Play 99.5, previously known as Play 99.6, was founded by entrepreneurs Ramzi Halabi and Zafer Younis in October 2004.[1][better source needed] The station initially had 5 team members, Lee McGrath (the morning show's on-air presenter) joined the team from the UK soon after they started. In 2007, the station received international recognition by the National Association of Broadcasters, winning the "NAB International Broadcasting Excellence Award".[2]