info/stories/a-endwsrs.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Accordingly, the previous WJMO fell silent for a month before resuming operations as [[WWGK|WABQ ({{Frequency|1540|AM}})]], later signing on the FM construction permit as [[WHLK|WABQ-FM (106.5)]].<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=46285 |title= FCC History Cards for WWGK|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}} <!--Converted from {{FCC letter}}--></ref> "Friendly Broadcasting Company" was assigned by United Broadcasting as the license name for both WJMO and WJMO-FM. United owned 100 percent of Friendly's stock, and Richard Eaton owned 100 percent of United stock, effectively making Friendly a [[shell corporation]].<ref name="FCCALJ401">[[Federal Communications Commission]], p. 401.</ref> WJMO-FM would apply to move to {{Frequency|92.3|FM}} that July with increased power, and took the call sign WCUY on October 30, eventually adopting a [[jazz]] format full-time.<ref name="WKRKFMcards">{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=82011 |title= FCC History Cards for WKRK-FM|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}} <!--Converted from {{FCC letter}}--></ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1967/Billboard%201967-01-21.pdf|title=Stations by Format: Cleveland, Ohio (including Cleveland Heights)|date=January 21, 1967|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 24, 2019|pages=34, 36|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203835/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1967/Billboard%201967-01-21.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Shortly after the takeover and call letter change, WJMO moved to a black-oriented [[rhythm and blues]]/[[soul music]] format. WABQ would do the same, but unlike WJMO, they explicitly boasted an on-air staff composed entirely of African-Americans;<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/50s/1959/Billboard%201959-03-02.pdf|title=Vox Jox|last=Bundy|first=June|date=March 2, 1959|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 24, 2019|page=8|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203857/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/50s/1959/Billboard%201959-03-02.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> WJMO still carried assorted ethnic and religious programming on their lineup, including ''Message of Hope'', a 15-minute long daily sermon produced and hosted by Richard Eaton himself.<ref name="EatonObit">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1981/06/03/richard-eaton-pioneer-in-black-radio-with-station-wook-dies-at-age-81/34ed196a-3019-42d3-b03a-37bd96fa0a82/|title=Richard Eaton, Pioneer in Black Radio With Station WOOK, Dies at Age 81|date=June 3, 1981|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203855/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1981/06/03/richard-eaton-pioneer-in-black-radio-with-station-wook-dies-at-age-81/34ed196a-3019-42d3-b03a-37bd96fa0a82/|url-status=live}}</ref>

WJMO notably took credit for being the first radio station outside of Detroit to play the [[Mary Wells]] song [[The One Who Really Loves You (song)|''The One Who Really Loves You'']].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1962/Billboard%201962-05-05.pdf|title=Easter Thanksgiving in Cleveland|date=May 5, 1962|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 24, 2019|page=8|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203834/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1962/Billboard%201962-05-05.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Legal and racial troubles ===
[[File:Slade,_John_B.jpg|left|thumb|300x300px|WJMO operations manager John Slade; his dismissal in January 1970 sparked a month-long period of unrest between the staff and management.]]WJMO's license was granted a short-term renewal by the FCC on January 19, 1965, along with four other stations owned by Richard Eaton.<ref name="1965Renewal">{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-01-25-BC.pdf|title=Eaton gets short renewals, again: Six stations get one-year licenses, one designated for renewal hearing, still another fined $5,000|date=January 25, 1965|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 24, 2019|page=60|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203922/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-01-25-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The unusual move was made due to technical violations at WJMO, and came as co-owned [[WOOK (AM)|WOOK AM]]/[[WBIG-FM|FM]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] and [[WKDM|WBNX]] in New York City were facing increased scrutiny and fines over their operations, although it was not provable at the time that WJMO was facing issues similar to those stations (WCUY's license, by contrast, was granted a full renewal).{{r|1965Renewal}}<ref>[[Federal Communications Commission]], p. 420.</ref> Along with the renewal, WJMO's daytime power was increased to 1,000 watts daytime, while remaining at 250 watts for nighttime hours.{{r|WEREcards}}

