![]() | |
| |
---|---|
Broadcast area | Piedmont Triad |
Frequency | 980 kHz |
Branding | Classic Hits WTOB |
Programming | |
Format | Classic hits |
Affiliations | |
Ownership | |
Owner |
|
WWBG, WCOG | |
History | |
First air date | October 28, 1950 |
Former call signs |
|
Technical information [1] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
Facility ID | 40996 |
Class | D |
Power |
|
Transmitter coordinates | 36°6′40.49″N80°14′35.18″W / 36.1112472°N 80.2431056°W |
Translator(s) | 96.7 W244EM (Winston-Salem) |
Repeater(s) | 1470 WWBG (Greensboro) |
Links | |
Public license information | |
Webcast | Listen live |
Website | wtob980 |
WTOB (980 kHz) is an AM radio station licensed to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States, which serves the Piedmont Triad area. The station is currently owned by Richard Miller and Robert Scarborough, Ken Hauser and Richard Parker through licensee Southern Broadcast Media LLC. [2] [3] and airs a classic hits format.
WAAA was owned by white businessman Roger Page when it first began broadcasting in 1950. This was rare at this time in the Deep South that a white owner would own and an operate a mainly black radio station. On the afternoon of October 28, 1950, Larry L. Williams, an African-American, signed on WAAA. The first program broadcast was a football game between Morgan State University and A & T State University. The game was announced from the stadium by Togo West, Sr. (principal of Atkins High School) while Larry L. Williams conducted station operations. On the morning of October 29, 1950, Williams signed on WAAA for the first full day of broadcasting [4] as the second radio station in the state (after WGIV in 1947) specifically targeting an African American audience. [5] [6] WAAA was believed to be the third black radio station in the United States, [7] preceded by WDIA in Memphis and WERD in Atlanta. [8] WAAA was also the first black-owned station in North Carolina. [9]
Prior to becoming the General Manager of WAAA, Larry L. Williams gave play-by-play action of the Winston-Salem State University football and basketball games; becoming known as the "Voice of the Rams." Larry L. Williams went on to become General Manager of radio stations in Alabama, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina. He returned to his home in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2002 to become General Manager of WOXL-FM. Larry L. Williams, a pioneer in radio, retired in 2008 at the age of 90. Oscar "Daddy-Oh" Alexander was the station's best-known DJ. He was described as "a jive-talking hipster who radiated cool while spinning hits from Motown and Stax." [10]
Jazz pianist Keith Byrd, who once lived near him, described Alexander this way:
He had a voice that was like gravel going through molasses. You know what I'm saying? It was smooth and sweet. He was a good spirit, a great character and he played the hottest songs. He was almost like the black Wolfman Jack in this area. [10]
Alexander left the station in 1962 after five years. Annie Bell Bowman played gospel music on the station. [11] Anita "Boss Lady" Dean was a DJ for six years. [12]
Media Broadcasting Corp. bought WAAA in 1971. [13] Mutter D. Evans bought WAAA from Media Broadcasting Corp. in 1979 for US$1.04 million (equivalent to US$436.6 million in 2023), [14] making her the youngest and second African American woman to own a broadcast property in the United States. [15] At the time, the station had 14 employees and was doing well financially considering its size but, in 1988, WAAA filed for Chapter 11. WAAA continued to broadcast but faced increasing competition from larger stations. But WAAA was unique in its service to the community, playing gospel music, jazz and rhythm and blues and broadcasting news, daily obituary reports, and Sunday religious programming. [16]
On July 9, 2001, deputies locked the doors to the WAAA studios on Indiana Avenue because court documents showed rent had not been paid since 1997. Evans and the community worked to bring the station back, and a web site was introduced in January 2002. On July 5, 2002, WAAA returned to the air with new studios and a limited schedule, with Evans claiming to have solved her problems and intending to return to a full schedule as soon as possible. [17] As recently as 2006, WAAA sponsored Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations. [18]
GHB Broadcasting purchased the station. [19] For several years WAAA, later called WTIX, aired the programming of WIST-FM, which played adult standards and then classic country. The switch to sports talk took place May 5, 2008. [20]
Truth Broadcasting completed its purchase of the station January 6, 2010. The call letters changed to WEGO and the format changed to Spanish Christian. Programming included syndicated shows plus local programming from Iglesia Luz Admirable Assemblies of God. [21] [22]
The Spanish format was short-lived however, as on July 4, 2012, new owners Ralph Epperson Broadcasting Inc. switched the format from Spanish back to English. The station now became news/talk and featured many of the same local personalities who worked at WSJS. The Eagle signed former longtime WSJS newsman Smith Patterson to be the news director and morning show host. Bill Flynn (formerly of WMAG and WPTI) joined Patterson on air on the morning show. WEGO became the flagship radio station of Wake Forest University Demon Deacons football and basketball. [23] Syndicated hosts include Dennis Prager, Michael Savage, Laura Ingraham and Mike Gallagher. On January 5, 2015, WEGO added Bill Bennett and shortened Flynn's show, taking it off entirely on some Mondays to air Bennett and Ingraham in their entirety. [24] WTOB Radio, a beloved station in Winston-Salem, has a rich history of transformation and revival. After being a Spanish station for several years, WTOB was leased by Jerry Holt from Davidson Media in 2012. This lease marked the beginning of significant changes, particularly with the involvement of Daniel Williard in 2013.
