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from Wikipedia
DWLS (97.1 FM), broadcasting as Barangay LS 97.1, is a radio station owned and operated by GMA Network. It serves as the flagship station of Barangay FM.[1] The station's studio is located at the 3rd floor of GMA Network Studio Annex, GMA Network Drive corner Samar Street, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila and its transmitters are located at GMA Tower of Power, Charles Conrad Street, Barangay Culiat, Tandang Sora, Quezon City, Metro Manila and at 23 Sumulong Highway, Barangay Santa Cruz, Antipolo City, Rizal Province.
Key Information
Barangay LS is currently held its position as the top FM radio station in Metro Manila, according to the Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement survey conducted in the month of July 2025.[2]
History
[edit]1955–1986: DZXX/DWXX
[edit]The station first aired on June 6, 1955, when Robert "Uncle Bob" Stewart opened DZXX-AM 890 kHz under the Republic Broadcasting System (RBS). DZXX made history as the first pop music station in the country using the then-standard AM band, playing both local and international pop music of that era. In 1972, DZXX was temporarily shut down due to Martial Law, but was revived under the label DZXX/DWXX 1000 (Double X) and ownership of Hypersonic Broadcasting Center. In 1978, DWXX changed frequencies to 1026 kHz (based on GE75). In 1986, NBC acquired the station and changed its callsign to DZAM-AM.
1976–1992: WLS FM/The Giant
[edit]In July 1976, GMA launched 97.1 WLS FM, initially adult standards and jazz. In 1981, it switched to an Adult Top 40 format with the slogan “The Best Music,” featuring hourly Beatles music on weekday mornings— a tradition later adopted by 100.3 RJFM. In November 1988, after completing GMA's Tower of Power, it rebranded as The Giant 97.1 WLS FM.
1992–2007: Campus Radio
[edit]On April 30, 1992, the station relaunched as Campus Radio 97.1 WLS FM with a Top 40 format targeting teens and young adults. Its flagship show, "Top 20 at 12" hosted by Milo Cavarlez ("The Triggerman"), counted down the day’s top 20 songs, inspired by BBC Radio 1's Official Chart Show.
DWLS also introduced "Campus Aircheck," a pioneering on-air program that served as a training ground for aspiring DJs to get hired.
In 1994, after Mike Enriquez took over GMA's radio operations, Campus Radio shifted to a contemporary MOR format with the slogan "Forever!" and introduced programs like "Message Center," competing with Kool 106's Pager 106.[citation needed]. By 1999, DWLS returned to Top 40, using custom jingles from JAM Creative Productions, originally made for Chicago’s WLS-AM..[3]
2007–present: Barangay LS
[edit]
On February 14, 2007, Campus Radio rebranded as Barangay LS 97.1, reviving its "Forever!" slogan and shifting to a masa format. Despite strong pop ratings, the change was driven by persistent low ad revenue, prompting Mike Enriquez to push for a more commercially viable approach. Most staff stayed, adopting Filipino on-air names and language. However, the revamp drew criticism from loyal listeners, and by January 2008, the station had yet to recover advertising losses.[4][5]
On January 16, 2008, at 6 PM PHT, the station launched its new tagline, "Ayos!" ("Okay!"), which was also adopted by RGMA's provincial Campus Radio stations.
On the same day, nearly all staff from the former Campus Radio format were abruptly dismissed by Mike Enriquez, despite their years of loyal service to GMA Network. Although the station had improved its ratings from #7 to #4, Enriquez believed the existing team lacked the edge to compete further in the "masa" format. They were unceremoniously replaced by on-air talents from RGMA’s provincial stations and former jocks from rival networks.
The former Campus Radio staff moved to 99.5 and launched Campus 99.5 on March 23, 2008, but the format ended on August 14 due to management and sales issues.
On January 17, 2011, in response to rising competition from other masa stations, Barangay LS 97.1 introduced a new tagline, "Tugstugan Na!" (“Let’s jam!”), and adopted a “crazy fun” branding to refresh its image. Around the same time, Glenn F. Allona replaced Mike Enriquez as program director and station manager, steering the station back toward a music-driven format, revitalizing its core focus on dynamic, high-energy programming centered on music.