Pierre Eaton—Richard Eaton's son, who also served as United's vice president and as a secretary for Friendly—assumed direct responsibility for WJMO's operations in mid-1969; he would relinquish those duties in January 1970, but not before operations manager John Slade was fired.{{r|FCCALJ401}} Morton Silverman—Friendly's vice-president and assistant secretary—assumed oversight of the station shortly thereafter, while Slade's dismissal ignited a dispute between staff and management over working conditions at the station and the lack of blacks in key leadership positions. Station staff and local community groups, including the [[Southern Christian Leadership Conference|SCLC]]'s Cleveland chapter, presented a list of 21 demands; these included the installation of new broadcast equipment, appointments of African-Americans to management roles, and the cancellation of all ethnic and religious programs, including ''Message of Hope''.{{r|FCCALJ401}} Key station personnel formed a coalition with the SCLC that staged a boycott, [[picketing]], and then an employee-led "sick out," which took the station off the air between January 12 and 21, 1970; Friendly retaliated by firing all personnel involved in the "sick out", while the SCLC's Cleveland chapter asked sponsors to withhold advertising from WJMO.<ref name="encyclopedia">{{cite encyclopedia |year=1996 |title=WJMO |encyclopedia=The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington |url=http://ech.case.edu/ech-cgi/article.pl?id=W23 |access-date=January 1, 2007 |last1=Van Tassel |first1=David D. |edition=2nd |pages=1058–59 |isbn=0-253-33056-4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709151658/http://ech.case.edu/ech-cgi/article.pl?id=W23 |archive-date=July 9, 2011 |last2=Grabowski |first2=John J. |url-status=live}}</ref> In a truce called to resolve matters between the staff and the management, the fired personnel were reinstated, and morning host Kennard "Ken" Hawkins was appointed the station's general manager; becoming the first African-American to hold that position at a Cleveland radio station.<ref name="archives">{{cite web|url=http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WJMO-AM%20&%20FM|title=WJMO History|work=Cleveland Broadcast Radio Archives Project|access-date=January 1, 2007|archive-date=February 1, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030201081329/http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WJMO-AM%20&%20FM|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1970/Billboard%201970-02-21.pdf|title=Vox Jox|date=February 21, 1970|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 24, 2019|page=36|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203835/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/70s/1970/Billboard%201970-02-21.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The legal problems for WJMO, and of United Broadcasting itself, deepened into the 1970s. On January 26, 1972, WJMO and WLYT ({{Frequency|92.3|FM}})—the recently renamed WCUY—were added to a group of five Eaton-owned stations designated for hearing by the FCC.<ref name="1971Hearing">{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-01-31-BC.pdf|title=7 Eaton stations now on the line|date=January 31, 1972|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 24, 2019|page=38|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203834/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-01-31-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> WJMO faced questions over: a possible violation of the [[equal-time rule]] and/or the [[FCC fairness doctrine]]; the failure to properly file time-brokerage contracts; inadequate monitoring of existing [[Brokered programming|brokered ethnic programming]]; potential rigging of on-air contests; and misrepresentations of the station's news staff and public affairs programming records.{{r|1971Hearing}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-05-29-BC.pdf|title=Hearing will go on: FCC refuses to rescind renewal probe against Eaton's WJMO(AM) -WLYT(FM)|date=May 29, 1972|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 24, 2019|page=33|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203906/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-05-29-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> This was later expanded to include a possible "numbers racket" through some religious programming and stock market reports that subversively transmitted information tied to illegal [[numbers game]]s, following the testimony of several WJMO employees at one of the initial license review hearings.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-02-26-BC.pdf|title=More questions face Eaton's Ohio stations|date=February 26, 1973|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 26, 2019|pages=34–35|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203905/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-02-26-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> A similar investigation into on-air programs covertly broadcasting gambling information had already occurred at WOOK/Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40126645/|title=Claims This Radio Station Gives The Wrong 'Numbers'|last=Jones|first=William H.|date=June 24, 1969|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|access-date=December 26, 2019|agency=Washington Post|page=A-2|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203856/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40126645/claims-this-radio-station-gives-the/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The FCC's review of WJMO and WLYT coincided with their reviews of WOOK over the aforementioned numbers racket and [[WFAN-TV]]/Washington, D.C. over charges of deceptive advertising, as well as three television stations also owned by United: [[WMET-TV]]/[[Baltimore]], [[WMUR-TV]]/[[Manchester, New Hampshire|Manchester]] and [[KECY-TV|KECC-TV]]/[[El Centro, California]], over allegations that Richard Eaton engaged in [[bribery]] with [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC-TV]] employees so as to gain favorable terms for WMUR and KECC's ABC network affiliations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-03-06-BC.pdf|title=FCC mixup, tardiness claimed by Friendly|date=March 6, 1972|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 24, 2019|page=40|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203900/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-03-06-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1971/1971-11-08-BC.pdf|title=Renewals clouded by bribe charges|date=November 8, 1971|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 24, 2019|page=44|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203840/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1971/1971-11-08-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Not connected to these series of hearings, United's [[WFAB (Miami)|WFAB]]/[[Miami]] would also find ''itself'' under FCC investigation starting in 1973 over allegations of fraudulent billing practices.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-01-08-BC.pdf|title=Eaton's Miami AM on carpet at FCC|date=January 8, 1973|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 24, 2019|page=26|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203907/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-01-08-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Phone tapping allegations ===
WJMO's legal issues were compounded on September 20, 1973, when an investigation into possible [[phone tapping]] resulted in grand jury indictments handed down against station vice president Morris Paul Schechter (who used the professional name Van Lane) and John Rees, chief engineer for [[WTEM|WRC (AM)]]/Washington, D.C., who also did engineering work for United's WOOK.<ref name="VPbugging">{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-10-01-BC.pdf|title=VP at Eaton's WJMO charged with bugging station's GM|date=October 1, 1973|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|pages=22–23|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203844/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-10-01-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FCCALJreport438">[[Federal Communications Commission]], pp. 438-446.</ref> In the fall of 1972, Schechter, Morton Silverman, and attorney Roy F. Perkins Jr.—who had been representing station matters before the FCC before also assuming legal oversight into WJMO's operations—conferred at United's headquarters over possible [[payola]] allegations against WJMO general manager Kennard Hawkins.{{r|archives}} With the renewal hearings for both WJMO and WLYT forthcoming,{{r|VPbugging}} Perkins consulted a partner in the law firm he was affiliated with over the feasibility of installing a hidden microphone inside Hawkins' office, and connecting it to a secure phone line, so as to prove or disprove the payola rumors. Perkins misinterpreted the partner's refusal to participate in an illegal phone monitoring proposal as a refusal to investigate the payola allegations themselves, and also based his legal justifications for the monitoring on a misinterpretation of Section 605 of the [[Communications Act of 1934]].{{r|FCCALJreport438}} Richard Eaton was also consulted for approval, but deferred to Perkins based on what was assumed proper legal judgement and interpretation of the Communications Act.{{r|FCCALJreport438}}

