WADB made use of early automation equipment for radio stations. Large carousels loaded with broadcast-spec tape cartridges were used for the majority of advertising messages. Large reels of taped music with cues to play the commercials allowed the station to run with minimal involvement from the staff. An SMC digital programmer controlled the operation. The station's easy listening format was broadcast in Southern Monmouth and Northern Ocean Counties.
WRAT
A group of investors, known as the New Jersey Broadcast Partners, acquired the station in 1996.[5] After a Labor Day Weekend stunt during which the song "Rat in Mi Kitchen" by UB40 was aired continuously, WADB flipped to an active rock format on Labor Day Monday, 1996. The call sign switched to WRAT. The first song was AC/DC's "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)".[6]
Greater Media ownership
In 2001, the station was acquired by Greater Media, a large national owner with its headquarters in Massachusetts.[7]
WRAT was among the first radio stations in the market to carry its radio broadcasts over its internet website. The station started streaming to allow listeners in fringe areas to get the station online.
On July 19, 2016, Beasley Media Group announced it would acquire Greater Media and its 21 stations (including WRAT) for $240 million. It was also at this time WRAT joined the iHeartRadio streaming service.[9]