On February 17, 2014, Barangay LS 97.1 underwent a major revamp with new programs, a jingle, logo, and the slogan "Isang Bansa, Isang Barangay" (“One Nation, One Barangay”). RGMA’s FM stations nationwide (99.5 RT in Cebu, 103.5 Wow FM in Davao and Super Radyo DYRU 92.9 in Kalibo) also rebranded under the Barangay FM name to better compete with ABS-CBN's My Only Radio network, following DWRR-FM’s relaunch as MOR’s flagship station.[6]
In July 2019, the station revived its original and well-loved slogan, "Forever!", more than a decade after it was first dropped in 2008. To mark the occasion, a new station jingle titled "Tayo ay Forever" was released, performed by GMA artists Ken Chan and Rita Daniela under GMA Music.[7][8]
On March 20, 2020, Barangay LS 97.1 scaled down operations and began simulcasting with Super Radyo DZBB 594 due to the COVID-19 enhanced community quarantine. Full programming and staffing resumed in early 2022 after the simulcast ended.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Official 'About' page for GMA Network". GMA Network. Archived from the original on August 16, 2008. Retrieved August 16, 2008.
GMA-7 cruises the airwaves through dzBB-AM and dwLS-FM in Manila and in 22 other radio stations throughout the country. In 2007, the company has reformatted its flagship station DWLS-FM as "Barangay LS Forever!"
- ^ "GMA Network Radio Stations Sustain Mega Manila Lead in July 2025". GMA Radio. August 14, 2025. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ "Soundtrack of Batch '95". Manila Standard. June 27, 2019. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
- ^ "From Campus to Barangay". Iskomunidad. February 20, 2011. Archived from the original on August 23, 2019. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
- ^ "Fan Petitions for GMA Radio Format Flip". Radio Online Now. May 2, 2007. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
- ^ Crispina Martinez-Belen (March 24, 2014). "Barangay LS: One Country, One Barangay, One Sound". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on March 24, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Ken Chan at Rita Daniela, aawit ng theme song ng Barangay LS". GMA Network (in Filipino). Retrieved July 26, 2019.
- ^ Cruz, Angel Javier (May 16, 2017). "Barangay LS DJs share life lessons to fresh grads". philstar.com. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
External links
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from Grokipedia
DWLS (97.1 FM), broadcasting as Barangay LS 97.1, is a radio station owned and operated by GMA Network. It serves as the flagship station of Barangay FM. The station's studio is located at the GMA Network Studio Annex in Quezon City, Metro Manila, and its transmitters are located in Quezon City and Antipolo City, Rizal.[1]
This schedule balances the MOR format's talk-music integration, prioritizing listener involvement to sustain high engagement in Mega Manila.[21]
Station profile
Ownership and facilities
DWLS is owned and operated by GMA Network Inc., a leading Philippine media company, with radio operations conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiary RGMA Network Inc.[2][3] The station has been under GMA's ownership since the company's reorganization in 1974 from the Republic Broadcasting System (RBS), founded by Robert "Uncle Bob" Stewart in 1950, following the imposition of martial law that required Filipino control of media outlets.[4][5] The primary studios for DWLS are located at the GMA Network Studio Annex in Quezon City, Metro Manila, facilitating production of its programming within GMA's integrated media complex.[6] Transmitter facilities are situated at the GMA Tower of Power along Charles Conrad Street in Barangay Culiat, Tandang Sora, Quezon City, and at 23 Sumulong Highway in Barangay Santa Cruz, Antipolo City, Rizal, enabling broad coverage across Metro Manila and surrounding areas. The station is licensed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) as a commercial FM broadcast station, operating under Philippine broadcast regulations.[2] The call sign DWLS derives from "DW," assigned to Manila-area stations after the 1972 declaration of martial law under President Ferdinand Marcos, which reallocated call letters, and "LS," honoring Loreto Stewart, the wife of GMA founder Robert "Uncle Bob" Stewart.[7]Technical information
DWLS operates on the frequency of 97.1 MHz within the FM band.[8] The station broadcasts in stereo FM format, incorporating digital processing to enhance audio quality for both music and talk programming. The transmitter power output is 25,000 watts, resulting in an effective radiated power (ERP) of 75,000 watts. This configuration supports robust signal propagation from its transmitter site atop the GMA Tower of Power in Quezon City. The coverage area encompasses primarily Mega Manila, extending to surrounding provinces such as Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and portions of Bataan and Pampanga. Since its launch in 1976, the frequency allocation for DWLS has remained stable at 97.1 MHz, in contrast to the frequency shifts experienced by its predecessor AM station during its operational history from 1955 to 1976.[9]Historical background
