WMJC RECALLED on MOTOR CITY RADIO FLASHBACKS
WMJC-FM 95 * 1977 * TOM INGRAM
— WMJC 94.7 FM —
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In April 1976, WHNE, the “all-oldies” station on the FM dial, became the new WMJC. Billing itself as the new “Magic 95” playing adult-contemporary, soft rock classics. Four years after its launch, according to Arbitron ratings, the station peaked its highest in ranking overall, respectively holding at No. 2 in September 1980. WJR, held the No. 1 spot on the radio dial overall at the time. In late 1984, WMJC began to manifest a three-year decline in the rating books, competing against WNIC, WCZY for a higher share for the ‘soft-rock’ crown. By late-1986, WMJC, already a decade on the dial, was all but formally finished, unable its climb for “respectable” ratings. Greater Media, the station’s owner, dropped the format with a new set of calls, becoming WCSX. The new classic-rock station signed in — going against two formidable, entrenched rockers on the FM dial in the Motor City at the time — WRIF 101.1 and WLLZ 98.7 in March 1987.
— TOM INGRAM —
NEW! TOM INGRAM WMJC aircheck date THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1977
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In this new WMJC aircheck (September 1977) we showcase the radio talents and production skills of Tom Ingram. Tom primarily made his mark in Detroit radio via production studios — not as a radio personality — as this aircheck would seem to indicate. Tom Ingram’s production voice was heard for many years in the Detroit radio market in general, having produced and plugged hundreds of ads and radio production pieces around the dial, beginning the late-1970s and throughout the 1980s decade.
You can hear Tom’s voice in two of his ads near the end of this September 1, 1977 aircheck. One ad is for Harmony House and the other he voice-tagged for Admiral appliances.
The above featured WMJC aircheck was audio enhanced by Motor City Radio Flashbacks
Tom and I first worked together in Saginaw at WKNX. Tom left for Honey Radio, and a few months later called to tell me I should apply there, since Honey was hiring. Well, unbeknownst to me, Greater Media was getting ready to launch Magic 95. I ended up sending a tape, and coincidentally responded to a blind box ad in R&R, that I didn’t know was for the same gig. Ended up being hired, according to Julian Breen (Greater Media VP Programing) because they got two tapes from me. But it was really my old friend Tom whom I credit! I was the first AM Drive jock on the station. Left for a PD gig in Phoenix for a couple years, then was fortunate to return in the same slot. The station. Was very successful early on, because we had a strict 8 unit commercial limit. Radio in 2021 should take a lesson.