About WRNJ

WRNJ Radio first signed on the air on August 26th, 1976, licensed to Hackettstown, NJ. The station’s founder, Larry Tighe, was an engineer with WOR in New York and spent approximately 10 years working with lawyers and engineers to pave the way for FCC and local approvals. The station’s original frequency was 1000 AM, licensed to daytime only status, later moving up the dial to 1510 AM, which allowed for 24-hour broadcasting.  

Today the station operates on four frequencies, 1510 AM, 92.7 FM, 104.7 FM, 105.7 FM, covering Northwest New Jersey,  and streams worldwide online at wrnj.com. All frequencies carry the same programming – a Pop Adult music format (Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites) with a strong emphasis on local news and information that over 40,000 adults weekly find essential to being well informed, educated and entertained. Since 1981, the station has been owned and operated by Lawrence Tighe, Jr. and Norman Worth.

Current Programming

  • “RNJ Morning Program” Weekdays 5:30 AM – 9 AM, hosted by New Jersey Broadcasters Association Radio Hall of Fame Inductee Bert Baron. Features brief interviews highlighting local community members and events.
  • Local News is WRNJ’s hallmark, anchored each weekday morning by WRNJ News Director Joyce Estey and afternoons by Dave Kelber. 
  • “PM Drive” Weekdays 3 PM – 7 PM is hosted by Greta Latona. 
  • Saturdays are hosted by Dave Kelber from 6 AM to 10 AM and Jay Edwards from 10 AM to 2:00 PM.
  • Sunday mornings feature the “Sunday Brunch,” a special collection of easy listening and soft rock favorites. “Still Rockin,” and “The Tailfinned Turntable” air Sunday Afternoons, hosted “The Golden Gup” Gascoigne.

Specialty Talk Programs

  • “The Local Impact” hosted by Joyce Estey airs the first Wednesday of each month at 10 AM
  • “Healthier Living” hosted by Lisa Dimiceli from the Foundation for Hackettstown Medical Center airs the third Tuesday of each month at 10 AM
  • “Educationally Speaking,” hosted by Joyce Estey with programming content provided by Warren Community College the third Wednesday of each month at 10 AM

In the Community

Being “The Voice of Northwest Jersey” has meant helping hundreds of non-profit organizations promote their activities, build their volunteer base, and raise much needed funds.  Since 1976, WRNJ has been instrumental in raising over $10 million dollars for community organizations and individuals in need.  

WRNJ appeals to a broad range of listeners, from young families looking to stay informed  and in touch with local news and activities to Seniors who have depended on the station for decades to keep them connected to things that matter in their corner of the world.

Staying true to its vision of serving the community for nearly 50 years, WRNJ has earned its appellation “The Heart of the Community”.

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