October 1, 2020 | Black Diamond Broadcasting announced today an agreement to acquire Midland, MI based radio stations Sunny 97.7 FM WMRX, 107.7 FM/1490 AM WMPX - The Highway, and “Discover Michigan Magazine”, from Steel Broadcasting. 

Black Diamond will expand from 10 to 13 radio stations covering central and northern Michigan with the acquisition, and will look to their stable of top-rated radio stations to help expand the offerings and distribution of the highly successful “Discover Michigan Magazine”. 

Steel Broadcasting owners, Tom and Bev Steel, who in addition to their success with their radio stations, have also built “Discover Michigan Magazine” into one of Michigan’s leading sources for access to discount lodging, meals and activities throughout the state, have been in discussions with Black Diamond for the past several months, identifying the company as the ideal organization to take over stewardship of their radio stations and magazine. (tap image to read Discover Michigan Magazine)

Tom Steel said of the transaction, “The time is right for Bev and I to step away from the daily demands of running our business and are thrilled that Black Diamond took immediate interest in what we have created. Their broadcast experience and expertise, combined with their commitment to Midland, as well as all of central and northern Michigan were key to us in making our decision to sell.” 

Black Diamond Broadcasting, owned by life-long Michigan residents and long time broadcasters Mike Chires and Norm McKee, own and operate radio stations throughout central and northern Michigan, including Houghton Lake based 98.5 WUPS, Traverse City based Rock 105 & 95.5, 98.1 & 95.3 Classic Rock-The Bear and 102.9 Big Country. 

Black Diamond will assume operations of the new stations effective on or about October 1st, under the terms of a Local Marketing Agreement, until such time as the transaction closes, following Federal Communication Commission approval.

TAP dartboard to hear all about it!

		$9000 value 2020 Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883 - Classic Rock the BEAR
		Complete Garage Door Installation- Northwest Garage Door in Boyne City
		Knotty Pine Pre-Finished Paneling (600sf)  Woodworkers Shoppe of Comins, MI
		$1000 CA$H PRIZE  Classic Rock the BEAR
		Domestic Air Travel Voucher to a  destination of your choice! Must be 21 or older, Travel non-transferable, not valid for group travel, black-out dates include holidays, reservations based on availability.
		Camo space saver Recliner –  Comfort Center Furniture -  Houghton Lake /Grayling /Gaylord
		Snow Blower –   Doug’s Small Engine in Mt. Pleasant
		$500 gift card Private Shopping Spree Classic Motor Sports Traverse City
		Bear Constrictor CDX Crossbow -  FPS Archery in Cadillac
		Guns & Roses - July 10, 2021 Comerica Park Detroit
		Custom Cornhole Board Set – Vinyl Graphics & Signs in Clare
		$150  Tire Gift Card –  Gladwin Tire
		Deer Blind - Shooters in Traverse City
	SUPER QUALIFIER PRIZES BELOW	SUPER QUALIFIER SPONSORS
	$50 Plath's Meat Gift Cards
	$50 Higher Grounds Coffee Gift Cards
	$50 Propane Gift Cards

Stations:  

Rock 105 / 95.5    

Big Country 102.9    

98.5UPS Classic Hits   

Classic Rock the BEAR 98.1 / 95.3  

106.3 Mac FM - Smooth Sailing Hits of the 70’s & 80’s  

92.1 The Twister – Country's Hottest Hits  

Big Country Gold 100.7 FM / 1240 AM  

APP Features:  

• Live Streaming  
• Open Mic  
• Text Us Direct  
• Website Access  
• Podcasts  
• Contest Access  
• Apple Car Play  
• Local Weather  
• Wake up Alarm to your fav radio station 
• Follow your fav stations’ social media 

Serving central and northern Michigan.  We have highly-rated stations with local Air-Personalities in addition to Nights with Alice Cooper, Sammy Hagar’s Top Rock Countdown, and Big D and Bubba.  Feature segments include Mike Avery Outdoors, NASCAR Steve’s Fast Lane Report, Todd L Levitt Law Show, The Grillin Guys, Tradio, and Swap Shop!  

Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen, has formulated the newest brew in town, CLASSIC ROCK ALE. It's a specialty BEAR  BEER created just for Classic Rock the BEAR and our rockin' friends.  Head to Boyne City for a taste of this 7% Black IPA. Mike Castiglione has brewed it with cold steeped black malt and Eldorado hops. Jus

d our rockin' friends!

Thousands of our fellow Michiganders are now affected by property damage, loss of housing and so much more due to recent dam breaks and flooding.  Black Diamond Broadcasting stations encourage supporting our Michigan Region of The American Red Cross. This natural disasters' impact is sure to last for an extended, yet unknown time frame.  Our hearts understand the impact and strain of trying to battle two unexpected disasters at the same time.  Please show your love to residents, friends and family in this link for donations to the respected, American Red Cross. 

Tap to Donate online to Michigan Region

See Shelter Locations List

IT'S AN ELECTION YEAR: 
 

Thank you for listening to our family of radio stations. Please understand that under FCC regulations, we (and any other radio/TV station) are legally obligated to air all Federal political candidate's messages. 

We have no option to refuse, edit or screen their commercials. We hope you'll hang in there with us, and we'll all get through this election year together.

^  Tap Image Above for TUT USA ICE FISHING CONTEST RULES ^

WE WANT TO SEE YOU AT THE POLAR BEAR DIP JANUARY 25th!

Tip Up Town USA is our states' premier Ice Festival.  For 70 years TUT has entertained outdoors during the last two weekends of January.  

There's something for everyone!  5K Run Walk - Medallion Hunt - Fishing Contest - Tip Up town Queen and Court - Official Mayor & Marshall, Snowmobile Drag Races, Side by Side ATV/RTV/UTV racing, Grand  Parade, Polar Bear Dip, Vendor row, Carnival Rides, Ice Carving displays and so much more!  Live Music both weekends in the Adult Beverage Tent will include Uncle Groovy first weekend, and The Phoenix Theory on second weekend.

98.5UPS and 92.1 The Twister are proud to be affiliated as the official media sponsor, stage hosts, and sponsor of the Polar Bear Dip on second Saturday!

Starts Thursday December 5, 2019

Last day Friday, December 20. 2019

98.5 UPS 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!

CLICK PRIZE LIST

Our Santa sack is filled with tons of super stuff ike: 

Kayaks, Webber Grills, Gift Cards from our partner 

Northwoods Wholesale Outlet in Pinconning

Tickets to CMU Chippewa Basketball & Lodging, 

The Toughest Monster Truck Tour at Dow Event Center

Tickets for concerts & shows at Soaring Eagle Casino Resort

Cash & Gift Cards from Comfort Center Funiture, Isabella Bank and more!

The Red Kettle campaign is one of the Salvation Army's largest fundraisers of the year and probably the most recognizable, in the country.

Northern Michigan needs more bell-ringers to register with a donation of their time.  

We have two important links for you.  A link to register in your community, as a Bell Ringer.  It will help to match you up to a local ring site in your zip code area.  

The second is a donation link.  Team Black Diamond Broadcasting stations are taking on this Red Kettle Challenge.

Please help out your neighbors in need, by giving what you can, today!

PLEASE TAP TO HELP US

FILL A RED BUCKET 

Are you feeling lucky?  We've got three great fall contests to rock-your-socks!  Rock105 / 95.5 fm offers RED HOT REDWINGS ROADTRIP and Classic Rock the BEAR 98.1 / 95.3 fm is offering SMITTYS SUN & SPA WINTER GETAWAY.

Both of these contests will whisk you away to Rancho de los Caballeros in Arizona, a luxury dude ranch with unbelievable ammenites like Horses,

Golf, and Spa!  Round-trip airfare is

provided by Allegiant Air out of TVC Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City.  

Plus we're throwing in $500 spending CASH for anything your heart desires! 