John Rees was contracted to help covertly install a microphone in Hawkins' office,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1974/1974-03-18-BC.pdf|title=Two more indicted in WJMO bugging|date=March 18, 1974|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=7|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203911/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1974/1974-03-18-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and have it connected to a secure "broadcast loop line" sent to Schecter's personal home in Shaker Heights, where it was connected to an [[amplifier]].{{r|FCCALJreport438}} The monitoring of Hawkins' office itself lasted between October 23 and November 9, 1972, when Eaton ordered the removal of the line after conferring with Perkins' law firm partner.{{r|FCCALJreport438}} The microphone was later discovered by a telephone company employee doing regular maintenance work at the station, who promptly notified the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI).{{r|VPbugging}} Schecter and Rees pleaded guilty in federal court to the charges of bugging Hawkins' office on December 11, 1973;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1974/1974-01-07-BC.pdf|title=Media Briefs: They did it.|date=January 7, 1974|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=21|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203908/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1974/1974-01-07-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> both were fined $500, placed on one-year probation, and fired from their respective positions.{{r|FCCALJreport438}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1970s/1974/RR-1974-02-15.pdf|title=It's Not Nice to Fool the FCC|date=February 15, 1974|work=Radio & Records|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=3|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203906/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1970s/1974/RR-1974-02-15.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Indictments were then returned against Silverman and Perkins in March 1974, both faced one count of illegally wiretapping and [[aiding and abetting]];<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1974/1974-03-18-BC.pdf|title=Two more indicted in WJMO bugging|date=March 18, 1974|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=7|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203912/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1974/1974-03-18-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/383/922/2245280/|title=United States v. Perkins, 383 F. Supp. 922 (N.D. Ohio 1974)|website=Justia Law|language=en|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228224716/https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/383/922/2245280/|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]] agreed to reduce the charges to a misdemeanor.{{r|archives}} Both plead ''[[nolo contendere]]'' to the misdemeanor charges that December; Silverman was fined $1,000, while Perkins was fined $2,000 and faced an investigation by the [[District of Columbia Bar]] for possible [[disbarment]], this investigation was dismissed after the bar's disciplinary board could not find evidence of any outright ethical violations.{{r|FCCALJreport438}}

The FCC's Broadcast Bureau recommended in May 1974 tying the wiretapping investigations into an enlarged review of WJMO and WLYT's license renewal hearings; this came as WFAB had their license renewal denied and the licenses for both WMET-TV and WFAN-TV were revoked.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1974/1974-05-13-BC.pdf|title=Shuttering of third Eaton outlet proposed: Group broadcasters get triple blow to add to earlier problems at FCC|date=May 13, 1974|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=28|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203915/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1974/1974-05-13-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The commission's review board accepted this request in August 1974.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1974/1974-08-19-BC.pdf|title=Wiretap issue tied into Cleveland Heights renewals|date=August 19, 1974|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=24|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203903/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1974/1974-08-19-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Meanwhile, the license renewal hearings were delayed until the end of 1975, after a [[Freedom of Information Act (United States)|Freedom of Information Act]] request by United/Friendly into the FBI's report of their investigation could be resolved.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-10-06-BC.pdf|title=Media Briefs: Waiting on FBI|date=October 6, 1975|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=41|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203916/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1975/1975-10-06-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Ultimately, the FCC could not find Eaton had any advance knowledge of the wiretapping, nor was there any direct culpability by United/Friendly outside of the misinterpretation of the Communications Act by Perkins.{{r|FCCALJreport438}}

=== License renewal limbo ===
{{Multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| total_width       = 200
| image1            = WJMO - Radio - 11821 Euclid Ave.jpg
| image2            = WJMO radio station.jpg
| caption2          = WJMO radio studios and transmitter tower, 1961.
| caption1          = Exterior sign outside the WJMO studios, 1970.
}}
Hearings for both WJMO and WYLT's licenses were conducted by [[administrative law judge]] John H. Conlin on June 16, 1976.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1976/1976-05-31-BC.pdf|title=For the Record: In Contest|date=May 31, 1976|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=69|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203913/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1976/1976-05-31-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> His 50-page ruling issued on February 17, 1977, recommended to the FCC that both station licenses should not be renewed.<ref name="ALJreportBC">{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-02-28.pdf|title=In Brief|date=February 28, 1977|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 24, 2019|page=22|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203907/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-02-28.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> WJMO and WLYT were admonished for multiple violations of FCC rules, policies and the Communications Act to the point "...in combination, they establish a monumental record of licensee indifference to a variety of agency regulations and procedures."<ref name="FCCALJreport447">[[#FCC1985|Federal Communications Commission]], pp. 447.</ref> Conlin also stated this pattern of rule violations was similar to patterns uncovered by WOOK and WFAB in their respective hearings, both stations summarily had their license renewals denied by the FCC;{{r|ALJreportBC}} incidentally, WFAB signed off permanently three days after this ruling,<ref name="mourn">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40056486/|title=Listeners mourn sign-off of Cuban radio station|last=Silva|first=Helga|date=February 21, 1977|work=The Miami News|access-date=December 4, 2019|page=5-A|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203847/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40056486/listeners-mourn-sign-off-of-cuban-radio/|url-status=live}}</ref> while WOOK (under the WFAN callsign) would cease operations one year later and be replaced with [[WYCB]], a new license owned by a group that contested United's license for WOOK.<ref name="tangled">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1978/04/20/tangled-case-to-silence-voice-of-spanish-radio-station/051d1493-3926-47af-acb7-1c83f8370e46/|title=Tangled case to silence voice of Spanish radio station|last=Dickey|first=Christopher|date=April 20, 1978|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=December 5, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205171751/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1978/04/20/tangled-case-to-silence-voice-of-spanish-radio-station/051d1493-3926-47af-acb7-1c83f8370e46/|url-status=live}}</ref> Conlin concluded with regards to WJMO and WLYT, "the same result is plainly called for here."{{r|FCCALJreport447}}

