In the late 1950s, Bernie Dittman, an Ohio Appliance Salesman with an Engineering Degree from University of St. Louis, decided to pursue his dream of buying a radio station. In 1961, Bernie purchased WABB, beginning his career in Broadcasting. He immediately flipped the AM station from its Country Western format to Top 40, and in 1973 added the 97.5 FM dial. He was honored in 2005 with the Alabama
Broadcasters Association Broadcaster of the Year award. After more than 45 years as the Owner and Operator of WABB, Bernie passed away following a brief illness in October 2006. A Pioneer in Radio Broadcasting and an active leader in the community, Bernie Dittman left a legacy for his wife, three children, and the city of Mobile. WABB has stayed true to the heritage, continuing to build upon what her father started years ago. Thousands of broadcasters have been trained within the studios of WABB, learning the ropes and the value of hard work the Dittman way. The tradition continues today with 97.5 WABB and 1480 AM WABB. WABB 1480AM serves the Mobile metropolitan area with a signal of 5,000 Kilowatts during the day, and 4,400 Kilowatts at night.
