WRGC (AM)

In this article, we will explore the fascinating life and legacy of WRGC (AM), whose impact has transcended borders and generations. From his humble beginnings to his consecration as a leading figure in his field, WRGC (AM) has left an indelible mark on history. Throughout these pages, we will discover the most significant milestones in his career, his most notable achievements and the impact he has had on society. Through testimonies, analysis and reflections, we will immerse ourselves in the life and work of WRGC (AM), recognizing his relevance and celebrating his invaluable contribution to humanity.

WRGC
Broadcast areaWestern North Carolina
Frequency540 kHz
Branding105.7 The River
Programming
FormatAdult contemporary/Full service
AffiliationsAP News
Westwood One
North Carolina News Network
Catamount Sports Network
Ownership
OwnerFive Forty Broadcasting Company, LLC
WBHN
History
First air date
November 8, 1957 (as WMSJ on 1480)
Former call signs
WMSJ (1957–1976)
Former frequencies
1480 kHz, 680 kHz
Call sign meaning
W Ronnie G. Childress
(son of founder Jimmy Childress)
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID73286
ClassD
Power5,000 watts days
190 watts nights
Translator(s)105.7 W289CK (Sylva)
Links
Public license information
Websitewrgc.com

WRGC is an Adult contemporary/full service formatted broadcast radio station licensed to Sylva, North Carolina, serving Western North Carolina.[2] WRGC is owned and operated by Five Forty Broadcasting Company, LLC.[3]

History

1480 AM

Jimmy Childress and Asheville resident Harold Thomas signed on WMSJ in November 1957, operating in Sylva, North Carolina (Jackson county) on 1480 kHz. The letters of its callsign stood for "Macon/Swain/Jackson," Macon and Swain being the counties immediately north and west, respectively, of Jackson County.

The station operated with a power of 5,000 watts, and only had daytime operation.

680 AM

The station later moved to 680 kHz, with 1,000 watts, but allowing for a 250–watt directional nighttime signal.

The station's call sign was changed to WRGC in memory of Ronnie Childress, the former owner's son who was electrocuted while working on the transmitter during a thunderstorm in the 1970s (his initials were RGC).

For a significant portion of the station's history, the music format consisted primarily of country, along with some southern rock, along with news, community announcements, and local sports coverage.

Georgia-Carolina Radiocasting Company bought WRGC in 2002, changing the format from country and gospel to soft rock.

WRGC had about 8,000 listeners in Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties, though 98 percent of its advertising revenue came from Jackson County. The Great Recession affected the station as several car dealers closed and other potential advertisers cut spending.[4]

On August 31, 2011, the station turned off its transmitter. A posting on their website stated, "WRGC has left the air due to the severe economic conditions." The statement also addressed the permanency of this event, "Our long term plans for WRGC are not decided, but we have notified the Federal Communications Commission to go off the air until a decision is made."[5][6] Art Sutton, president of Georgia-Carolina Radiocasting Company, hoped someone local could buy the station, because a local owner could "better develop relationships with those smaller businesses" needed to make a station successful, as his company's stations WNCC-FM and WFSC in nearby Franklin were.[4]

540 AM WRGC (Five Forty Broadcasting Company LLC.)

Roy Burnette of Five Forty Broadcasting Company LLC. announced plans to increase the daytime signal of WRGC to 5,000 watts (190 watts nighttime) and a move to 540 kHz, with the help of a county loan of $289,000, for which a public hearing was planned for December 12, 2011. Burnette said, "We want to offer in-depth service to Jackson, Macon, Swain and Haywood."[7]

After test broadcasts on April 1, 2012, the new 540 AM WRGC officially signed on at 12:05 p.m. with a welcoming statement by new owner, Roy Burnette, and the playing of the National Anthem (the Star Spangled Banner). 540 AM is a Canadian and Mexican clear-channel frequency.

On April 5, 2018, Five Forty Broadcasting was granted an FM translator (105.7/W289CK) by the Federal Communications Commission.

In February 2020, the studios and offices of Five Forty Broadcasting Moved into a new facility near Highway 107 in Sylva, leaving the original location on Skyland Drive at the station's original transmitter site.

On March 15, 2021, Five Forty Broadcasting totally ceased operations from Skyland Drive in Sylva where the station had been since its inception, and erected a new tower off US 23/74 near Dillsboro.

WRGC currently bradcasts an adult contemporary music format, but additionally provides news updates, weather, and various community announcements throughout their broadcast day. The station also provides sports coverage of various sports teams from Western Carolina University and Smoky Mountain High School, as well as a local "buy-sell-and-trade call-in show" called "Tradio",

References

  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WRGC". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ "Arbitron Station Information Profiles". Nielsen Audio/Nielsen Holdings. Retrieved May 22, 2014.
  3. ^ "WRGC Facility Record". Federal Communications Commission, audio division. Retrieved May 22, 2014.
  4. ^ a b Sandford, Jason (September 8, 2011). "Jackson County radio station known for its local roots closes". Asheville Citizen-Times. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  5. ^ "WRGC Special Message". WRGC.
  6. ^ "WRGC (680 AM) goes off air". The Sylva Herald and Ruralite.
  7. ^ Ellison, Quintin (November 30, 2011). "Sylva's WRGC could get bigger, cover from Haywood to Swain". Smoky Mountain News. Retrieved January 3, 2012.