January 26, 1979

The uncomfortable truth facing WMAL when the Fall 1978 book was released was the simple fact that WPGC was closing in on its heretofore unchallenged 12+ crown. Under PD, Dan Mason, in all major dayparts but mornings, the gap had been reduced or eliminated to the extent that an FM (albeit an AM / FM combo) would soon be the new leader in DC.

The amount of weight WPGC carried within the music industry in breaking new songs was by that time, nothing short of enormous. Numerous tunes that would go on to become national hits (Hall & Oates', 'Rich Girl' just to name one) had first been heard in the Nation's Capital when added at WPGC by MD, Jim Elliott. Appearing in 'Radio & Records', this full page ad was taken out by record promo people eager to congratulate their meal ticket's ratings success.

The ad proved prophetic; in the subsequent Winter book, WPGC did in fact tie WMAL for #1, 12+. Surpassing that feat, when the Spring 1979 book came back, WPGC was the new 12+ champ under newly named PD, Scott Shannon, an achievement few would have thought possible just a few short years before during the days of AM dominance.

The shock waves at 4400 Jenifer Street NW echoed those felt at ABC just months earlier when the biggest stick in the land, WABC fell from its long time #1 perch to an FM. Accordingly, it could not have been coincidental that ABC management decided to blow up their DC FM property as a result and go after WPGC directly when launching Q107.

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