WPLR Celebrates The Big 5-0
• It was Thursday, April 29, 1971 when the mighty WPLR (99.1 PLR)/New Haven, CT first signed on the air. Fast-forward a half-century, and this Thursday, April 29, 2021, the Connoisseur Media Classic Rock station celebrates its 50th birthday! The station and its crew, past and present, will spend this weekend honoring the music and personalities that have made WPLR so legendary. VP of Programming Keith Dakin said, “There are so few stations in the country that have kept the same format for this long. PLR’s longevity and success is truly a testament to the ongoing power of local rock radio.”
This Thursday at 7am, during the Chaz and AJ morning show, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker will proclaim April 29th as “WPLR Day” in New Haven, and at 8:30am, Governor Ned Lamont will issue a similar parchment-like proclamation on behalf of the State of Connecticut. Then, every hour through Sunday night, WPLR will highlight a different year in music history, and a number of former PLR personalities will also share their favorite memories of the station during the celebration.
“99.1 PLR has such an incredible history and I can’t think of any better use of our airtime this weekend then to celebrate and recognize the work and contributions of those who came before us,” said SVP/Market Manager Kristin Okesson. “There are so few stations in the country that are as attached to their community as PLR is. This is truly a tribute to a legendary station that I’m honored to be a part of.”
To get you in the birthday spirit, WPLR has set up an archive page of classic audio, video and photos and a commemorative TV spot has also been produced.
