View source for WVEE

{{short description|Urban contemporary radio station in Atlanta}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{for-multi|the radio station V103 in Chicago|WVAZ|the radio station V103 in American Samoa|WVUV-FM|the radio station V103 in Oklahoma City|K276EX}}
{{Infobox radio station
| name                = WVEE
| logo                = V103 logo.png
| logo_upright        = .8
| city                = [[Atlanta, Georgia]]
| country             = US
| area                = [[Atlanta metropolitan area]]
| branding            = ''V-103''
| frequency           = {{Frequency|103.3|[[MHz]]}} {{HD Radio}}
| airdate             = {{start date and age|1948|7|1|p=y|br=yes}}
| language            = [[American English|English]]
| format              = [[Urban contemporary]]
| subchannels         = {{ubl|HD2: International hits|HD3: [[Talk radio]] ([[WAOK]])}}
| erp                 = {{val|100000|u=watts|fmt=commas}}
| haat                = {{convert|310|m|ft|sp=us}}
| coordinates         = {{coord|33.759|N|84.335|W|type:landmark_region:US-GA_source:FCC}}
| class               = C0
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| facility_id         = 63776
| callsign_meaning    = "V-103"
| former_callsigns    = {{ubl|WAGA-FM (1948–1959)|WPLO-FM (1959–1976)}}
| owner               = [[Audacy, Inc.]]
| licensee            = Audacy License, LLC
| sister_stations     = {{hlist|WAOK|WSTR|WZGC}}
| webcast             = {{ubl|{{Audacy.com|v103}}|{{Audacy.com|v103international}} (HD2)}}
| website             = {{URL|audacy.com/v103}}
}}

'''WVEE''' (103.3&nbsp;[[FM broadcasting|FM]]) – branded as ''V-103'' – is a commercial American radio station in [[Atlanta, Georgia]], United States. It is owned by [[Audacy, Inc.]] and airs an [[urban contemporary]] [[radio format]]. WVEE is one of the highest-rated stations in the [[Atlanta FM radio stations|Atlanta radio market]] according to [[Nielsen Audio]], reaching number one on many reports.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=Arbitron Atlanta PPM ratings|url=http://www.radio-info.com/markets/atlanta|publisher=Radio Info & Arbitron}}</ref> Its [[radio studio|studio]]s and offices are located in [[Colony Square]] on [[Peachtree Street]] in [[Midtown Atlanta]], along with its sister stations [[WAOK]], [[WSTR (FM)|WSTR]] and [[WZGC]].<ref>[https://v103.radio.com/about/contact-us V103.com/about/contact-us]</ref>

WVEE has an [[effective radiated power]] of 100,000 watts. It shares a [[radio masts and towers|tower]] off New Street NE, with [[WABE-TV]], as well as with [[WSB-FM]], which is owned by [[Cox Radio]].<ref>[https://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/finder?sr=Y&s=C&call=Wvee&nav= Radio-Locator.com/WVEE]</ref> The two radio stations' transmitters are diplexed together, so that they feed to the same antenna.

==History==

===1940s===
The station that became WVEE first [[signed on]] the air on {{start date and age|1948|7|1}}.<ref>[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1950/RADIO%20&%20TV%20ALL%20YB%201950%20B&W-11.pdf Broadcasting Yearbook 1950 page 116]</ref> Its original [[call sign]] was WAGA-FM, simulcasting a [[country music]] radio format with WAGA (590 AM, now [[WDWD]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=Atlanta Metro GA Radio-1948|url=http://www.atlantarewound.com/ATLradio.htm|publisher=Atlanta Rewound}}</ref> They were owned by [[Storer Broadcasting]], a company that owned several top stations in large American cities.

The following year, television station [[WAGA-TV]] was added as a [[CBS]] [[network affiliate]] and is now a [[Fox Television]] [[owned and operated station]].

===1950s and 1960s===
In 1959, WAGA-AM-FM were acquired by [[Schering-Plough|Plough Broadcasting]], a [[subsidiary]] of a [[pharmaceutical]] company that decided to invest in radio stations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Atlanta Area FM Radio Stations|url=http://users.ece.gatech.edu/~mleach/radio/fm.html|publisher=Dr. Marshall Leach}}</ref> Their call letters were switched to WPLO and WPLO-FM, and the two stations continued to simulcast WPLO's successful country programming.

In the late 1960s, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) began requiring AM stations in larger cities to end full-time simulcasts, promoting new programming on FM stations. WPLO had [[Georgia State University]] students program and host a [[free form radio|free form]] "underground" format, giving the students academic credit instead of pay. The arrangement allowed Plough to have an inexpensive FM presence in the years before FM came to dominate the radio spectrum. It created enough interest among the student body that the [[Georgia Board of Regents]] obtained a [[construction permit]] and license for its own station at the university, [[WRAS-FM]].