In 2013, Daniel Williard took over the lease of WTOB and embarked on a mission to revive the station’s former glory. Williard brought back the original jingles, evoking nostalgia and reconnecting with the station's roots from the 1960s. He assembled a talented team that included Bob Scarboro, Richard Miller, Jim Starr, Curtis Lee, Tim Bowman, Melanie Michaels, Randy Simpson, Amos Pigg, Ken Winfrey, Rick Archer,Candice Ray, Randel Reese, and several others. This team was instrumental in bringing back the authentic sound and feel of WTOB.
The early days of this revival were challenging. The station operated out of a basement at 4945 Reynolda Road for a year, reflecting the grassroots effort and dedication of Williard and his team. Despite these humble beginnings, the station's popularity grew, necessitating a move to a more suitable location. WTOB found its new home at 2825 Reynolda Road, where a proper studio was established, allowing for improved production quality and a better working environment for the staff.
Initially, Williard attempted to run WTOB as a commercial-free station. However, the financial realities of running a radio station soon became apparent, and the need for revenue led to the introduction of advertisements. This change was crucial in sustaining the station’s operations and supporting its growth.
During this period, Williard also acquired WSMX, expanding his broadcasting ventures. WSMX focused on beach music, catering to a different audience and broadening the scope of Williard's influence in the radio industry. Davidson Media Sold the station leased by Daniel Williard and was changed back to Spanish.
As time passed, the question of ownership arose after station WTOB was Turned off and Mr. Williard was offered the purchase of WTOB. Due to his age, Williard decided against purchasing the rights to WTOB and WSMX. Recognizing the potential and legacy of these stations, Bob Scarboro and Richard Miller decided to proceed with the purchase. This transition marked a new chapter in WTOB's history, ensuring its continued operation and presence in the Winston-Salem community.
At noon EST on December 18, 2012, WTOB began its Broadcast after being leased from Davidson Media, it began its broadcast as classic hits from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, with the first song "[[AM Radio (song)]" by Everclear, and began calling itself "Classic Hits WTOB". After new owners changed WTOB (1380 AM) in November, After repurchasing back the call letters WTOB, employees of the former WEGO formed Southern Broadcast Media LLC to license a new station. Ingraham, Bennett and Savage have been dropped, but Wake Forest sports remain. Mark Richards, one of those in charge, said, "We’re all about live, community radio and bringing back a radio style that was almost forgotten." [25]
Southern Broadcast Media consummated the purchase of WEGO from Truth Broadcasting effective June 6, 2016, at a price of US$164,000 (equivalent of US$208,000 in 2023). On November 15, 2016, application was made to the Federal Communications Commission for WEGO to change its call letters to WTOB. The call letter change was made effective Tuesday, November 22, 2016. On that day at 08:00 EST, announcers Mark Richards, Randy Simpson, and Bob Scarborough announced the change of call letters. Also that morning, Richards and Scott Brand, General Manager of the Carolina Thunderbirds Hockey Club announced that WTOB would be the official broadcast partner and flagship station for the Thunderbirds Hockey team and will broadcast all 56 games of the Thunderbirds beginning in November 2017. [26]
In response to a September 2017 format change by WSJS, WTOB began local newscasts on November 13, 2017. Former WSJS news director Ed Skurka became news director began newscasts every half-hour in the morning and at noon. Greg Rice would do afternoon newscasts. WTOB moved its studios to Trade Street. [27] [28]
Call sign | Frequency | City of license | FID | ERP (W) | Class | Transmitter coordinates | FCC info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W244EM | 96.7 FM | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | 201392 | 65 | D | 36°5′53.4″N80°14′37.1″W / 36.098167°N 80.243639°W | LMS |
WXII-TV is a television station licensed to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States, serving the Piedmont Triad region as an affiliate of NBC. It is owned by Hearst Television alongside Lexington-licensed CW affiliate WCWG. WXII-TV and WCWG share studios on Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem; through a channel sharing agreement, the stations transmit using WXII-TV's spectrum from an antenna on Sauratown Mountain in Stokes County.