An attempted sale of WJMO to Brunson Broadcasting—headed by Dorothy Brunson, an executive with [[Inner City Broadcasting Corporation]]—was announced on October 12, 1979, for $3 million, United/Friendly planned to retain WLYT.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1979/BC-1979-10-22.pdf|title=For the Record: Ownership Changes-Proposed|date=October 22, 1979|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=72|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203912/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1979/BC-1979-10-22.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> With the sale announcement, United/Friendly filed petitions to divest WJMO, along with WMUR-TV and KECC-TV, under the FCC's distress policy, selling the stations at prices substantially below market value to minority-controlled groups,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1979/BC-1979-10-22.pdf|title=United tries for horse-out-of-barn distress-sale waiver|date=October 22, 1979|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=42|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203846/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1979/BC-1979-10-22.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> the petitions included a waiver request from the stipulation that stations that had their licenses designated for hearing could not participate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1978/1978-12-18-BC.pdf|title=Eaton wants FCC to allow distress sale of four stations now in renewal limbo|date=December 18, 1978|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=53|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203914/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1978/1978-12-18-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> A similar sale attempt took place with [[WMJX (Miami)|WMJX]]/[[Miami]], which itself was eventually denied by the commission.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1979/BC-1979-07-16.pdf|title=FCC turns down Bartell request for distress sale|date=July 16, 1979|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=36|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203848/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1979/BC-1979-07-16.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The sale proceedings and further license reviews took yet another unexpected turn when Richard Eaton died from cancer on June 1, 1981.{{r|EatonObit}} Upon execution of his will, all of his radio and television stations passed from involuntary control over to Eaton's estate as the Suburban Trust Company, controlled by Suburban Bancorp of Maryland,{{r|WKRKFMcards}}<ref name="WEREcards">{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=61327 |title= FCC History Cards for WERE|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}} <!--Converted from {{FCC letter}}--></ref> as Eaton was the sole stockholder in United and all related subsidiaries.{{r|FCCALJ401}} Due to Eaton's death, and amid questions over character appraisals for the rest of the United stations, coupled with concern over possible linkage to similar actions taken by the commission against [[RKO General]], the FCC postponed a final license review for both WJMO and WLYT to the following June.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1981/BC-1981-11-16.pdf|title=Awkward legacy|date=November 16, 1981|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=7|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203916/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1981/BC-1981-11-16.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The FCC set aside the administrative law judge's 1977 denial of renewal requests, and conditionally renewed the licenses for both stations on June 10, 1982, predicated on the findings for WOOK-FM.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1982/BC-1982-06-21.pdf|title=For the Record: In Contest|date=June 21, 1982|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=82|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203849/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1982/BC-1982-06-21.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> While administrative law judge Frederic Coufal and the FCC's Review Board both ruled to not renew WOOK-FM's license in favor of competing license applications,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1982/BC-1982-11-15.pdf|title=WOOK(FM) license denied, given to black company|date=November 15, 1982|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 26, 2019|pages=79–80|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203924/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1982/BC-1982-11-15.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1983/BC-1983-08-29.pdf|title=United loses appeal; WOOK(FM) goes to District|date=August 29, 1983|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=113|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203851/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1983/BC-1983-08-29.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> the commission overturned those rulings and renewed that station's license on September 11, 1985;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1985/BC-1985-01-07.pdf|title=From the FCC: Green light for United.|date=January 7, 1985|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=206|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709195213/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1985/BC-1985-01-07.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1987/BC-1987-08-24.pdf|title=Chapter and verse on comparative renewal|date=August 24, 1987|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 26, 2019|pages=30–31|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203912/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1987/BC-1987-08-24.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> the licenses for WJMO and WRQC (the former WLYT) would be granted a full renewal at the same time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=47733|title=Application Search Details|last=FCC Internet Services Staff|website=licensing.fcc.gov|access-date=December 26, 2019|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226055759/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl%3FApplication_id%3D47733|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Ownership limbo ===
Following Richard Eaton's death, and throughout the 1980s, surviving members of his family fought in court for control of the $50 million estate, the bulk of which were his radio holdings and [[cable system]] in [[New Hampshire]]. The two remaining television stations Eaton held, WMUR-TV and KECC-TV, were sold off to third parties in May and July 1981, respectively.<ref name="th-history">{{cite news|url=http://www.hippopress.com/features/cover040304.html|title=WMUR At 50|last=Rapsis|first=Jeff|date=March 4, 2004|work=The Hippo|access-date=December 26, 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041217182427/http://www.hippopress.com/features/cover040304.html|archive-date=December 17, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1981/BC-1981-05-11.pdf|title=Changing Hands|date=May 11, 1981|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=66|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203917/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1981/BC-1981-05-11.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> A 1985 ''[[Washington Post]]'' profile detailed the complexities of his continuously revised will, which stipulated that: Suburban Bancorp had to manage the estate; no money could be directly made available until 10 years after his death, taxes were paid, and after his first wife had also died; neither of his sons—including onetime WJMO overseer Pierre Eaton—could be promoted to lead United, deferring instead to executive Gerald Hroblak; and his second wife Elsa Hurtado Eaton<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1971/1971-06-29-BC.pdf|title=Richard Eaton: colorful past, colorful present|date=June 28, 1971|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=59|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203920/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1971/1971-06-29-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> was prohibited from demanding a statutory one-third share of the estate, whereupon she and their four daughters would lose everything bequeathed to them.<ref name="WaPoEatonEstate">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1985/07/14/complex-will-weaves-tangled-web/67a84309-c6b9-497b-a4e3-ec604c43d83b/|title=Complex Will Weaves Tangled Web|last=Churchville|first=Victoria|date=July 14, 1985|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=December 26, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=December 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227083859/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1985/07/14/complex-will-weaves-tangled-web/67a84309-c6b9-497b-a4e3-ec604c43d83b/|url-status=live}}</ref> Elsa contested the will, which was overturned by Circuit Court Judge Rosalyn B. Bell on May 4, 1983, the overturning was partly based on a previous revocation of Elsa and Richard Eaton's [[prenuptial agreement]] by an attorney, at the time under Richard's retention, who was also a convicted felon for unrelated reasons.{{r|WaPoEatonEstate}} That attorney was later convicted of [[perjury]] for admitting to forgery on the prenuptial revocation, and attempted extortion towards Elsa and her attorneys.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/united-states-v-teplin|title=United States v. Teplin, 775 F.2d 1261|website=casetext.com|publisher=Casetext|access-date=December 26, 2019|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226205009/https://casetext.com/case/united-states-v-teplin|url-status=live}}</ref>

