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WPLR (also known as 99.1 PLR or 'Connecticut's #1 Rock Station') based out of New Haven, Connecticut, is a rock station owned by Cox Radio.

The station, which started as WNHC-FM, has a long history as a pioneer in the album oriented rock format which it has closely identified with since the format's inception in the early 1970's. While other stations have changed their formats wildly, WPLR has remained fairly constant.

WPLR, as have other heritage rock stations, plays far fewer songs than in their formative years. Long gone are the days when DJ's selected their own music and local programmers shaped the programming. The station now plays approximately 300 songs selected primarily by focus groups.

The physical location of the station has changed, as the studios are now co-located with other radio stations in suburban Milford, Connecticut. Previously, the studios were located in Hamden and prior to that the offices and studios were on Chapel Street in New Haven, and other New Haven locations.

The station plays a classic rock playlist but occasionally features newer songs. They also have a weekday morning talk show called Chaz & AJ in the Morning from 5:30-10:00 A.M. Mid-days is hosted by The Wigmaster from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., afternoon drive is hosted by "Your Ol' Buddy Lappy" Mike Lapitino from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M., nights are hosted by Mike Prodoti from 8 P.M. to 12 Midnight and overnights are hosted by Evan Boyer from 12 midnight-5:30 A.M. On Fridays at 5:20 is the "Wig Out" in which the host, the Wig Master, gives his points of view on current events. It traditionally ends with the Wig Master saying "You gotta gotta gotta gotta gotta...(etc.) wig out!" [1]

PLR is a traditional ratings powerhouse in southern Connecticut, but format changes at some Hartford stations have given it more of a statewide audience. The station is closely aligned with concert promoter Jim Koplik and events at Toad's Place nightclub.

Famous WPLR alumni include the late Stoneman, RJ Allison, Bob Nary, Bob Dark, Marcia Simon, Joe from Chicago, Bruce Manke, The Lich, Irv Goldfarb, Eddie Haskell, Brian Smith, Bruce Barber, Gordon Weingarth, Eddie Wazoo, Tom "Bassman" Bass, Pam Landry, Billy Winn, Mary Lee, Bob London, Mark Kaplowe, Joan McCarthy, Lynne Taylor, Lance Hollywood, Doc Rock, Country Paul, Trapper Dave, Ron O, Pete Z, Anthony Griek, Brett Perry and many others.

External links

• WPLR Website
• Query the FCC's FM station database for WPLR
• Radio Locator information on WPLR
• Query Arbitron's FM station database for WPLR