WGSO-AM (New Orleans, LA)

The radio station started as an AM daytimer and underwent various names and formats before transitioning to a 24-hour operation in the 1980s. In 2001, it introduced New Orleans to its first Business Talk format. Initially, the station began broadcasting in the 1950s as WJMR, owned by Jorge Mayorial, from the Jung Hotel. WJMR/990 officially joined the AM band on January 27, 1946, and eventually became the sister station to WJMR-FM (now known as WEZB-FM) and WJMR-TV (which became WVUE-TV, the second television station in New Orleans, in 1953). During the mid-1950s, the station featured “Poppa Stoppa,” a program known for its long, uninterrupted Rock and Roll music sessions. After the sale of WJMR-AM, the call sign changed to WNNR (Winner Radio) and briefly to WLTS in the fall of 1984. On June 4, 1985, it adopted the name WYAT, inspired by the local phrase “Where y’at?”, and broadcast a syndicated Oldies format with local DJs during the day. On December 1, 1993, the station became WGSO, offering an audio feed of CNN’s Headline News. From 2001 to 2004, it was branded as “City Business 990,” highlighting its connection with the local “City Business” newspaper. The period from 2004 to 2005 saw it rebranded as “BizRadio 990,” featuring local hosts during the day and syndicated shows, along with overnight CNN newscasts. After Hurricane Katrina in 2007, the station adopted the “Voice of the Northshore” title, focusing on news and traffic updates for St. Tammany Parish. However, the station's signal was weak in that area during the day and nearly unlistenable at night. By January 2009, the station was airing UNO sports and a few locally produced programs, with the majority of its schedule dedicated to syndicated talk shows, including those hosted by Michael Savage and Lou Dobbs. As of April 2010, the station returned to the Central Business District of New Orleans, adopting the tagline “Speakin’ Easy New Orleans Style” and featuring an increase in locally produced content.