WHFS

From the mid-to-late 1960s until January 12, 2005, 99.1 WHFS broadcast a progressive/modern rock format. The station was for DC/Baltimore/Annapolis residents aged 13-25. For many local residents, it was the first place to hear such bands as R.E.M, Pixies, and The Smiths. On Sunday nights, the station broadcast indie and local music.

HFS began in the 1960s as 102.3 in Bethesda, Maryland. It moved to Annapolis, Maryland and became 99.1 in 1983. When the station switched formats, it was located at the Infinity Broadcasting Center in Lanham, Maryland.

One of the largest namesakes of the station was the HFStival, WHFS's annual (sometimes bi-annual) day-long (sometimes two-day-long) outdoor concert, which was launched in 1991. The concert, usually held at Washington's RFK Stadium, featured many local and national acts. For example, the 2004 lineup included acts ranging from The Cure, Jay-Z, Modest Mouse and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs to Cypress Hill.

The station's iconic DJs included the Weasel, Neci, Johnny Riggs, Damien Einstein and The Sports Junkies.

On January 12, 2005, WHFS switched formats to a Latin/Salsa broadcast called El Zol 99.1, a switch that, though rumored over several months due to slipping ratings (22nd) in both the Washington and Baltimore markets, was not publicized beforehand and took many long-time fans by surprise.

After much protesting from WHFS fans, a partnership between Infinity and America Online was announced on January 21, 2005, that revived WHFS' rock format online as part of AOL Radio. The deal included carriage of WHFS programming on Baltimore station Live 105.7; WHFS programming airs on weekday evenings and all day on the weekends.

WRNR 103.1 FM has by default assumed the modern/indie rock listenership of the area. WIYY 97.9 (98 Rock) continues to broadcast classic, hard, and modern rock out of Baltimore but covering the entire region.

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