branded

The former WISM-FM became Magic 98 WMGN on December 1st, 1983. WISM-AM had been Madison’s most popular radio station for decades.

WISM has a special place in Madison radio history, with well-known personalities like Clyde Coffee, Charlie Simon, Jonathan W. Little, Stoney Wallace, Neil Gavin, and Robin Steele.

In the 1960s and early 70s, most FM stations across America had few listeners. Most people did not have FM car radios. The majority of FM stations offered “easy listening” or rock music. In the late 1970s Mid-West Family Broadcasting created a popular “adult contemporary” approach for WISM-FM, and the station (automated, meaning no announcers) began attracting listeners that liked the music on Movin’ Easy 98 FM. In 1983 Mid-West Family decided that the station could be even more successful if it became involved in community events, offered fun promotions and was staffed by live personalities.

Our first events included “Magic Nights” at area restaurants and a weekly “Take Your Radio To Work Day” that offered listeners a $98 prize. “Magic Money” was introduced in 1984. The first Magic van appeared in countless parades. A “Lunch with the Elephants” contest to celebrate a circus appearance drew a crowd to Ella’s Deli in the summer of 1984.