Rock105 is also awarding tickets and transportation to a Red Wings vs. Coyotes hockey game on March 20, 2020.  Both contests end Dec 2nd, with winners announced on Dec 3rd, 2019.

Over on 98.5UPS The Classic Hits Station, take your chance on JOURNEY for the HOLIDAYS. Winner will enjoy a pair of tickets to JOURNEY at DTE Music Theater in July 2020.  Plus there's HOLIDAY CASH...$98 worth and a fresh Amish Valley turkey from the sought-after R&J Best Choice Marketplace in Houghton Lake, MI.

Join the fun and play along!  

Hundreds of thousands of women every year continue to experience domestic abuse. Even though it seems like an overwhelming problem, you can help.  Actions as simple as listening to someone, practicing empathy and showing kindness can prevent violence.  

When you really listen to someone, it shows them you are a safe person to talk to should they need support now or in the future.

Practicing empathy helps us connect as humans and it helps others feel heard, respected and validated.  

When you share kindness it helps others feel safer, happier and it creates stronger communities.  

Together, through our everyday actions, we can create a wave of positive change because everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan’s 24-hour help and information line, at 231-347-0082 or visit wrcnm.org.

Recycle, RePurpose, ReUse and you'll feel better about your contribution to a serious world problem. Don't forget there's a new location this year. Now located at Pit Spitters stadium parking lot. 9:00am-3:00pm. Plan ahead a read about what is allowed and NOT ALLOWED

SEPTEMBER 29th - New Location

Traverse Pit Spitters Grounds - 9am-3pm

Our Rock Jocks Dave Doran & Guy Dark 

will be present for live remote coverage of the event!

TAP REGISTRATION BUTTON BELOW

- LIMITED SPACE -

Due to the success of participants last year,

we are offering more date options:

Monday 9/23 is Traverse City (all day) 8:30a, 10:30a, 1:30p & 3:00p

          Cambria Suites 255 Munson Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686

Tuesday 9/24 (AM) is Petoskey 8:30a & 10:00a

          Holiday Inn Express 1751 S US-131, Petoskey, MI 49770

Tuesday 9/24 (PM) is Mackinaw City 2:00p & 3:30p 

          Mackinaw Bay & Beach 929 South Huron, Mackinaw City, MI 49701

Wednesday 9/25 (AM) is Gaylord 8:30a & 10:00a

          Otsego Club 696 E Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735

Wednesday 9/25 (PM) is Grayling 2:00p & 3:30p

          Ramada Inn 2650 S I 75 Business Loop, Grayling, MI 49738

Thursday 9/26 is Houghton Lake (all day) 8:30a, 10:30a, 1:30p & 3:00p

          Lakeside Resort: 100 Clearview Dr., Houghton Lake, MI 48629

Friday 9/27 (AM) is Cadillac 9:00a & 11:00a

          Cherry Grove Event Center

Shannone Dunlap

Dir. Of Biz Development

(810) 394-9118 cell

sdunlap@blackdiamondbroadcasting.com

PO BOX 6016, Traverse City, MI 49696

Stop by Forwards in Gaylord, to enter their "$3500 ADVENTURE PACKAGE" created especially to celebrate their Grand Opening event!  Bonus: Black Diamond radio stations are offering you a second chance to qualify, when you use our special online registration forms - just click image below.

CONTEST BEGINS:  Aug 28th

ONLINE ENTRY ENDS: Sept 9th

DRAWING @ Forwards 5:00pm:  Sept 10th

1 entry per email address

5 qualifiers per day will be selected from 

each radio station and entered into final 

Grand Prize Drawing on Sept 10th

See Jays Sporting Goods "Adventure Package"

August 23 - August 25
 
The Mackinac Island Fudge Festival celebrates the island's most famous treat and features a number of fudge-related, fun, family events!
 
Activities include fudge making demonstrations, The Great Turtle Slow Bike Ride, fudge inspired dinners and cocktails, the Pioneer Sugar Sack Relay Race, outdoor movie, family concerts, Fudge and Wine Tasting, Fudge Ball at Stonecliffe with live music and strolling food stations, a family Fudge Egg Hunt on Saturday morning in Marquette Park, Three Men and a Tenor concert!
 
