A Tale of Two Stations

The name “WSTV Star 103.7 FM” sparks confusion in radio history, as it references two distinct stations with overlapping branding but separate identities. Let’s untangle their stories and clarify their roles in broadcasting.

---

WSTV Star 103.7 FM in Lexington, Kentucky

While limited historical data exists for this station, current listings identify WSTV Star 103.7 FM as an adult contemporary (AC) and hot AC-formatted station serving Lexington, Kentucky. Key details include:

• Format: Focuses on adult contemporary hits, blending pop and rock classics with modern tracks.
• Availability: Streams online via platforms like mytuner-radio.com, targeting local and digital audiences.
• Branding: Uses the “Star” moniker, a common branding strategy for AC stations emphasizing listener-friendly playlists.

Despite its presence, the station’s ownership history, launch date, and call-sign evolution remain undocumented in publicly available sources.

---

WSTV 104.9 FM in Roanoke, Virginia: The Original “Steve FM”

The call letters WSTV are officially tied to 104.9 FM in Roanoke, Virginia, a station with a rich history and clearer documentation.

Early Years and Call Sign Shifts

• 1992–1993: Launched as WLUB, then briefly WVRV, before adopting WRDJ in November 1993.
• 2001–2019: Underwent multiple rebrands:
  • WMGR-FM (2001–2005): A short-lived urban contemporary format.
  • WZBL (2005–2007): Shifted to classic rock as “The Bull.”
  • WJJS (2007–2019): Transitioned to adult hits under “Jack FM”.

The “Steve FM” Era

In May 2019, iHeartMedia rebranded the station as WSTV (“Steve FM”), adopting an adult hits format that blends 80s, 90s, and 2000s tracks. Key milestones:

• Frequency Move: Relocated from 106.1 FM (WSFF) and 101.7 FM (WSNZ) to 104.9 FM after iHeartMedia sold those frequencies to Educational Media Foundation.
• HD Radio Expansion: Added an alternative rock format on its HD2 channel, broadening its appeal.

Technical Specifications

• Signal Strength: 14,500 watts ERP, covering Roanoke and the New River Valley.
• Ownership: Operated by iHeartMedia, leveraging corporate resources for syndicated content and promotions.

---

The Confusion Explained

The overlap arises from two factors:

1. Branding Similarities: Both stations use “Star” or “Steve” in their branding, creating listener confusion.
2. Frequency Proximity: The Lexington station’s 103.7 FM frequency is close to Roanoke’s 104.9 FM, though they serve separate markets.