a small announcer’s booth. There was also a large lobby with a double-paned window looking into the largest studio. Offices, just off the lobby, included a newsroom with a built-in bin to capture teletype paper. The basement contained record storage areas, an announcers’ lounge and the chief engineer’s office and work area. WHAV-FM signs on WHAV-FM finally went on the air April 14, 1948. WHAV-FM, as was the custom of the day, simply simulcasted the AM programs. Despite its earlier frequency announcement, the FM station was licensed on 92.5 MHz and is today known as WXRV. "FM broadcasting opens a new era for radio in Haverhill. It will give WHAV a second voice and will reach out into homes within a 50-mile radius of the city", The Gazette announced. AM & FM simulcast WHAV AM and FM joined the Continental Network, whose key station was WASH-FM in Washington, D.C., in time for President Harry S. Truman’s inauguration. The stations were the second in Massachusetts to become associated with Continental and the eighth in New England. Vaughn Monroe made an appearance on the stations during the grand opening of the new studio building to promote what would be a Big Band format, said Jackie Natalino, former music librarian, during a 1978 interview. On September 29, 1950, WHAV announced it would join “the Liberty Broadcasting System – third largest network in America.” Liberty Broadcasting System began in 1948 with 42 affiliates and offered a sports format. It was operated by "The Old Scotchman," Gordon McLendon, out of KLIF, Dallas, Texas. McLendon and Ted Husing handled all football broadcasts for the network. McLendon, who pioneered radio’s transition into the television age, also hosted a show, "Great Days In Sports," which recreated great sports events from the past. WHAV joined Liberty just as the nationwide network grew to 240 affiliates with 10 hours of programs a day. At its peak, Liberty had 458 affiliates, but folded in 1952. It was a difficult time for radio, and WHAV-FM was not exempt. Trouble begins One major obstacle was The Gazette'''s mistaken idea that FM-receiving sets would be readily available after the war, according to Mrs. Natalino. To work around the problem, WHAV worked with local bus lines to have FM music piped into buses. However, she said, the FCC banned the action when bus riders complained of being “a captive audience”. The FCC also placed restrictions