WPEL-FM

WPEL-FM (96.5 MHz) is a non-commercial radio station licensed to Montrose, Pennsylvania, serving the Binghamton and Wilkes-Barre - Scranton radio markets. It is owned by Montrose Broadcasting, and airs a Christian radio format, mixing Christian talk and teaching programs with Christian music. Much of the programming is simulcast on sister station WPGO 820 AM in Horseheads. The stations hold periodic fundraisers on the air to support the ministry. The studios are on High Street in Montrose.

WPEL-FM has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 57,000 watts. It is grandfathered at a higher power than would be permitted today. Most radio stations in Pennsylvania have a maximum power of 50,000 watts. The transmitter is off Pennsylvania Route 29 near Chalker Road in Montrose.

National religious leaders heard on WPEL-FM and WPGO include Jim Daly, Chuck Swindoll, Alistair Begg, Michael Youssef, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, David Jeremiah, Joni Eareckson Tada, John MacArthur and J. Vernon McGee. Updates from SRN News are also carried.

History
WPEL, a 1,000 watt daytimer station, has been on the air since May 30, 1953, and has always aired Christian radio programs. It was founded by W. Douglas Roe. Eight years later, Roe received a construction permit to build a sister station.

WPEL-FM signed on the air on. At 57,000 watts, it is one of the region's most powerful radio stations. Located about halfway between Scranton, Pennsylvania and Binghamton, New York, WPEL-FM serves a potential audience of more than 800,000 listeners in 16 counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania and New York's Southern Tier. It broadcasts a mix of Bible teaching programs, music and newscasts. The playlist consists of traditional hymns, instrumentals, worship music and classic adult contemporary Christian music, along with classical music mixed in during the station's afternoon drive. WPEL-FM began streaming its programming on line on April 17, 2008.

The Montrose Broadcasting Corporation also owns and operates radio stations WPGO in Horseheads, New York, WPGM-AM-FM in Danville, Pennsylvania, and WBGM-FM in New Berlin, Pennsylvania.

Translators
In addition to the main transmitter, WPEL-FM is relayed on four FM translators to widen its broadcast area.