WGR Radio
Buffalo's first commercial radio station, now a sports powerhouse.
via Wikipedia: WGR · see source
WGR (550 kHz) is a commercial AM radio station licensed to serve Buffalo, New York. Owned by Audacy, Inc., its studios and offices are located on Corporate Parkway in Amherst, and the transmitter site—used by WGR and co-owned WWKB—is in Hamburg. Programming is also heard via WGR 550's HD Radio signal and the Audacy app, extending the station's listening area to Batavia and Rochester, New York.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Flagship Radio Broadcaster
- Affiliation
- Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
- Market
- Western New York; Buffalo
Lore & Background
WGR was the first commercial radio station in Western New York. It was preceded by amateur radio operator Charles Klinck's short-lived 1920 station, in addition to sporadic experimental stations in the 1910s. The Buffalo Daily Courier and Enquirer (both owned by William J. Conners) were issued a temporary authorization for 360 meters, with the call sign WPU, for a concert on January 22, 1922. In early 1922, Federal, headquartered in North Buffalo, began producing radio receivers.
The license for WGR was issued on March 14, 1922, with the randomly assigned call letters WGR, transmitting on both 360 and 485 meters. The August 1941 adoption of the FCC's 'duopoly' rule restricted licensees from owning more than one radio station in a given market, and the Buffalo Broadcasting Company decided to divest WGR, while retaining WKBW. In late 1946, WGR was bought by a consortium of Western New York families known as the WGR Corporation.
This company signed on WGR-TV (channel 2) in 1953 and WGR-FM (now WGRF) in 1959. WGR Corporation bought several other television and radio stations in the 1950s, and eventually became known as Transcontinent Broadcasting. Transcontinent merged with Taft Broadcasting in 1964. Taft sold off WGR-TV in 1983.
Taft retained both WGR and WGRQ (the former WGR-FM). In 1987, Taft sold WGR and WRLT (the former WGRQ) to Rich Communications. In 1995, Rich Communications which owned both WGR and its FM counterpart WGRF, sold WGRF to Mercury Radio headed by Charles W. Banta.
Reader's Guide
WGR has a sports radio format. The station targets a key demographic of men 25 to 54 years old. Mike Schopp hosts the afternoon-drive home with Chris Parker (Bull Dog) followed by 'The Night Cap.' WGR formerly served as the flagship outlet for: the Sabres Hockey Network, with Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray calling games on-site; and the professional box lacrosse Buffalo Bandits, with John Gurtler and Randy Mearns calling games on-site. MSG Western New York also uses this feed as the announcers for the game.
Did You Know?
- WGR's upgraded transmitter debuted on May 21, 1922, during 'Radio Week' in Buffalo.
- During its full service era, WGR's roster included 'Buffalo Bob' Smith and comedian Foster Brooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WGR Radio in Buffalo?
This commercial AM station operates on 550 kHz and focuses primarily on a sports radio format under Audacy ownership. It serves as a central hub for local athletic news and live game broadcasts throughout the region.
How does WGR Radio relate to the Sabres?
The station historically served as the flagship outlet for the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Network, delivering play-by-play coverage directly to listeners. It remains an active long-term partner alongside MSG Western New York feeds for team broadcasts.
Which announcers are associated with the station?
Notable voices like Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray have called games on-site through this network over the years. These broadcasters help define the audio experience for fans following the team from home.
Does WGR cover other sports besides hockey?
Yes, it formerly served as the flagship broadcaster for the professional box lacrosse Buffalo Bandits. This expanded its reach beyond winter sports to include local summer athletic events in the market.
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