AM origins (1955–1976)
The AM origins of what would become DWLS began with the establishment of DZXX in 1955 by American entrepreneur and war correspondent Robert "Uncle Bob" Stewart as part of the Republic Broadcasting System (RBS), contributing significantly to the post-World War II expansion of radio broadcasting in the Philippines.[10] Stewart, who had founded RBS in 1950 with the launch of DZBB-AM, extended the network's reach through DZXX, which operated as the company's inaugural dedicated music station and played a key role in revitalizing local media after the war by introducing accessible entertainment to growing urban audiences.[10] DZXX's early programming focused on general entertainment, including pop music, news bulletins, and family-oriented content, establishing it as the Philippines' first pop music station on the AM band and influencing the evolution of broadcast formats toward more diverse, audience-driven programming.[10] Under Stewart's leadership, the station emphasized music alongside informational segments, helping to pioneer the integration of talk elements in Philippine radio by blending light discussions with popular tunes to engage listeners in a recovering postwar society.[10] This approach not only boosted RBS's prominence but also laid foundational practices for news and public affairs that would characterize AM operations in the network. In 1974, control of RBS, including DZXX, was acquired by a triumvirate of Filipino media executives—Gilberto M. Duavit, Menardo R. Jimenez, and Felipe L. Gozon—leading to the rebranding as GMA Radio-Television Arts and preparing the infrastructure for subsequent developments, such as the station's shift to FM broadcasting in 1976.[10] This acquisition marked a transition from foreign-founded operations to local stewardship, ensuring the station's alignment with national broadcasting goals amid the era's regulatory changes.WLS FM and The Giant (1976–1992)
In July 1976, GMA Network launched DWLS on 97.1 MHz as an FM station, branded WLS FM, featuring a format of jazz and adult standards music targeted at urban professionals.[4] Some sources specify the precise launch date as October 7, 1976.[9] In 1981, the station shifted its format to adult contemporary with integrated rock and pop elements for wider mass appeal. In November 1988, following the completion and inauguration of GMA's Tower of Power, it rebranded as The Giant 97.1. This change reflected GMA Network's strategic adaptation to the evolving media landscape, emphasizing accessible, music-focused programming under full corporate control.[4] Early programming under WLS FM highlighted jazz nights and classic adult standards to engage a refined listenership, while The Giant era introduced dynamic drive-time shows and integrated news bulletins to enhance daily relevance and audience retention.[9] The station demonstrated resilience amid the Philippines' 1980s economic challenges, maintaining operations and innovation.[4]Campus Radio era (1992–2007)
In 1992, DWLS-FM rebranded as Campus Radio 97.1, shifting from its previous adult-oriented format to a Top 40 lineup that emphasized international pop, dance tracks, and emerging Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hits to appeal to teenagers and young adults in urban areas.[11] This change positioned the station as a key player in the evolving Philippine FM radio scene, capitalizing on the post-EDSA momentum for vibrant youth programming.[12] The era featured engaging on-air elements such as countdown programs that ranked popular songs weekly, interactive request lines for listener dedications, and tie-ins with campus events to foster community involvement among students. DJ-led segments, including extended music marathons, became staples, drawing in a dedicated young audience through energetic delivery and relatable content.[13] Campus Radio 97.1 competed fiercely in the youth demographic against rock-focused outlets like NU 107 and MTV-influenced stations, achieving peak listenership among mid-1990s urban teens amid the rise of global music influences in the Philippines.[14] Technical enhancements, including improved signal processing, supported high-energy playback suited to dance and pop genres, enhancing broadcast quality across Metro Manila.[15] By 2006, the station faced declining relevance among its core youth listeners due to shifting media trends and intensifying competition, prompting a strategic pivot to a more mass-appeal format in 2007.[11]Barangay LS development (2007–present)