Suburban Bancorp, and its successors due to multiple [[mergers and acquisitions]], remained in control of Eaton's remaining radio station assets throughout the rest of the decade: Suburban merged into [[Sovran Bank]] on September 24, 1985, taking the Sovran name;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1985/09/25/sovran-suburban-agree-to-merger-of-virginia-md-banks/47bbbf20-18cc-4f58-aa0f-cddc8c9634c1/|title=Sovran, Suburban Agree to Merger of Virginia, Md. Banks|last=Pyatt Jr.|first=Rudolph|date=September 25, 1985|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=December 26, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226221627/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1985/09/25/sovran-suburban-agree-to-merger-of-virginia-md-banks/47bbbf20-18cc-4f58-aa0f-cddc8c9634c1/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/09/25/business/sovran-in-accord-with-suburban.html|title=Sovran in Accord With Suburban|date=September 25, 1985|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 26, 2019|agency=[[Reuters]]|page=D5|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226220120/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/09/25/business/sovran-in-accord-with-suburban.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Sovran merged into Citizen's and Southern Bank of Atlanta on July 25, 1990, as C&S/Sovran;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/25/business/company-news-fed-approves-sovran-merger.html|title=COMPANY NEWS; Fed Approves Sovran Merger|date=July 25, 1990|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=D3|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226220124/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/25/business/company-news-fed-approves-sovran-merger.html|url-status=live}}</ref> C&S/Sovran merged with [[North Carolina National Bank]] on July 22, 1991, to form [[NationsBank]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/07/23/business/c-s-sovran-merger-set-with-ncnb.html|title=C&S/Sovran Merger Set With NCNB|last=Wayne|first=Leslie|date=July 23, 1991|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=D1|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226220122/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/07/23/business/c-s-sovran-merger-set-with-ncnb.html|url-status=live}}</ref> An attempted purchase of the stations and cable system by Boston-based [[Venture capital|venture capital fund]] TA Communications Partners for $123 million was announced in February 1989; an affiliate of TA had already acquired a 30 percent stake in United Broadcasting.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-02-27.pdf|title=Changing Hands: United selling to TA|date=February 27, 1989|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=48|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203851/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-02-27.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In part because of a lawsuit filed against the estate by competing cable system [[Continental Cablevision]] claiming a [[right of first refusal]] agreement to purchase the system was not honored,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://law.resource.org/pub/us/case/reporter/F2/873/873.F2d.717.88-1147.html|title=873 F.2d 717|date=May 25, 1989|website=law.resource.org|access-date=December 26, 2019|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226231555/https://law.resource.org/pub/us/case/reporter/F2/873/873.F2d.717.88-1147.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the sale agreement between TA and United expired in January 1990 and the deal did not close.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1990/BC-1990-01-15.pdf|title=In Brief: Sale agreement of United Broadcasting to TA Communications Partners has expired and deal will not close|date=January 15, 1990|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=145|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203924/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1990/BC-1990-01-15.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the same time, WJMO began facing increasing ratings pressure from crosstown [[WZAK]], which in 1981 successfully switched formats from block ethnic programming to [[urban contemporary]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1990/RR-1990-10-26.pdf|title=WZAK Grows Up: Cleveland Renegade Mellows, Tops Market|last=Love|first=Walt|date=October 28, 1990|work=Radio & Records|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=46|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203914/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1990/RR-1990-10-26.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 22, 1990, WRQC changed their call letters back to [[WKRK-FM|WJMO-FM (92.3)]] and entered into a hybrid "Churban" [[Urban contemporary|Urban]]/[[Contemporary hit radio|CHR]] format with WJMO under the "Jammin' 92" brand, with both stations [[simulcast]]ing during morning and afternoon [[drive time]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1990/BB-1990-02-03.pdf|title=Vox Jox|last=Ross|first=Sean|date=February 3, 1990|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=14|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203922/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1990/BB-1990-02-03.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> At all other times, WJMO moved to a gold-based R&B oldies format with the "Solid Gold Soul" brand, having dropped most current music from their playlist,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-06-22.pdf|title=Is There A Place In Sun For R&B/Gold?|last=Ross|first=Sean|date=June 22, 1991|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 26, 2019|pages=12, 19–20|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203922/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-06-22.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> while WJMO-FM continued with the hybrid CHR programming.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1990/RR-1990-01-26.pdf|title=WRQC Adopts WJMO Calls, Churban Format|date=January 26, 1990|work=Radio & Records|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=3|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203857/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1990/RR-1990-01-26.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The drive time simulcasts ended by that October, with each station adopting their respective format full-time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1990/RR-1990-11-02.pdf|title=Action: Personnel Changes|date=November 2, 1990|work=Radio & Records|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=42|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203946/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1990/RR-1990-11-02.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Contested sale, then NewCo ===
United Broadcasting sold WJMO and WJMO-FM in October 1992 to Zebra Communications for a reported $4.445 million.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1992/Billboard-1992-10-31.pdf|title=Vox Jox|last=Stark|first=Phyllis|date=October 31, 1992|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=92|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203924/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1992/Billboard-1992-10-31.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1992/BC-1992-10-26.pdf|title=Changing Hands|date=October 26, 1992|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=57|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203857/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1992/BC-1992-10-26.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Zebra was a partnership between WZAK owner Zapis Communications, WZAK program director Lynn Tolliver, and WZAK music director Bobby "Otis" Rush; both Tolliver and Rush were long-time radio personalities in the market, and both had previously worked at WJMO.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1985/RR-1985-11-22.pdf|title=ACTION|date=November 22, 1985|work=Radio & Records|access-date=December 28, 2019|page=56|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203928/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1985/RR-1985-11-22.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Tolliver and Rush were both African-Americans, they only had 23 percent of the company's equity, and 57 percent of the company's voting stock.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1992/RR-1992-11-27.pdf|title=DC Report|last=Clawson|first=Pat|date=November 27, 1992|work=Radio & Records|access-date=December 26, 2019|page=4|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203857/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1992/RR-1992-11-27.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Zapis held the remainder of equity and voting stock and was considered the key party in the new ownership, a [[joint sales agreement]] was also filed between the stations and WZAK allowing shared management and operations.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1996/BB-1996-02-03.pdf|title=newsline...|date=February 3, 1996|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 28, 2019|page=78|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203923/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1996/BB-1996-02-03.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Both the Cleveland chapters for the [[NAACP]] and the [[Southern Christian Leadership Conference|SCLC]], along with five different community groups, contested the sale.{{r|archives}} The SCLC filed a petition against Zapis Communications in December 1992, alleging that Zapis committed fraud by using WZAK employees to get the stations at a cheaper price while Zapis effectively would be controlling all operations.{{r|ZebraSaleApproved}}

