Where Do We Even Begin?

The story of BIG 103 actually started long before BIG 103 had its name.

Years ago, under Storm Signal Radio, I launched a station called Throwback 99, inspired by the sound of BIG 106.5 in Dayton, Ohio. At the time, BIG 106.5 was playing Classic Hits, and somewhere along the way, I absolutely fell in love with the format.

Eventually, BIG 106.5 evolved into an Oldies station, focusing heavily on the great music of the ’60s and ’70s—and I loved it even more.

In 2017, I had the opportunity to visit BIG 106.5 in Dayton, then operated by iHeartMedia, and help as the station made its annual flip to Christmas Music. It was an experience I’ll never forget. (I’ve included a few pictures below!)

Then life brought me to Florida.

My primary focus became Lite 99, but I never lost my love for Classic Hits and Oldies. There was just something about that music—the personalities, the memories, the energy, and the songs you don’t hear nearly enough anymore.

So, eventually, BIG 103 was born.

We originally launched BIG 103 with a Classic Hits format. When COVID-19 changed just about everything in 2020, we flipped BIG to Christmas Music. Then, in 2021, we made another change and took the station back in time with an Oldies format.

Unfortunately, life had some other plans for us in 2022 and 2023, and BIG 103 eventually went silent.

But I never stopped thinking about it.

I never lost the passion for the station, the format, or the idea of bringing BIG back—bigger and better than before.

And now, in 2026… BIG IS BACK!

We’re officially relaunching BIG 103 WIBG-DB as Orlando’s Oldies Superstation!

Our focus is simple: the greatest music of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

The songs you grew up with. The songs your parents played. The songs that filled jukeboxes, diners, drive-ins, transistor radios, record players and AM radio. Motown, rock & roll, soul, pop, doo-wop and the unforgettable hits that helped define generations.

We’re building BIG 103 for people who still believe great music never gets old.

Okay… but what about Christmas?

Knowing our history—and knowing what we do over at Lite 99—we know somebody is going to ask!

Will BIG 103 go Christmas?

Maybe!

As we get closer to the holiday season, we may bring some Christmas magic to BIG. But if we do, expect it to sound very different from the specially curated Christmas format you’ll hear on Lite 99.

BIG’s Christmas would stay true to the station: the classic Christmas songs of generations past. Think more Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Brenda Lee, Dean Martin and Andy Williams—and less Mariah Carey and Carrie Underwood.

In other words, Christmas… BIG style.

For now, though, we’re just incredibly excited to turn the music back on.

A station that started as an idea years ago has come full circle, and I’m thrilled to welcome you back.

The memories are back.
The music is back.
BIG is back.

Welcome to BIG 103 WIBG-DB — Orlando’s Oldies Superstation!

Thanks for listening,

Michael Foland
Program Director
Lite 99 WLQT-DB & BIG 103 WIBG-DB
E-mail: michael&wlqtdb.com