Plough management believed the music programmed by the Georgia State students could become a profitable commercial format if presented professionally. By 1969, WPLO-FM was billing itself as "Atlanta's Alternative High", and described its 103.3 frequency as "103-and-a-third". Program directors in this [[progressive rock]] era included Ed Shane, Steve Hosford, and Chris Morgan.

===1970s===
In 1974, as more listeners were switching from AM to FM for music listening, Plough-Shearing changed WPLO-FM's format. Keeping the same call letters, WPLO-FM flipped to country music to build on the AM station's popularity. The AM station continued to have more personality, with frequent news and weather updates, while the FM station went in a more-music, limited DJ chatter direction.

In October 1976, Schering-Plough recognized Atlanta's growing middle-class [[African-American]] market by changing WPLO-FM to [[urban contemporary]] under the "V-103" [[moniker]] and new call sign WVEE.<ref>{{cite web|title=R.I.P George Pass, former engineer for Plough Broadcasting and WPLO-FM/WVEE|url=http://boards.radio-info.com/smf/index.php?topic=112818.msg904710#msg904710|publisher=RadioInfo}}</ref> It briefly aired a [[disco music]] format in 1976.

When disco fever cooled, WVEE-FM returned to the urban contemporary, and became one of the Atlanta radio market's top stations under the leadership of program director Scotty Andrews.<ref>{{cite book|title=Billboard, September 26, 1981|date = 26 September 1981|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vSQEAAAAMBAJ&q=Scottie+Andrews+of+WVEE&pg=PT84|publisher= Billboard magazine}}</ref> As the first urban station on the FM dial in Metro Atlanta, the "V-103" brand eventually saw other stations around the U.S. follow its formula, including [[Baltimore]] [[sister station]] [[WQSR|WXYV]], also known as "V-103", and a [[Chicago]] "V-103" ([[WVAZ]], now owned by [[iHeartMedia]]).

===1980s-1990s===
In the early 1980s, DKM Broadcasting Corporation purchased WVEE-FM and [[WAOK]]. On January 1, 1988, WVEE-FM was sold, along with other DKM-owned properties in Baltimore, [[Denver]], [[Springfield, Illinois|Springfield]], [[Lincoln, Illinois|Lincoln]], [[Akron]], [[Dayton]], and [[Dallas]], for $200&nbsp;million to The Summit Communications Group, Inc. In March 1995, Summit sold its interests in WVEE FM and WAOK AM to Granum Communications, Inc., owned by Herbert W. McCord, Peter Ferrara, and Michael Weinstein.

In March 1996, Granum Communications sold both stations to [[Infinity Broadcasting]], which was later folded into [[CBS Radio]]. Infinity already owned [[WZGC]], which it owned since 1992, that made the three stations a trio-poly.

===2000s===
In 2000, ''V-103'', after many years of operating as an urban contemporary station that only played [[R&B]] and [[classic soul]] throughout the day and only played [[hip hop music]] during early evening hours, added hip-hop music full-time to compete with [[WHTA]] ("Hot 97.5", now "Hot 107.9") and [[WALR-FM]] (''Kiss 104.7'', now ''Kiss 104.1''), and to appeal more to the 18-34 [[demographic]] alongside the original 25-54 demo. With the gain of more competition, WVEE was one of three adult urban stations between 1998 and 2000 when [[WAMJ]] (''Majic 107.5'') took to the air, although WVEE never called itself an urban AC station.

In 2003, ''V-103'' changed its longtime station [[slogan]] from ''The People's Station'' to ''Atlanta's BIG Station'' to signify its dominance of Atlanta urban radio. WVEE-FM was often #1 or #2 in the [[Arbitron ratings]], along with [[WSB (AM)|WSB]]. In 2008, WVEE-FM reverted to the previous slogan ''The People's Station'' to signify its commitment to the African-American community.

Since autumn 2006, WVEE had aired an [[HD Radio]] [[digital subchannel]] for playing [[urban adult contemporary]] (specifically [[neo-soul]]) music, with no [[moniker|branding]] other than "V-103 HD-2". On February 28, 2020, WVEE-HD2 changed their format to international hits, branded as "V-103 International".<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/184786/wvee-launches-v103-international/ WVEE Launches V103 International] Radioinsight - February 28, 2020</ref> The HD3 channel is a [[simulcast]] of [[sister station]] WAOK.