The sale was approved by the FCC on May 20, 1993, and WJMO and WJMO-FM became the first radio stations in the Cleveland radio market with significant African-American ownership. Because Zebra was interpreted as a minority-owned group due to the presence of Tolliver and Rush, the FCC also approved a $1.7 million [[tax break]], reducing the sale price for both stations to $4.04 million; the SCLC filed an appeal, while Tolliver threatened to file lawsuits against the petitioners.<ref name="ZebraSaleApproved">{{Cite news|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CPDB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F8074245A242118&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated4&req_dat=0D1C2ED46ABD2E15|title=WJMO sale approved by FCC, but SCLC appeal is likely|last=Santiago|first=Roberto|date=May 22, 1993|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=January 1, 2007|pages=1B|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203921/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=news/0F8074245A242118&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref> After months of negotiations and litigation, Zapis, Zebra and the SCLC reached an agreement that November, which had the SCLC gain significant programming control of WJMO—which was seen as less profitable than WJMO-FM—and direct input in the operations for both stations and WZAK.<ref name="MStreetNewCo">{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/M-Street-Journal/M-Street-1994-02.pdf|title=Elsewhere|last1=Unmacht|first1=Robert|date=February 23, 1994|work=The M Street Journal|access-date=December 27, 2019|last2=McCrummen|first2=Pat|issue=8|volume=11|page=5|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203924/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/M-Street-Journal/M-Street-1994-02.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Zebra was also restructured so Tolliver and Rush held all voting stock, while their equity stake remained unchanged.<ref name="ZebraSCLCSettlement">{{Cite news|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CPDB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F807969AD9C2B0D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated4&req_dat=0D1C2ED46ABD2E15|title=SCLC gains control of WJMO-AM|last=Santiago|first=Roberto|date=December 10, 1993|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=January 1, 2007|pages=1A|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203942/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=news/0F807969AD9C2B0D&f=basic|url-status=live}}</ref>

The SCLC appointed a local group, dubbed NewCo, which directly had an input in stations' programming via a "black ribbon committee" that Zapis and Zebra stockholders were prohibited from serving on. NewCo would also oversee talk and public affairs programming to be aired on WJMO between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. nightly via a $1 per year [[Brokered programming|time brokerage agreement]],{{r|ZebraSCLCSettlement}} and Zebra had to commit to funding a program training minority talk show hosts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1994/BC-1994-09-26.pdf|title=Fifth Estater: David Earl Honig|date=September 26, 1994|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=December 27, 2019|page=73|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203931/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1994/BC-1994-09-26.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Zapis and Zebra also agreed to reimburse any expenses incurred by the SCLC on top of their existing $100,000 in legal fees. Under those revised conditions, the deal finally closed in February 1994.{{r|MStreetNewCo}} WJMO replaced all remaining local music personalities in favor of [[ABC Radio Network]]s' "Urban Gold" service, purportedly due to the legal fees incurred.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=doc&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_product=NewsBank&p_text_direct-0=document_id=(%200F807C708F8D268B%20)&p_docid=0F807C708F8D268B&p_theme=aggregated4&p_queryname=0F807C708F8D268B&f_openurl=yes&p_nbid=V6CU5CIWMTE3OTc5NTQzMC4xNzAwOTM6MTo2Om5jZGNwbA&&p_multi=CPDB|title=FCC Approves Transfer of Two Urban Stations|last=Santiago|first=Roberto|date=February 18, 1994|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=May 21, 2007|pages=4B}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1995/BB-1995-06-03.pdf|title=R&B Oldies Heat Up Radio's Heart|last=Nathan|first=David|date=June 3, 1995|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 26, 2019|pages=34, 36|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203931/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1995/BB-1995-06-03.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Meanwhile, WJMO-FM changed call letters that February 25 to WZJM—a combination of WZAK and WJMO—while the "Jammin' 92" brand and CHR format were left intact,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1994/BB-1994-03-05.pdf|title=Vox Jox|last=Stark|first=Phyllis|date=March 5, 1994|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 28, 2019|page=79|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203903/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1994/BB-1994-03-05.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> despite prior hints of possible programming changes by both Tolliver and the SCLC.{{r|ZebraSaleApproved}}{{r|ZebraSCLCSettlement}}

