• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Having Fun!We Are Generous!We Are Presidential!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

WDIF-LP 97.5 FM

By MarionMade! on September 22, 2017

HOME OF THE BLUES.

Marion native, Spencer Phelps, has been a fan of radio as far back as he can remember. His official start in the radio industry was as a regular voice on local WDCM in the early 2000’s. He describes other ventures in local media including a regularly televised program on TV22, production of local radio shows, book writings, and even an adventurous run for public office–though he admits his run was done more in jest.

The history of blues station WDIF is just as evolving as Spencer’s career. In 2003, station WDCM-LP 97.5FM was started by the US Open Junior Drum & Bugle Corps Championship Commission, offering adult contemporary music with an emphasis on local events and news. Through a series of management changes the station picked up the call letters WDIF in 2010. Spencer admits that, when he joined the station in 2016, it was in need of revitalization–determining that offering a new sound could be the answer. Blues was a natural selection for Spencer, as this was the music of his childhood and, in his opinion, “blues music is cool.”

Most would agree that his appreciation for Blues has been well received by the community and had the intended effect of renewing the radio station. Other changes were ahead for the station in the form of new management and a departure from their parent company (the Drum & Bugle Corps) to what it is currently today–Marion Makes Music, a 501c3 public charity. The station is now found at 97.5 FM.

In an effort to give back to the community, Marion Makes Music uses a portion of the station’s proceeds to provide free music lessons to kids in the community. Spencer states, that “with the help of sponsors and donations, we aim to bring this opportunity to many more children” and families in Marion County.

Without question, Spencer believes Marion is the best location for WDIF “because this is where I’m from, it’s where I am, and it’s where I want to stay. It’s a great place!” He went on to say, “we’ve broken through the sameness of radio and given people in Marion another musical option. There are people who have never listened to anything on the radio other than country, pop, and classic rock. We’ve broken the choke hold of mundane radio. We’re real, raw, honest, and we play music that some people have never heard before. Plus, we’re giving Marionites a local venue to display their musical talents on our local music spotlight show. We have analysis of local sports on our sports show, and area Blues bands are getting their music played on the radio for the first time ever.”

#MarionMade #WeAreWDIF #WeAreMusic

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • Tri-River’s RAMTEC

    MARION’S MANUFACTURING LEGACY LIVES ON Marion has always been a community that builds things. We create things. We just always have. We created the machines that built the Panama Canal. We helped moved rockets and space shuttles. It’s always been in our DNA. At Tri-Rivers, we knew there was a skills gap; industry told us. […]Read More »
  • 27-Year-Old Mystery Surrounds Lady Justice’s Kidnapping

      Marion’s Lady Justice statue atop the Marion County Courthouse has a mysterious past. The statue, erected in 1885, vanished in 1952. Her disappearance was unsolved until a public search began decades later.   Lady Justice Taken Down in 1952 and Vanished In the 1950s, Lady Justice was deteriorating from the ravages of time, according […]Read More »
  • Marion Mourns the Passing of Beloved Restaurateur, Veteran and Icon George Kasotis

    Legend. Veteran. Entertainer. Entrepreneur. After 91 years serving our community and our country, George James Kasotis died on May 29, 2025. “George will forever be remembered as a pillar of our community. He will be greatly missed,” Julie Blashinsky Blackledge said. “George always championed Marion and was such a gracious host. He will be dearly […]Read More »
  • Tai Chi

    Staying Healthy in Marion with Tai Chi The Yang-style form of Tai Chi is a part of the martial arts. It is the most popular and widely practiced form of Tai Chi in the world. As an exercise, it comprises gentle physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness. It has been shown to improve balance control, […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image