In 2007, DWLS rebranded as Barangay LS 97.1 under the direction of Mike Enriquez, head of GMA Network's radio operations, marking a strategic shift to a mass-appeal format that broadened its listener base beyond the youth demographic of its previous incarnation. This rebranding revived the longstanding "Forever!" slogan and positioned the station as a flagship for the Barangay FM network, emphasizing community-oriented programming.[16] The station adopted a Contemporary MOR (Middle of the Road) format, blending Original Pilipino Music (OPM), international pop hits, and interactive talk segments designed for families and general audiences, which helped solidify its dominance in Mega Manila's FM ratings. Key evolutions included a 2019 revival of the "Forever!" slogan to reinforce brand heritage amid competitive pressures. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barangay LS scaled down to essential programming in March 2020, incorporating simulcasts with sister station Super Radyo DZBB for news coverage while maintaining core music and listener interaction elements; full operations resumed by 2022 with hybrid remote broadcasting setups to ensure continuity.[1] Digital integration became a cornerstone of the station's adaptations, with online audio streaming launched via the GMA Network website in the 2010s, allowing global access to live broadcasts and on-demand content. Social media platforms saw heightened engagement in the 2020s, particularly during the pandemic, fostering virtual community interactions through listener calls and shared stories. Recent milestones include preparations for the station's 50th FM anniversary in 2026, alongside format refinements post-pandemic—such as enhanced podcast integrations like Barangay Love Stories, which surpassed 100 million streams by late 2025—to sustain listener loyalty in a multi-platform era.[8][17]Programming
Format and style
DWLS, operating as Barangay LS 97.1, follows a Contemporary Middle of the Road (MOR) format that prioritizes Original Pilipino Music (OPM) alongside international pop and ballads to deliver accessible, feel-good content. This blend reflects the station's commitment to the "masa" philosophy, emphasizing mass appeal through relatable, emotional themes tailored to working-class Filipinos in urban and suburban areas.[18][19] The programming style integrates continuous music blocks with interactive listener call-ins and light conversational segments, fostering a sense of community and engagement among its audience seeking uplifting entertainment. Hosts deliver content predominantly in Tagalog and Filipino, enhancing cultural resonance and accessibility for everyday listeners.[18] This approach evolved with the 2007 rebrand, transitioning from a Top 40 format to MOR to expand reach beyond youth demographics and embrace a wider, more inclusive listenership.[19]Current schedule
As of November 2025, DWLS, broadcasting as Barangay LS 97.1, maintains a weekday schedule centered on interactive music and talk programming, starting with early-morning wake-up segments and transitioning to family-oriented discussions, advice shows, and romance-focused content during peak listening hours. The lineup emphasizes Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hits alongside listener engagement through text-ins, social media polls, and live dedications. In February 2025, hosts Miss K and Papa Yohan joined the award-winning team.[20] The typical weekday structure begins at 4:00 AM with Good Morning, B!, featuring folk, rock, and country music from 4:00 to 6:00 AM. This is followed at 6:00 AM by Potpot and Friends, hosted by Papa Jepoy and Papa Carlo, featuring family talk, light-hearted banter, and interactive calls from listeners sharing daily stories. At 9:00 AM, Talk to Papa offers advice on relationships and life issues, with hosts encouraging audience participation via texts and polls for real-time feedback. Noontime shifts to Barangay Love Stories at 12:00 NN, where Papa Dudut reads romantic letters and plays request songs, fostering emotional connections among callers. Evenings include drive-time slots filled with OPM hits, dedications, and themed music rotations to accompany commuters home.[21][22] Weekends adapt the format with extended music blocks and special event coverage, providing more relaxed listening while retaining core interactive elements. Saturdays feature Tunog Forever at 1:00 AM, replaying classic OPM and international tracks for night owls, alongside longer versions of morning shows like Songbook at 6:00 AM with Janna Chuchu and Papa Ding, focusing on nostalgic playlists. Sundays mirror this with variations, including prolonged Forever Request sessions in the afternoon for dedications and community shoutouts. These variations allow for live event tie-ins, such as concert broadcasts or holiday specials, enhancing the station's role in local entertainment.| Time Slot | Weekday Show | Hosts/Segments | Weekend Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:00 AM | Good Morning, B! | Folk, rock, and country music (4:00-6:00 AM) | Same on both days |
| 6:00 AM | Potpot and Friends | Papa Jepoy, Papa Carlo; family talk, text-ins | Songbook (Janna Chuchu, Papa Ding; classics) |
| 9:00 AM | Talk to Papa | Advice, social media polls | Same, with extended Q&A |
| 12:00 NN | Barangay Love Stories | Papa Dudut; romance requests | Barangay Love Stories; longer episodes |
| Evenings (varied) | OPM Drive-Time / Wanted Forever | Music dedications, interactive hits | Tunog Forever (1:00 AM Sat); event coverage |
| Late Night | Goodnight Philippines | Lady Gracia; wind-down segments | Barangay Love Songs (9:00 PM) |