Programming Changes for WDJF-FM

The world of FM radio had been changing since its inception. While the vast majority of stations would simulcast their existing AM station's programming, very few stations had their own discreet programs for each side of the dial. In 1975 the Federal Communications Commission adopted regulations in which jointly owned AM and FM operations could not simulcast 24 hours a day.

WDJF 108 FM Butterfly Logo

August 29, 1977 changed the face of radio in Westport once again. WDJF embarked on a new "semi-automated" format under the direction of program director Terry Smith. The format, called "Phases and Stages, Circles and Cycles and Scenes We've All Seen Before", was based "... on metamorphosis.". This was the reason why the butterfly was chosen as the station's new logo.

The format featured music culled from 8000 albums and was targeted toward the 25 - 35 year old audience. The music was a variety of soft rock, contemporary and traditional jazz, contemporary country, blues and folk. The Australian born Smith had been at WMMM/WDJF for over three years with his evening jazz program, "Just A Little Lovin' and Other Bits of Nonsense." His show, which featured a variety of music and poetry readings, remained as part of the FM's new format.

Just three months after its start, management decided that the "butterfly" was in need of a little polishing. Under the direction of new program director Kevin Gallagher, programming changes included music geared toward "the Woodstock generation slouching inevitably toward middle age." The station featured artists like James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Brown, The Eagles, John Denver, Stevie Wonder and the easy side of the Beatles. Terry Smith, who had since left the station, was still producing his "Just A Little Loving" program which he pre-recorded from his new home in Las Vegas.

In the summer of 1978 WDJF adopted an "alternative rock" AOR format developed by Rod Ross and announced by afternoon air personality Doug McLennan. The format drew a loyal, but small following. One of the more memorable pieces of programming was the sixty-six hour special on the 10th anniversary of the August 1969 rock event "Woodstock.".

WDJF Club Disco 108 FM Newspaper Ad

Even with its unique format WDJF didn't ignore the music trends of the day. In addition to their regular music programming, disco music was integrated into the format, featured evenings on the new "Club Disco 108."