WMNY to broaden programming

The McKeesport Daily News (not online) reported today that McKeesport-licensed WMNY (1360) will switch from “Money Talk 1360” to “AM News Talk 1360” perhaps as early as today. The new format will use America’s Radio News Network. Many changes will come about with the move. The station will now just feature the 5:00 – 6:00 a.m. hour of WTAE-TV’s morning news followed by network programming from 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. “The American Entrepreneur” retains it’s 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. time slot. Other programs will include “Daily Wrap Up Edition”, Lou Dobbs, Rusty Humphries and Phil Hendrie. Jack Bogut’s “Spotlight Pittsburgh” moves to Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. (except when Duquesne University Football airs) and re-runs Sundays at 11:00 a.m. 

Renda Broadcasting VP Alan Serena tells the paper the purpose of the change is “to broaden the appeal of WMNY.”

The station is set to get a new set of call letters.

Meanwhile, 1360’s nighttime transmitter in Lincoln “blew up” recently, according to Serena. Until a replacement is in place, the FCC has issued a temporary authorization to allow a 250-watt non-directional nighttime output from the daytime transmitter in Glen Hazel.