WMPO

WMPO (1390 AM with translator W279CE 103.7 FM) is a radio station broadcasting a Sports radio format. Licensed to Middleport-Pomeroy, USA. The station is currently owned by Positive Radio Group, Inc. of Ohio and features programing from ABC Radio and ESPN Radio. Joe Hill now of Tucson AZ began his radio career in 1977 at WMPO under the air name "David Barnes" before moving on to WWJM Zanesville in 1978.

History of WMPO Radio

Written By John E.M. Kerr

In May 1957, a group of Athens businessmen met to discuss starting a radio station located in Meigs County. Present at the meeting included Roger Jones, attorney; Roy Stephenson, accountant; Frank Rauch, bakery & theater owner; A.H. Kovlan, WATH Radio owner; and John E.M. Kerr, advertising manager for WATH. The group elected to form a corporation called Radio Mid-Pom, Inc. and applied for a broadcast license with the FCC for Meigs County. A search immediately followed to find a building and tower site in Meigs County.

The group learned that the Bailey family in Bradbury was thinking of closing their restaurant. Radio Mid-Pom elected to purchase Bailey's Drive In and lease adjacent acreage for the tower. On August 28, 1959, WMPO 1390 started broadcasting with a staff of five people. An open house was held with both Pomeroy and Middleport mayors giving welcome speeches.