New this year is the first annual Fudge Festival Cornhole Tournament at Mission Point Resort.

Spend the day throwing bags on the beautiful Great Lawn at Mission Point. There is a professional division and a social division.  

Walk Up Registration begins Saturday at 11am and you can register on line at mackinacisland.org.  Mackinac Island Tourism and Rock 105 / 95.5 and Black Diamond Broadcasting are excited to provide $2,500 in cash prizes for the top 3-teams in each division.
 

Karlyn Hawkins of Ellsworth is the winner of 

GET AWAY- YOUR WAY contest with Allegiant Air 

PRIZE

WIN ROUNDTRIP NON-STOP AIR TRAVEL 

on ALLEGIANT AIR for two from Cherry Capital Airport

(TVC) TRAVERSE CITY to (PGD) FORT MYERS / PUNTA GORDA

INCLUDES HOTEL & $100 SPENDING CASH

Thursday Leave to Sunday Return Travel only

Must depart by May 8 2020 -  Expires May 11, 2020

PLAY ON ROCK 105 / 95.5

Listen for the CUE of when to call

TEXT "ALLEGIANT" to 888-955-1051

Include your name, full mailing address,

and email

ROCK 105 LINK DETAILS

Expanded PirateFest Aug 8-11 Boyne City's 2nd Annual PirateFest will be held next week with lots of crazy fun. The greatly expanded schedule includes a pirate invasion, parade, raft ride, The Battle of the Boyne, a beer and wine tent with entertainment, a classic pirate movie, costume contests, a teen dance and the Faygoland Kids Area and more. Here's their website, a flier and the full schedule:

> Thursday, Arrrgust 8

7-11 p.m. - Pre-Fest Parrrty at The Foundry Bar & Grill, East Jordan.

> Friday, Arrrgust 9

6:30 p.m. - The Invasion: Pirates invade Treasure Town, by way of a massive flotilla. Bear witness behind Sunset Park in Boyne City as the pirates begin their search for the treasure.

7-9 p.m. - Experience DJs in the Entertainment Tent, Veterans Park. Beverages from Shorts Brewery and Mackinaw Trail Winery. Proceeds benefit Char-Em United Way.

9:30 p.m. - Family Movie Night: The Princess Bride in the Entertainment Tent. "It's inconceivable." Bring a camp chair or throw down a blanket.

> Saturday, Arrrgust 10

10 a.m. - PirateFest Parade: Lake Street route will begin in SOBO and ends at Veterans Park.

11 a.m.-6 p.m. - FaygoLand Kids Area in Old City Park: Petting zoo, bounce house, Bookmobile, BC Rocks treasure hunt, kids crafts, live music, face painting and more.

11 a.m.-6 p.m. - Michigan Highlander Games: In the Open Space on North Lake Street. Spectators welcome to watch the strongest pirates of them all.

12-3 p.m. - Haunted Pirate River Ride: Explore the Boyne River in an unforgettable raft ride bound to make the whole family shiver their timbers. Sponsored by Jordan Valley Outfitters.

12-9 p.m. - Boyne City Taproom Busker Stage. Jugglers, sword swallowers and performers for all ages will entertain families.

12-9 p.m. - Entertainment Tent: Live entertainment and beverages all day

12-9 p.m. - Pirates, mermaids and buskers all day throughout Boyne City. Tommy Tropic's Busker Mania is a family must-see fer sure.

1 p.m. - Kids Costume Parade: in Old City Park, followed by Kids Costume Contest.

3 p.m. - The Battle of Boyne River: The townsfolk gather in Old City Park and lead a march to drive the pirates out, but not before a zany reenactment of The Famous Battle of The Boyne River.

7 p.m. - Adult Costume Contest in the Entertainment Tent.

9-11 p.m. - Teen Dance Party in the Entertainment Tent. Teens lay claim to the tent fer a parrrty of their own. Come as ye arrr, or come as a pirate.

