Smile FM
Smile FM is a network of Michigan contemporary Christian radio stations. Programming originates from a studio near Lansing, Michigan, and is relayed (with local inserts) by an expanding number of stations throughout the state. A faith ministry, the network depends upon listener support.
The network was founded in December 1996 by Edward and Jennifer Czelada when their first station, WLGH Lansing, began broadcasting. They originally conceived of two separate Michigan networks. One was The Light and and the other Joy FM. While both played contemporary Christian music, the Light aimed for a younger audience. In June of 2004 the two networks were combined to form Smile FM.
The network is notable for putting stations on the air at a low cost. Because they use only existing towers and have only one main studio, stations can be put on the air for a fraction of the normal cost. The extensive use of voice tracking allows the network to operate with a minimal number of employees.
Unlike many religious broadcasters, they play only music with no political bias or slant toward a particular Christian viewpoint.
The network's stations, although having the same ownership, are officially owned by one of three entities: Superior Communications, Michigan Community Radio, and Northland Community Broadcasters.
The owners have often recycled the call letters of famous Michigan stations of the past for their stations. WDTR (now WRCJ) and WHYT (now WDVD) were once used by Detroit stations. WTAC was the leading top 40 station in Flint during the 1960's. WAIR was a station in Honor. WKKM and WWKM were stations in Harrison.
Others were named for the original formats of the stations. WLGH and WTLI were The Light. All of the stations beginning with WJ were in or scheduled to be in the Joy FM network. WCZE stands for the first three letters of Czelada.
On Air Staff
Local
- Jennifer Czelada (Mornings)
- Brian Dumont
- Dennis
- Rob Dale (Weather; WLNS meteorologist)
- Melissa Proffit (News headlines)
- Andy Delancey (News headlines)
National
- Faron Dice
- Rob Dempsey
- Dave Cruse
National Features
- Plugged In movie reviews (from Focus on the Family)
- Better Marriage Minute with Mark Gungor
- Up Words with Max Lucado
Network Stations
Stations owned and operated by Smile FM include: (Some stations may not be operating at full FCC authorized power yet.)
WLGH 88.1 Leroy Twp./Lansing (east of Lansing) 6.8 kW 571'
WDTR 88.1 Monroe (Serving Monroe and Downriver Detroit) 2.8 kW 449'
WHYT 88.1 Goodland Twp./ Imlay City 400w 581'
WEJC 88.3 White Star/ Gladwin 80 kW 472' (application filed 12/06 for 55 kW from a location between Midland and Bay City)
WJOM 88.5 Eagle/Lansing (west of Lansing) 10 kW 289'
WKKM 88.5 Rust Twp./Alpena 480w 472'
WTLI 89.3 Bear Creek Twp./Boyne City 17 kW 1023'
WJOJ 89.7 Harrisville/Alpena 31 kW 453' (Losing tower lease - could be off air part of 2007)
WTAC 89.7 Burton/Flint 1 kW 187'
WJOG 91.3 Good Hart/Petoskey 6 kW 623'
WJOH 91.5 Raco/Soo 5.5 kW 328'
WCZE 103.7 Harbor Beach/Thumb Area 43 kW 528'
WAIR 104.9 Lake City/ Cadillac 1.6 kW 489'
Future Stations approved by the FCC:
WKPK 88.1 Michigamme (Western half of U.P.) 100 kW 410'
88.7 Riverside/St. Joseph 25 kW 184'
WSLI 90.9 Belding 10 kW 98' (11/06 filed an application to modify to 14 kW from a different tower)
Michigan Community Radio (aka Smile FM) also owns WWKM 89.1 Imlay City. This station will be increasing power (6 kW 328') and moving to Oxford in the northern suburbs of Detroit. At that time the station will likely join the Smile FM network. WWKM currently airs a format of traditional Christian music and hymns.