WXLV-TV is a television station licensed to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States, serving as the ABC affiliate for the Piedmont Triad region. It is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group alongside Greensboro-licensed MyNetworkTV affiliate WMYV. The two stations share studios on Myer Lee Drive in Winston-Salem; WXLV-TV's transmitter is located in Randleman.
WTIX may refer to:
The Winston-Salem Journal is an American, English language daily newspaper primarily serving Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, North Carolina. It also covers Northwestern North Carolina.
WTQR is a country music station licensed to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and serves the Piedmont Triad region, including Greensboro and High Point. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia, the station broadcasts at 104.1 MHz with an ERP of 100 kW. It has studio facilities and offices located on Pai Park in Greensboro, and a transmitter site is located atop Sauratown Mountain near Pinnacle, North Carolina. They are one of three country music outlets in the market; WPAW and WBRF are the others.
WMFR is a radio station airing a country music format. Licensed to High Point, North Carolina, United States, the station serves the Piedmont Triad area. The station is owned by Triad Media Partners.
WSJS is a commercial radio station licensed to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and broadcasting to the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point media market. It airs a talk and sports radio format. WSJS is owned by the Truth Broadcasting Corporation, with studios and offices in The Factory Building on North Main Street in Kernersville.
WCOG is an AM radio station broadcasting an oldies format. Licensed to Greensboro, North Carolina, United States, the station serves the Piedmont Triad area. The station is owned by Winston-Salem-Greensboro Broadcasting Company, LLC. WCOG used to be a sports affiliate of Curtis Media Group but was sold in March 2021.
WFDD is a non-commercial, public radio station licensed to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is the National Public Radio (NPR) network affiliate for the Greensboro - Winston-Salem - High Point media market, also called the Piedmont Triad. Owned by Wake Forest University, WFDD serves 32 counties in Central North Carolina and South-Central Virginia. It holds periodic fundraisers on the air and accepts donations on its website.
WEGO was an AM radio station licensed to serve Concord, North Carolina.
WDRU is a radio station broadcasting a Christian radio format. Licensed to Creedmoor, North Carolina, United States, the station serves the Raleigh–Durham area. The station is owned by Truth Broadcasting Corporation.
WIST-FM is a Regional Mexican outlet serving the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. The Norsan Broadcasting station is licensed to Thomasville, North Carolina. The studios and transmitter are co-located in High Point, North Carolina.
WWNT is a Spanish language formatted broadcast radio station licensed to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States, serving Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, North Carolina. WWNT is owned by Delmarva Educational Association. As of August 1, 2018, WWNT is silent.
WWBG is an American radio station licensed to serve Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. The station, launched in 1999 as a replacement for WBIG, is owned by Richard Miller's Twin City Broadcasting Company, LLC.
WGHP is a television station licensed to High Point, North Carolina, United States, serving the Piedmont Triad region as an affiliate of the Fox network. The station is owned by Nexstar Media Group, and maintains studios on Francis Street ; its transmitter is located in Sophia, North Carolina.
WSGH is a radio station broadcasting a spanish language format. Licensed to Lewisville, NC, United States, it serves the Greensboro, NC area. The station is currently owned by Edward and Virginia Baker, through licensee Base Communications, Inc. WSGH also broadcasts on translator W291DD at 106.1 MHz
WSMX is a broadcast radio station licensed to and serving Winston-Salem, North Carolina. WSMX is owned by Blue Ridge Broadcasting Corporation.
WKZL is a Top 40 (CHR) station licensed to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and serves the Piedmont Triad area, which also includes Greensboro and High Point. The outlet, which is owned by Dick Broadcasting, operates at 107.5 MHz with an ERP of 100 kW. It has studio facilities and offices in downtown Greensboro alongside its sister station WKRR, and a transmitter site is near Stokesdale, North Carolina.
WBFJ 1550 AM is a radio station broadcasting a Christian teaching and talk format. Licensed in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States, it serves the Piedmont Triad area and is currently owned by Triad Family Network, Inc.
WTOB-TV was a television station on ultra high frequency (UHF) channel 26 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States, owned by the Winston-Salem Broadcasting Company. The first station on the air in Winston-Salem, it broadcast programming from ABC and operated from September 26, 1953, to May 11, 1957. It was hampered by economic difficulties common to early UHF television stations. After closing, the Winston-Salem Broadcasting Company joined with the Sir Walter Television Company of Raleigh, which owned the similarly shuttered WNAO-TV there, and residents of High Point to win the construction permit for and build WGHP. The transmitting tower used by WTOB-TV in Winston-Salem remained an area landmark for a decade after it shut down.