9-11 p.m. - Stiggs Brewery After Party & Pirate Freak Show.

> Sunday, Arrgust 11th

10 a.m.-12 p.m. - Sunday Brunch at Water Street Cafe. Welcome, all ye landlubbers. Let's gather to enjoy one last meal with all the pirates together - then bid them farewell.

> VOLUNTEERS are needed Friday night and Saturday from 11-6. Call Cindi at 231-675-0115 if you can help out by taking a two-hour shift.

Black Diamond Broadcasting is proud to be the new presenting music sponsor for 2019 AuSable River Festival, held in Grayling during last week of July.  Bring your family for a week of events celebrating the AuSable River International Canoe Marathon.

Thursday - - July 25th features northern Michigan locals, A BRIGHTER BLOOM and OH BROTHER BIG SISTER beginning at 8:00pm.  Stage sponsored by 98.5 UPS Classic Hits WUPS

Friday - - July 26th will rock your country socks, with STEVE ARMSTRONG & the 25 cent BEER BAND also taking stage at 8:00pm.  Stage sponsored by Big Country 102.9 WWMK

Saturday - - July 27th fills the music stage with three exciting bands, all day long!

12:00 Noon - -  features FULL TILT from Oakland County - stage sponsor ROCK 105 / 95.5 WGFM

3:00  - - Parade Break

4:15  - - THE INSIDERS Tom Petty Tribute Band -  stage sponsor CLASSIC ROCK the BEAR 98.5 / 95.3 WGFN

8:00 till Midnight - - Closes the festival out with THE SINCLAIRS BAND - stage sponsor 98.5 UPS Classic Hits WUPS

There will be Music for every taste with many performing artists over three days, at the AuSable River Festival and Canoe Marathon.  Downtown beautiful Grayling - on Main Street.

Our newest partners  CHERRY CAPITAL AIRPORT and ELITE AIRWAYS are now offering non-stop flight service from Traverse City TVC to Sarasota Bardenton SRQ beginning mid March 2019.  This lets us begin the new year by offering our valued listeners a couple of great getaway contests!  And all with the ease of flying locally, from Snow to Sand, non-stop! 

Omelette & Guys Winter Escape on Classic Rock the BEAR

The BIG Escape on 1029 Big Country

Check out Elite Airways at Cherry Capital Airport TVC

MAC-fm now offers Smooth Sailing sounds!  106.3 fm is a unique blend of soft rock paired with the smoothest hits from the 70s and 80s. You’ll hear the most popular, refreshing tunes from superstars such as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Steely Dan, plus many soft favorites rarely heard on radio these days – from artists like Michael McDonald, Air Supply, Christopher Cross, Ambrosia and many other fun and relaxing favorites.

.
MAC-fm plays a one-of-a-kind blend of timeless favorites while much of Northern Michigan is at work, providing a perfect stress-free environment. MAC-fm's well balanced mix provides a relaxing soundtrack for listening at home and on the go, all day and all night. You’ll hear the difference as MAC-fm bridges the gap between everyday run-of-the- mill radio stations and a refreshingly smooth blend of your favorites! MAC-fm is no ordinary radio station – it’s extraordinary audio entertainment for Northern Michigan!

MAC-fm starts your weekday with longtime area ratings darlings... The Bob & Tom Show, who got their start in radio in Petoskey, Michigan. They’ve been honored five times as the top radio personalities in the United States by the National Association of Broadcasters.

Our big four stations are awarding Amazon Echos during August!

Rock 105 - Big Country 1029 - Classic Rock the BEAR - 985UPS

• SignUp Begins Aug 1st and Ends Aug 28th
• Two Winners Per Week ~ Age 16+ to enter!
• Random Draw from submissions
• Prize: One white Echo Dot (3rd Generation)
• Winners to collect prize at our Station
• One entry per email address
• Register  Aug 1 and Aug 28 (two ways)

REGISTER HERE:

ECHO ECHO REGISTRATON LINK

We're celebrating 

because our stations 

are NOW streaming 

on Amazon Echo!