Local favorite HITS106 FM brings classic hits and community spirit to the heart of Downtown New Port Richey with a brand-new studio location
New Downtown Studio Brings Classic Hits to Main Street
FL10 and Downtown New Port Richey welcome HITS106 FM as the popular radio station establishes its new studio in Downtown NPR! The move brings this beloved classic hits station directly into the heart of the city’s growing entertainment district.
The prominent location offers easy access for community members and increases the station’s visibility as it continues to serve as a cornerstone of local media. Final preparations are underway at the new studio space with a ribbon-cutting celebration planned in the coming weeks.
A Rich History of Local Radio Excellence
HITS106 FM represents a significant piece of local broadcasting history, having served the region since 1989. The station originally featured Big Band music before undergoing a format change in 2014 with new call letters and a shift to Classic Hits. Today, HITS106 FM delivers a carefully curated selection of Rock and Soul hits from the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, offering listeners a distinctive soundtrack that celebrates these influential musical decades.
What makes HITS106 truly special in today’s media landscape is their independent ownership. While radio giants have gobbled up most stations across the country, HITS106 has remained fiercely independent and locally focused – something that’s becoming increasingly rare and incredibly valuable in today’s corporatized media environment.
Station Profile: Get to Know HITS106 FM
Quick Station Facts
- Call Letters: WGHR-FM ~ Hits 106
- Dial Position: 106.3 FM
- Positioning: Greatest Hits Radio
- Format: Greatest Hits from the 70s, 80s & 90s
- Target Audience: Adults 45-64, with broader appeal to Adults 35+
- Listener Profile: Gen X and Baby Boomers
- Station Difference: More music, fewer commercials
Music They Play
HITS106 FM delivers the soundtrack of a generation with artists like Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Eagles, Phil Collins, Hall & Oates, Tom Petty, Rolling Stones, Madonna, ZZ Top, Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, plus those unforgettable one-hit wonders that defined the decades.
On-Air Personalities
Marvelous Marvin in the Morning
Weekdays: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Marvelous Marvin comes from radio royalty—his father was former deejay Marvin Boone, Sr., who ironically couldn’t stand rock ‘n’ roll when it emerged in 1955. Despite his father’s efforts to dissuade him from a radio career, Marvin pursued his passion after attending the Ohio School of Broadcasting in Cleveland.
His Tampa Bay radio journey included successful stints at WGUL, Magic 96 WMGG, WHBO and WYUU U92. Before joining HITS106 in 2009, Marvin spent eight years at WRBQ Q105, consistently ranking in the Top Five with Baby Boomer listeners and achieving #1 ratings in several Arbitron surveys.
The Afternoon Drive with John Kelly
Weekdays: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
John Kelly joined the HITS team in January 2016, bringing nearly four decades of broadcasting experience. His career began as a teenager at a small-town station before landing his first drive time position in 1989 at WKXX in Birmingham, Alabama.
John’s impressive resume includes work with major radio groups like Metroplex, Paxon, Jacor/Clear Channel, and Infinity/CBS Radio. His talent earned him a Crystal Communicator Award for commercial production at CBS’s WRBQ FM. Before HITS106, John served as program director for Cumulus stations in Albany, Des Moines, and Chattanooga.
Weekend Specials
Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 Countdown of the 70s
Sundays: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Step back in time with authentic rebroadcasts of Casey Kasem’s legendary American Top 40 countdown shows from the 1970s—exactly as they originally aired.
Saturday Night Dance Party
Saturdays: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The weekend kicks off with the greatest dance hits from the 70s and 80s, playing four hours of non-stop classics perfect for any party.
Behind the Station
Steve Schurdell, the owner of HITS106 FM, brings years of broadcasting experience to Downtown New Port Richey. His decision to locate the station on Main Street demonstrates his commitment to being at the center of community life.
As the force behind four regional radio stations—HITS106 FM, Citrus 95.3, Naturecoast Country, and Fox 96.7—Schurdell has built a meaningful and respected media presence that serves communities across five counties.
Steve shared his broadcasting journey with his late partner Carl Marcocci. He continues the HITS 106 legacy with the support of his surviving wife and family, who remain an integral part of the station’s operations and community connection.
His approach to independent broadcasting focuses on authentic connections with listeners and businesses, maintaining radio that truly reflects the community in an era of corporate media consolidation.
Bringing Communities Together Across Five Counties
The station’s signal reaches far beyond New Port Richey, covering:
- Northern Pinellas County
- Northern Hillsborough County
- Pasco County
- Hernando County
- Citrus County
HITS106’s true reach goes way beyond their broadcast signal. They’ve built deep connections throughout these communities, becoming an essential thread in our local fabric.
The new downtown location represents the latest chapter for owner Steve Schurdell’s expanding local media presence, which also includes three other stations broadcasting from Citrus County:
- Citrus 95.3
- Naturecoast Country
- Fox 96.7
Together, these stations form a powerful voice for local communities that might otherwise go unheard in today’s corporatized media environment.
Powering Downtown’s Biggest Events
HITS106 FM has established itself as a driving force behind many of Downtown New Port Richey’s most successful community events. The station has played a significant role in enhancing the annual Mardi Gras celebration, helping transform it into one of the area’s premier gatherings that continues to grow in popularity each year.
Downtown Parties
The station’s recent creative promotional efforts include the Twisted Tea ParTea Pass, which gave community members the opportunity to secure a coveted spot on a float during the historic Chasco Fiesta parade. HITS106 has been instrumental in supporting and promoting the Chasco Fiesta tradition, helping preserve this cultural cornerstone of New Port Richey.
Beyond specific events, HITS106 has consistently elevated the quality and attendance of downtown gatherings through their promotional reach and organizational expertise. Their involvement typically results in increased turnout, greater community engagement, and enhanced experiences for attendees.
Local Benefits
Local businesses benefit from the station’s affordable advertising options, creating mutually beneficial relationships that strengthen the downtown economy. HITS106 connects businesses with potential customers while simultaneously enriching the community through well-executed events that enhance Downtown New Port Richey’s reputation as a destination for entertainment and community gathering.
The station’s long-standing commitment to downtown development has contributed significantly to the area’s revitalization, helping establish the vibrant atmosphere that now characterizes Main Street and the surrounding district.
As they often say at the station, “If something’s happening in town, we’re either putting it on, promoting it, or helping to make it happen.” And from what locals have seen over the years, they absolutely live up to that promise.
What This Means for Downtown New Port Richey
For our downtown district, having HITS106 move in feels like more than just landing a new business – it’s like gaining a dedicated community partner that’s genuinely invested in seeing the area thrive. Their presence brings additional foot traffic, energy, and media attention to our growing downtown scene.
HITS106 FM continues to demonstrate its commitment to keeping radio local, authentic, and community-focused with this exciting move to Downtown New Port Richey.
Stay with us here at FL10 for updates on the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony and many more awesome HITS106 sponsored events in Downtown NPR.