=== Consolidation ===
Chancellor Media Corporation of Texas announced the purchase of WJMO and WZJM from Zebra Communications, along with WZAK, on August 12, 1998.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/931-fms-former-owner-lee-zapis-tells-the-story-of-how-wzak-went-to-no-1/Content?oid=30730153|title=93.1 FM's Former Owner Lee Zapis Tells the Story of How WZAK Went to No. 1|last=Niesel|first=Jeff|date=June 19, 2019|website=[[Cleveland Scene]]|language=en|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716113037/https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/931-fms-former-owner-lee-zapis-tells-the-story-of-how-wzak-went-to-no-1/Content?oid=30730153|url-status=live}}</ref> Three other Cleveland radio stations were also acquired at the same time by Chancellor via simultaneous buyouts; [[WDOK]], [[WQAL]], and [[WKNR|WRMR ({{Frequency|850|AM}})]]; for $275 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9907E5D9123AF930A2575BC0A96E958260|title=Company News; Chancellor Media to Buy Six Cleveland Radio Stations|date=August 13, 1998|access-date=January 1, 2007|work=The New York Times|archive-date=March 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311135348/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9907E5D9123AF930A2575BC0A96E958260|url-status=live}}</ref> It was, at the time, the largest radio deal in Cleveland broadcasting history, and one of multiple ownership consolidation transactions spurred following passage of the [[Telecommunications Act of 1996]]. Two weeks later, Chancellor Media announced a merger with Capstar Broadcasting, then-owners of [[WHKW|WKNR ({{Frequency|1220|AM}})]]; when the merger cleared on July 13, 1999, the combined company was renamed AMFM Inc., at that time the nation's largest radio station owner with 465 stations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Chancellor+Media+And+Capstar+Broadcasting+To+Merge%2c+Creating+Nation's...-a021063449|title=Chancellor Media And Capstar Broadcasting To Merge, Creating Nation's Largest Radio Broadcasting Company With Enterprise Value Of More Than $17 billion|date=August 27, 1998|work=Business Wire|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-date=December 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212073404/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Chancellor+Media+And+Capstar+Broadcasting+To+Merge%2C+Creating+Nation%27s...-a021063449|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:WJMO 1490.png|thumb|WJMO logo with the "Praise 1490" branding]]WJMO switched to [[urban gospel]] music on May 17, 1999, after nearly forty years with an [[rhythm and blues]] format, reputed by many to have been the longest running format of its kind in the country.<ref name="WJMOrnb">{{Cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=doc&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_product=NewsBank&p_text_direct-0=document_id=(%200F80D3C45AEBAAFF%20)&p_docid=0F80D3C45AEBAAFF&p_theme=aggregated4&p_queryname=0F80D3C45AEBAAFF&f_openurl=yes&p_nbid=O68J58XSMTE3OTc5MDk0My4zNDMxOToxOjY6bmNkY3Bs&&p_multi=CPDB|title=WJMO Gives up Soul for Gospel|last=Feran|first=Tom|date=May 19, 1999|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=May 21, 2007|pages=2E}}</ref> The format switch took place one month after WZJM switched formats to [[rhythmic oldies]] under Chancellor/AMFM's "Jammin' Oldies" format concept rolled out at other stations owned by the conglomerate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-04-23.pdf|title=Chancellor "Jammin' Oldies" Hits WZJM|date=April 23, 1999|work=Radio & Records|access-date=December 25, 2019|page=3|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203903/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-04-23.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

AMFM, Inc. then merged into [[Clear Channel Communications]] in a $17.4 billion deal announced on October 3, 1999.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/1999/10/04/deals/clear/|title=Clear Channel gets AMFM|date=October 4, 1999|work=CNNMoney|access-date=November 3, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110105744/http://money.cnn.com/1999/10/04/deals/clear/|archive-date=November 10, 2012}}</ref> To comply with market ownership restrictions imposed by the [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]], AMFM's cluster was broken up on July 20, 2000: WZJM was divested to [[CBS Radio]], while WJMO and WZAK were sold to [[Radio One (company)|Radio One]], putting them under common ownership with [[WENZ]] and [[WJMO|WERE]].<ref>{{cite press release|title=Justice Department Requires Clear Channel and AMFM to Divest 99 Radio Stations in 27 Markets. Required Sale is Largest Radio Divestiture Ever|publisher=U.S. Department of Justice|date=July 20, 2000|url=http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2000/July/415at.htm|access-date=January 1, 2007|archive-date=May 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530212735/http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2000/July/415at.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

== WERE (2007–present) ==
[[File:BasheerJones.png|thumb|190x190px|Basheer Jones]]
On June 4, 2007, WJMO and WERE exchanged [[call sign]]s and formats in what local media referred to as a "frequency trade".{{r|CPD20070604a}} WJMO changed their calls to WERE and adopted the [[Talk radio|talk]] format the previous WERE had been carrying since January 2006,<ref name="CPD20060124a">{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie E. |date=January 24, 2006 |title=Duncan lands morning job on WERE-AM |page=E1 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F10F5C25F85D3F180 |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802035848/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/10F5C25F85D3F180&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> while the previous WERE became [[WJMO]] and assumed the gospel format. Radio One made the change after determining {{Frequency|1300|AM}}'s coverage area better reached the south and west of Cleveland where Blacks were moving to, while research estimated the majority of listeners to WERE's talk format on {{Frequency|1300|AM}} would still be able to pick up {{Frequency|1490|AM}}. A promotional campaign for the switch included automated phone calls voiced by [[Yolanda Adams]], whose syndicated morning show WJMO had picked up prior to the switch.<ref name="CPD20070604a">{{cite news|url=http://blog.cleveland.com/pdextra/2007/05/gospel_singer_and_morning_radi.html|title=WERE and WJMO trading AM frequencies|author=Washington, Julie|date=May 19, 2007|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=June 4, 2007|archive-date=May 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080520081049/http://blog.cleveland.com/pdextra/2007/05/gospel_singer_and_morning_radi.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

