Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
As of Tuesday morning, Jan. 24, 2017, 104.1 FM WMZK of Merrill, aka “Z104,” ceased programming, as the station prepares for its permanent transition to Christian programming from Suring, Wis. based WRVM FM “Voice of the Master.”
WRVM management issued a press release Tuesday announcing the sale.
“WRVM Inc. the new owner of Merrill radio stations WJMT 730 and WMZK 104.1 FM, announces the sale of WJMT to local radio company, Sunrise Broadcasting, LLC.”
Sunrise Broadcasting owner Steve Resnick was employed at WJMT from 1988 to 2008, serving as program director, air personality as well as station manager for 10 years.
According to WRVM General Manager Mike Cornell, his company is satisfied WJMT will continue its long standing commitment of local service to the Merrill community.
“This week we will be making equipment and studio adjustments, which will interrupt programming and coverage for a few days before returning to a normal broadcast schedule. WJMT will now be called ‘Bluejay 730’ and will play favorite’s from the ’60s and ’70s as well as all of the popular morning show segments including ‘Community Scan’, ‘Swap Shop’ and the Saturday Polka Show. Coverage of local high school sports will also continue.
Bluejay 730 will continue to broadcast from its current W. Main Street location in Merrill.
Sunrise Broadcasting also owns ESPN SportsFan 100.5 FM and Cool Oldies WXCO in Wausau.
When asked what local listeners can expect to hear when 104.1 FM returns to the air waves, Cornell indicated the same “Voice of The Master” Christian programming as can be currently heard on 88.1 FM, which is also licensed to air in the Merrill area.
Cornell indicated a timeline is not yet set for the start of “Bluejay 730” broadcasting, but stated hopes are to be on the air by Friday.
While the station awaits approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ownership will work on setting up programming details.