Early beginnings as DZPI, the first iteration of DWIZ (1949-1991)
It was then known as DZPI from 1949 to 1972, broadcasting at 800 kHz until November 1978 when it transferred to 882 kHz due to the adoption of the 9 kHz spacing for medium wave stations as stipulated by the Geneva Frequency Plan of 1975 supplanting the NARBA mandated 10 kHz spacing rule. DWIZ officially started its broadcast operations on September 24, 1972 as DWIZ Sunshine City, owned and operated by Manila Broadcasting Company's affiliate, Philippine Broadcasting Corporation. It was then one of the most influential Top 40 music stations in Metro Manila from 1972 to 1986, when it shifted to a full service format with emphasis on news and music, that lasted until 1991, when Aliw Broadcasting Corporation, a radio network under the leadership of former Ambassador & Chairman Emeritus of the ALC Group of Companies, Mr. Antonio Cabangon Chua acquired the station. DWIZ 882 Sunshine City signed-off for the last time on the first quarter of 1991 after close to three decades of broadcasting under the MBC banner.
The current iteration of DWIZ (1991-present)
Upon acquisition, test broadcasts of the 25,000-watt-powered newly formatted AM station started during April 1991, and it successfully lasted for a month. The station also pioneered another first in the history, as it introduced the Broadcast Tandem System, wherein each news program has two broadcasters on board. Leading the station's first years of broadcast are some of the anchors and reporters transferred from DZRH. The first big news coverage on DWIZ was the country’s annual Independence Day celebrations in 1991, followed immediately by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo. In 1994, DWIZ officially switched to its current 50,000 watt transmitter facility. In 2000, DWIZ relocated their studio from Dominga Building, Pasong Tamo, Makati City to their current home in Citystate Centre in Shaw Boulevard, Pasig. In 2005, DWIZ launched Karambola, a morning political commentary program featuring a panel of journalists and columnists led by Jonathan De la Cruz. Karambola is now one of the station's longest-running programs. On January 3, 2014, DWIZ signed a 3-year memorandum of agreement with Radio Philippines Network for the expanded coverage of the both TV and radio networks nationwide. Selected programs of this station are also simulcasted on the Radyo Ronda Network. DWIZ also launched its first ever radio jingle on July 14, 2014 during the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda. In 2016, DWIZ officially relaunched its newly improved 50,000-watt transmitter system standing on a 300-foot tower, providing improved signal reception in the Greater Luzon Area.
Recognitions
The year 2014 and 2015 served as milestone for the station as it received several recognitions:
