WGPA

WGPA (1100 AM) is a Class D daytimer radio station in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA. It is owned by Ronald and Christopher Crumbliss, through licensee CC Broadcasting, LLC (Kutztown).

History

WGPA was originally a part of the Bethlehem Globe Publishing Authority (the GPA in WGPA). The station began broadcasting on February 16, 1946 and was located at 426 Brodhead Avenue, next to the Globe-Times daily newspaper building. At the time, WGPA was one of approximately 500 radio stations in the United States. Today, there are many thousands of radio stations. The FCC license stated ownership as A-B-E Broadcasting a division of the Bethlehem Globe Times Newspapers signifying Allentown Bethlehem Easton as coverage area. WGPA AM 1100 originally broadcast popular music from time period. The original musical lineup primarily consisted of big band/swing featuring artists like Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, Doris Day and others.In the early fifties, a young man fresh out of Liberty High School named Bob Wolken,started at the station performing odd jobs. He would eventually hire on and became an on-air announcer, who would remain through changes in ownership and formats into the 1990s. Wolken's smooth style was the wake up voice for generations of Bethlehem-area residents for many years. His program was called "In the Book" and it aired from sign on time to 9:30 am Monday through Saturdays.