WERE's format consisted of Black-oriented talk during the daytime with a local morning show hosted by Ronnie Duncan, talk shows internally syndicated by Radio One—[[Michael Eric Dyson]], [[Al Sharpton]] and the [[2 Live Stews]]—[[brokered programming]] in the evenings, and ethnic shows on Sundays.{{r|CPD20060124a}} Duncan left the station on October 10, 2007, expressing criticism at management not supporting the show, allowing veteran talent to leave and having "an agenda";<ref>{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie E. |date=November 11, 2007 |title=A convention for fans of.. |page=J3 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F11CE4DE02A88BF88 |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802035849/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/11CE4DE02A88BF88&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> community activist Basheer Jones was his replacement.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 21, 2008 |title=Basheer Jones, radio show host, WERE AM/1490 |page=E3 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F11E569B3E26A8430 |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802035849/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/11E569B3E26A8430&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2008, WERE reformatted Jones' show into a "morning team" program while readopting an all-brokered format with [[USA Radio Network]] shows airing in any unsold timeslots, a change attributed to low ratings.<ref name="CPD20080127pJ7">{{Cite news |last=Washington |first=Julie E. |date=January 27, 2008 |title=Filmmaker from Chagrin Falls screens first feature at Sundance |page=J7 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F11E7B9677650ADA8 |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 2, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802035850/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/11E7B9677650ADA8&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Sharpton's show was consequently moved to WJMO, both stations have since simulcast the program at different intervals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Keepin' It Real with Reverend Al Sharpton Schedule |url=https://nationalactionnetwork.net/keepin-it-real-with-reverend-al-sharpton-schedule-2/ |access-date=August 2, 2022 |website=National Action Network |archive-date=July 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720143315/https://nationalactionnetwork.net/keepin-it-real-with-reverend-al-sharpton-schedule-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Area businessman Ken Lanci purchased airtime for a weekly [[infomercial]] while running for [[Cuyahoga County]] executive throughout the summer of 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gomez |first=Henry J. |date=May 11, 2010 |title=Ken Lanci to launch paid radio and TV programs to promote his candidacy for Cuyahoga County executive |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F1476FE05094561F0 |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802035848/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/1476FE05094561F0&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> Jones left the station in 2013 to enter politics, eventually becoming a [[Cleveland City Council|Cleveland city council]]man and mayoral candidate.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tobias |first=Andrew J. |date=October 13, 2014 |title=Jason Riley of the Wall Street Journal to headline Cuyahoga County Republican Party discussion about race, urban poverty |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F150F30E791807BE8 |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802035848/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/150F30E791807BE8&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref>

After Jones' departure, WERE picked up ''[[The Tom Joyner Morning Show]]'',<ref name="WERE sked">{{cite web|url=http://www.newstalkcleveland.com/schedule|title=Show Schedules {{pipe}} WERE-AM 1490|publisher=Newstalkcleveland.com|access-date=November 8, 2012|archive-date=October 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028233149/http://newstalkcleveland.com/schedule/|url-status=live}}</ref> which WZAK had been airing since 1998; since the start of 2020, both stations have aired [[The Rickey Smiley Show|''The Rickey Smiley Morning Show'']].<ref name="CPD20200101pP1">{{Cite news |last=Bamforth |first=Emily |date=January 1, 2020 |title=Radio One Cleveland releases new lineups, morning shows for '20 |page=P1 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F17831F6F246638D8 |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802035850/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/17831F6F246638D8&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref> 

===Current programming===
Besides Smiley (morning drive) and Sharpton (middays), WERE's weekday programming also includes the daily [[trade union]]-oriented program ''America's Work Force'' hosted by Ed "Flash" Ferenc (afternoon drive)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Heaton |first=Michael |date=April 16, 2014 |title=Where's the Buzzard's old WMMS gang now? |page=A2 |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F14D3B0CE3032A368 |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802035849/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/14D3B0CE3032A368&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://awfradio.com/about/|title=About|website=America's Work Force Radio|language=en-US|access-date=December 27, 2019|archive-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228050942/https://awfradio.com/about/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Red Eye Radio]]'' overnight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/111383/cumulus-media-networks-adds-affiliates-for-shows-s|title=Cumulus Media Networks Adds Affiliates For Shows, Services|date=October 15, 2012|publisher=AllAccess.com|access-date=August 17, 2014|archive-date=October 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213619/http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/111383/cumulus-media-networks-adds-affiliates-for-shows-s|url-status=live}}</ref> Taped replays of Sharpton's show air in the event of any unsold evening timeslots.<ref name="WERE sked" /> Ethnic programming on Sundays include ''The Slovak Radio Program'', which has been broadcast continuously in Cleveland radio in some capacity since the 1930s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Benson |first=John |date=August 26, 2019 |title=Slovak Festival returns Sept. 1 at St. Anthony of Padua in Parma |work=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F175A0D48B6F584E0 |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 1, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802035849/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/175A0D48B6F584E0&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin|}}
* {{cite book|ref=FCC1985|author=United States|first=Federal Communications Commission|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8N0kX81DVgQC|title=Federal Communications Commission Reports: Decisions, Reports, and Orders of the Federal Communications Commission of the United States: Volume 91, Second Series, October 1, 1982 - April 30, 1983|year=1985|publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office|location=Washington, D.C.|pages=398–449|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203906/https://books.google.com/books?id=8N0kX81DVgQC|url-status=live}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|http://newstalkcleveland.com/}}
{{AM station data|74472|WERE}}
*{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=61327 |title= History Cards for WERE|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]}} ([[Wikipedia:WikiProject Radio Stations/History Cards|Guide to reading History Cards]])<!--Converted from {{FCC letter}}-->

{{Cleveland Radio}}
{{News/Talk Radio Stations in Ohio}}
{{Radio One}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Were}}
[[Category:1947 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:News and talk radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Urban One stations]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1947]]
[[Category:Radio stations in Cleveland|ERE]]