You're driving down I-95, the drums for a classic Metallica track start kicking in, and suddenly the DJ announces a giveaway for Ravens tickets or a front-row spot at the next big concert at Pier Six. Your heart rate jumps. You reach for your phone. But then it hits you—what is the 98 rock phone number again?
It’s one of those things you think you know until you desperately need it.
WIYY 97.8 FM, better known to basically everyone in the DMV as 98 Rock, has been a Baltimore staple since the late 70s. It isn’t just a radio station; it’s a cultural touchstone for the city. Whether you’re trying to request a song, vent about the Orioles' bullpen, or win some cold hard cash, having the right digits saved in your contacts is the only way to play.
The Numbers You Actually Need
Let’s get straight to it because nobody likes digging through a wall of text when a contest is live. To talk to the DJs, enter a contest, or join the conversation on-air, the primary 98 rock phone number is 410-338-1098.
That’s the studio line.
If you are calling from outside the immediate Baltimore area, or perhaps you're one of those long-distance listeners tuning in via the stream from halfway across the country, you can use their toll-free option: 1-800-432-1098.
Honestly, save both. You never know which one will connect faster when the phone lines are jammed during the morning show.
For the business side of things—maybe you’re a local business owner looking to advertise or you need to pick up a prize you already won—the front desk and Hearst Castle (where the station is located alongside WBAL) can be reached at 410-338-1000. Don't call the studio line for prize pickup questions. The DJs are busy running the board and won't be able to tell you if your check is ready at the front desk.
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Why 410-338-1098 is the Most Famous Number in Baltimore
There is something nostalgic about a radio station phone number. In an era of DMs and TikTok comments, the "request line" feels like a relic, but for 98 Rock, it’s the lifeblood. Think about Justin, Scott, and Spiegel. That morning show relies almost entirely on the chaotic energy of Baltimore residents calling in to share their "Small Town News" or participate in whatever ridiculous debate is happening that day.
If you’ve ever tried to call in, you know the struggle.
The line is busy. You redial. Busy again.
It’s a game of luck. But there is a strategy. Most people wait until the DJ finishes their sentence to start dialing. Pro tip: if they say "Caller 9 starts... NOW," you should have already been mid-dial. The delay in the radio stream (especially if you're listening online or through an app) means the "real-time" event happened 10 to 30 seconds ago.
Texting vs. Calling: The Modern Shift
Does 98 Rock take texts? Yes. Mostly.
Often, the 98 rock phone number functions as a text line too. During specific segments, they might ask you to text a keyword to 77000. However, standard data and message rates apply, so don't go overboard if you're on a legacy phone plan.
Texting is great for quick feedback—like telling Spiegel his take on pit beef is "kinda" trash—but for the big-ticket contests, you usually still have to be that "Caller 98." There is no substitute for the adrenaline of hearing the ringtone actually turn into a human voice on the other end.
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Getting Your Prize: The "Hearst Castle" Experience
If you actually manage to get through on the 98 rock phone number and win something, congrats. You’re now part of an elite club of Baltimoreans who have successfully navigated the busy signals.
But winning is only half the battle.
The station is located at 3800 Hooper Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21211. Locally, we call it Hearst Castle. It’s that big, imposing building with the massive TV towers you see from the JFX.
- Bring your ID: They won't give you a damn thing without a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Check the hours: Usually, prize pickup is Monday through Friday, but they often close early on holidays or for special events. Call that business line (410-338-1000) before you make the trek to TV Hill.
- Paperwork: If you win something worth over $600, get ready for the 1099 form. Uncle Sam wants his cut of your rock and roll winnings.
The Evolution of 98 Rock Interaction
It’s wild to think how much this has changed. Back in the 80s and 90s, the 98 rock phone number was literally the only way to interact. You’d sit by the stereo with a cassette tape ready to record your own voice if you got on air.
Today, the station is everywhere. You’ve got the app, the Instagram, and the "X" (formerly Twitter) feed. But notice something? When something big happens in Baltimore—a Ravens coaching change, a bridge closure, a massive thunderstorm—everyone still flocks to the phones.
There is a sense of community in the "Listen Line." Hearing a guy from Dundalk argue with a guy from Towson about the best place to get a crab cake is peak Baltimore entertainment. It’s raw, it’s unedited, and it’s why terrestrial radio still has a heartbeat in the digital age.
When to Call (and When Not To)
Timing is everything.
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If you call the 98 rock phone number at 3:00 AM on a Sunday, you’re probably going to get a voicemail or a very tired producer. The "Prime Time" for calling is during the big shows:
- Justin, Scott, and Spiegel (Morning Drive): High volume, very difficult to get through, but the most rewarding.
- Amelia (Mid-days): A bit more chill, better chance for song requests.
- Kirk McEwen (Afternoon Drive): High energy, lots of traffic talk, great for "Man on the Street" style rants.
If you're calling to complain about a song choice, honestly, just don't. The playlists are often programmed well in advance. Calling to yell at the DJ because they played "Enter Sandman" for the third time today isn't going to change the rotation. They know. They probably feel the same way.
Common Misconceptions About the 98 Rock Phone Number
People often think there’s a secret "backline" for winners. There isn't. Not really. Even the regulars have to dial like everyone else.
Another big one: "The DJs don't actually answer the phones."
Actually, they often do. Especially during the morning show, the guys are frequently working the phones themselves between segments. If you call, don't be shocked if you hear Justin’s voice on the other end asking what’s on your mind. Be ready to talk. Don't be the person who says "Wait, am I on?" Yes, you're on.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Caller
If you really want to make your mark on 98 Rock, don't just dial blindly.
- Program the number now: Put "98 Rock Studio" (410-338-1098) in your phone right now. Don't wait until you're driving.
- Use a headset: If you're calling from a car, use your Bluetooth. Safety first, but also, the audio quality is better for the broadcast.
- Be Concise: If you get on air, get to the point. Radio time is expensive. If you ramble, they will "dump" you (hit the delete button) before you finish your story.
- Listen for the "Cues to Call": They usually announce the phone number right before a contest starts. That is your signal to start hammering the redial button.
98 Rock remains the "Voice of Baltimore" for a reason. It’s loud, it’s sometimes a little messy, and it’s fiercely local. Whether you're a "Friend of the Show" or a first-time caller, that 98 rock phone number is your direct link to the pulse of the city.
Next time you're stuck in traffic on the 695 Inner Loop, give them a shout. You might just end up being the voice everyone else is listening to on their way home.
Immediate Next Steps:
- Save 410-338-1098 in your phone under "98 Rock Studio."
- Save 410-338-1000 as "98 Rock Front Desk" for prize inquiries.
- Follow their social media accounts to see when "Text to Win" contests are active, as these often use different shortcodes than the standard studio line.
- If you are a winner, head to 3800 Hooper Ave during business hours with a valid ID to claim your loot.