WGPA was originally a part of the Bethlehem Globe Publishing Authority (the GPA in WGPA). Both WGPA-AM and its sister station, WGPA-FM (now WZZO), began broadcasting on February 16, 1946 and was located at 426 Brodhead Avenue, next to the "Globe-Times" daily newspaper building. At the time, WGPA-AM and FM were simulcast. The FCC license stated ownership as A-B-E Broadcasting, a division of the Bethlehem Globe Times Newspapers, signifying Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton as the coverage area. WGPA AM 1100 originally broadcast popular music from that time period. The original musical lineup primarily consisted of big band/swing featuring artists such as Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller and Doris Day. In the early fifties, Bob Wolken, a recent graduate of Liberty High School, started at the station performing odd jobs. He would eventually become an on-air announcer, who would remain through changes in ownership and formats into the 1990s. Wolken's smooth style was the wake up voice for generations of Bethlehem-area residents for many years. His program was called "In the Book" and it aired from sign on time to 9:30 am Monday through Saturdays.