WPCM adds FM signal in Burlington, NC

0

Broadcast TowerAlamance County, NC, home of Curtis Media Group’s WPCM Radio, which features ’60s and ’70s music, beach music and local sports on AM 920, began FM coverage on 95.1 FM on 8/5 (W236BO). The station’s FM will make it the only commercial FM station in the county. It is 6 watts with a 305-ft antenna.


The AM has had a presence in Alamance County for more than 70 years, according to the group’s president, Phil Zachary. Byron Tucker, ops manager of WPCM Radio, said adding the FM service will offer clearer sound, less static and get the attention of more listeners who may not surf the AM band.

“AM radio has pretty much had a perception in today’s time that it is relegated to talk and sports talk,” Tucker told The Times News. “People do not normally look to the AM band as a band for music. They look to FM for that.”

Tucker said WPCM has developed a steady following for itself over the years, which is the reason they decided to expand their current programming.

“We have been fortunate because on our AM frequency of 920, we have such a niche format of beach music and oldies that is indigenous to this area, it was the only place to find it,” Tucker said.

He said nothing would change on the AM station, and programming on both bands would be the same. That includes WPCM’s coverage of Elon University football, baseball and men’s basketball, as well as Friday night high school football.

Tucker said it isn’t easy to tell the number of people who tune into the station, but said WPCM’s coverage reaches as far as Winston-Salem, Danville, VA., Chapel Hill, Durham and Siler City, NC.

“We take calls from listeners all across the Triad,” he said.

See the Times News story here