On February 2, 2017, CBS Radio announced it would merge with [[Entercom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/116299/cbs-radio-to-merge-with-entercom/|title=CBS Radio To Merge With Entercom|date=2 February 2017}}</ref> The merger was approved on November 9, and was consummated on the 17th.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entercom.com/press/entercom-receives-fcc-approval-merger-cbs-radio/|title=Entercom Receives FCC Approval for Merger with CBS Radio|work=Entercom|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=November 17, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/121072/entercom-completes-cbs-radio-merger/|title=Entercom Completes CBS Radio Merger|last=Venta|first=Lance|work=Radio Insight|date=November 17, 2017|access-date=November 17, 2017}}</ref>

==Programming==
V-103 has a [[playlist]] consisting of a balance of current R&B, soul, and hip-hop songs along with throwbacks and recurrents during most parts of the day. During late night hours from Sunday through Thursday, the station airs slow jams from current and old school R&B and soul songs during its ''[[Quiet Storm]]'' program. WVEE airs a Sunday morning [[urban contemporary gospel|gospel]] program the entire morning hours, and during the early morning hours on weekdays. On Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons, the station airs a show dedicated exclusively to classic and contemporary soul music (particularly [[neo-soul]]).

WVEE-FM has maintained a strict balance of serving both younger adults and middle-aged listeners since its inception in 1976. This is rare among larger-market urban stations which serve either the [[mainstream urban]] or [[urban adult contemporary]] audience. Its programming puts it in direct competition with Urban AC stations [[WALR-FM]] and the simulcast of [[WAMJ]]/[[WUMJ]], as well as mainstream urban stations [[WHTA-FM]], [[W233BF]], and [[WBZW|WRDG]]. In recent years, the station occasionally spins hit crossover pop songs when they are hot on the [[Top 40]] charts.

WVEE was the largest urban station under [[CBS Radio]] ownership, and the only CBS Radio urban outlet in the top 10 American [[media market|radio market]]s. As of [[2014 in radio|December 2014]], WVEE was the only CBS Radio Urban property remaining. Two former CBS urban stations had shifted to Rhythmic Contemporary: [[WPGC-FM]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], an Urban-leaning Rhythmic, and [[WJHM]] in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], which switched formats from Urban to Rhythmic Contemporary in February 2012 (and to top 40 as of February 2014). A third CBS urban station, [[WPEG]] [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]], was sold to the [[Beasley Broadcasting Group]] via a multi-market swap on December 1, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=CBS Radio trades 7 Charlotte stations for Philadelphia, Miami ones|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/10/02/5215421/cbs-trades-charlotte-radio-stations.html#.VOt9u_nF_S5|publisher=The Charlotte Observer}}</ref> Under [[Audacy, Inc.|Audacy]] ownership, WVEE is still considered the co-flagship urban station (along with WPGC-FM), but now the largest urban station as WPGC-FM Washington has shifted back to the urban format as of 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Entercom Portfolio - Radio Stations|url=https://entercom.com/radio-stations/|publisher=Entercom}}</ref>

==Morning shows==
From 1998 to 2012, WVEE had been home for ''[[Frank Ski]] and Wanda Smith in the Morning'' (originally named ''The Frank Ski Morning Show''), when Ski took over the reins from Mike Roberts and Carol Blackmon, after Roberts retired and Blackmon left radio temporarily (now at WAMJ/WUMJ). It consistently maintained one of the highest ratings in the Atlanta region, often finishing as #1 or #2 among morning shows in Atlanta. While the show has almost always been local, it was briefly syndicated to [[Baltimore]] (Ski's adopted hometown) on sister station [[WJZ-FM|WXYV]], as well as in [[Charleston, South Carolina]]. Ski was a former host on WXYV (then known as V103) before relocating to Atlanta in 1998, after a two-year stint at rival Baltimore urban station [[WERQ]].

In 2008, WVEE entered a partnership with [[WUPA]] to broadcast the ''Frank and Wanda Television Show'', recapping highlights from ''Frank and Wanda in the Morning'' for television viewers each night. The theme song for both programs is performed by singer and Atlanta native [[Monica (singer)|Monica]].

