Buffalo Radio: WUSW-AM Set to Replace WHLD-AM

WHLD changing Calls To WUSW

Starting June 1, 2025, WHLD-AM in Niagara Falls-Buffalo will transition to new call letters, WUSW, following FCC approval, as announced by Buddy Shula’s Radio One Buffalo.

The new branding hints at a patriotic theme or a format featuring conservative talk, specific programming direction remains undisclosed.

“I am a patriot, and the call letters WUSW reflect the new format we’re launching,” Shula stated in a press release, emphasizing the inclusion of “US” (United States) in the call sign.

This change coincides with a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) between Cumulus Media, the current owner, and Radio One Buffalo, effective June 1, ahead of a planned station sale pending FCC approval.

WHLD has maintained its call letters since its launch in 1940, with no recorded changes to the AM station’s designation, though its FM counterpart (now WKSE) changed to WZIR-FM in 1980. The station’s programming has evolved significantly:

• From classical music and local artists in the 1940s.
• To MOR, brokered, and ethnic programming in the 1960s–1970s.
• To adult standards and big band in the 1980s.
• To urban gospel and a return to adult standards in the 2000s.
• To sports talk from 2013 to 2021.
• To conservative talk from 2021 to 2025.

1270 AM (5Kw, 1Kw-DA)

On May 9, 2025, Radio One Buffalo, led by Buddy Shula, announced the acquisition of WHLD from Cumulus Media, with a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) set to begin on June 1, 2025, pending FCC approval. Radio One Buffalo also owns WECK (1230 AM), a station known for its oldies format.