On December 13, 2012, Ski and Smith announced that they both would be leaving WVEE after 14 years.<ref>http://v103.cbslocal.com/2012/12/13/frank-and-wanda-announce-the-end/ Frank and Wanda announce the End</ref> Both said they wanted to concentrate on other ventures. Ski wanted to focus more on family and continue to run his restaurant, while Smith wanted to return to stand up comedy. There were talks with CBS Radio on [[radio syndication|syndicating]] the show to other cities but WVEE wanted it to stay focused on Atlanta.<ref>{{cite web
 |url=http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2012/12/13/frank-ski-confirms-hes-leaving-v-103/ 
 |title=Radio & TV Talk Frank Ski and Wanda Smith leaving V-103; Ryan Cameron takes over in January &#124; Radio & TV Talk 
 |access-date=December 15, 2012 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215145057/http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2012/12/13/frank-ski-confirms-hes-leaving-v-103/ 
 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 
}} Radio & TV Talk
Frank Ski and Wanda Smith leaving V-103; Ryan Cameron takes over in January, December 13, 2012, ''Atlanta Journal-Constitution''</ref> The last ''Frank and Wanda in the Morning'' show aired on December 20, 2012.

On January 2, 2013, former afternoon host Ryan Cameron was chosen to replace them and assume duties as host of ''The Ryan Cameron Morning Show''. In January 2014, Wanda Smith returned to the station to co-host the morning drive alongside Cameron.<ref>http://radiotvtalk.blog.ajc.com/2014/01/09/is-wanda-smith-coming-back-to-v-103/ Radio & TV Talk Wanda Smith Coming Back to V-103, January 9, 2014, ''Atlanta Journal-Constitution''</ref> As for Frank Ski, he continues to reside in the Atlanta region although he returned to radio as afternoon host for [[Washington, D.C.]] station [[WHUR]] until August 2015. As of June 2016, Ski returned to WVEE to host weekend shows for the station. On February 2, 2018, Ryan Cameron left the station to pursue opportunities outside of radio.<ref>https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/ryan-cameron-leaves-103-joining-branding-company-rakanter/fRP7GPTP0hWeJ5C7LgPsGP/ Ryan Cameron leaves V-103, joining branding company Rakanter, January 26, 2018, ''Atlanta Journal-Constitution''</ref>

On February 13, 2018, Frank Ski returned to host mornings alongside Wanda Smith and comedian Joe "Miss Sophia" McIntosh.<ref>https://www.ajc.com/blog/buzz/exclusive-frank-ski-his-return-mornings-103/Y4i7ls2P3K6K6ucgsGnrFM/ EXCLUSIVE: Frank Ski on his return to mornings at V-103, February 7, 2018, ''Atlanta Journal-Constitution''</ref> In January 2019, Smith and McIntosh exited, and the morning drive show was renamed ''The Morning Culture'', hosted by Frank Ski, [[Jade Novah]], and J.R. in February 2019.<ref>[https://v103.radio.com/shows/show-schedule/morning-culture V103.com/shows/show-schedule/morning-culture]</ref> In July 2020, Ski once again exited WVEE to return to hosting the afternoon drive on WHUR in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radioink.com/2020/07/30/whur-adds-frank-ski-show/|title=Frank Ski Returns to WHUR|date=30 July 2020}}</ref> On August 17, 2020, [[Big Tigger]] took over hosting the morning drive with the show titled ''The Big Tigger Morning Show''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ajc.com/life/radiotvtalk-blog/exclusive-frank-ski-out-again-at-v-103-replaced-by-big-tigger/CGFPSBJQHZBDPA6CJNILNOGEEQ/|title = Exclusive: Frank Ski again departs V-103, replaced by Big Tigger}}</ref>

==Awards==
In 1990, 1992, 1995 and 1998, the station was honored by the [[National Association of Broadcasters]] with the [[Marconi Award]] for "Urban Station of the Year". In 2000, it tied for the honor with [[WUSL]] [[Philadelphia]].

WVEE won the award on its own again in 2010<ref>{{cite web|title=2010 Marconi Awards|url=http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=1971394&spid=1314|publisher=FMQB|access-date=2016-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307013402/http://fmqb.com/article.asp?id=1971394&spid=1314|archive-date=2016-03-07|url-status=dead}}</ref> and in 2013.

==In popular culture==
* V-103 was mentioned in the 1998 movie ''[[The Players Club]]'' directed by hip-hop rapper/actor [[Ice Cube]].
* V-103 was shown in Tyler Perry's 2009 movie  "[[Madea Goes to Jail]]".

==See also==
{{portal|Radio|Georgia (U.S. state)}}
* [[KPRS]]
* [[WBLK]]
* [[WDKX]]
* [[WPGC-FM]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official website|audacy.com/v103|V-103}}
* {{FM station data|63776|WVEE}}

{{Atlanta Radio}}
{{Urban Radio Stations in Georgia}}
{{Entercom}}

[[Category:1948 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Audacy, Inc. radio stations]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1948]]
[[Category:Radio stations in Atlanta|VEE]]
[[Category:Urban contemporary radio stations in the United States]]