By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
When an entity has been around for over 50 years, it should come as no surprise that it will try to re-invent itself every few decades. WBCO is doing exactly that today.
“It’s going to become Country Legends. We’re also going to pick up what is called a translator so that the AM1540 will also be broadcast on 92.3FM,” explained WBCO Brand Manager Jim Radke. “It’s AM on the FM.”
Radke assured that the programming listeners are used to on AM 1540 WBCO – such as the WBCO Spotlight with Jim Radke and the farm reports – will continue to stay the same. There will be a few minor adjustments to the programming schedule, which include fewer newscasts.
“The big thing with 92.3FM is now it can be heard 24 hours seven days a week,” Radke added.
The station will be making the switch from 1950s, 60s, and 70s hits to country legends such as George Strait, John Michael Montgomery, Billy Ray Cyrus, Brooks & Dunn, Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Johnny Lee, Lonestar, Lorrie Morgan, and more.
“It’s a good mix of old and somewhat new,” Radke said. “We have some competitors around here who play country but nobody plays what we call country legends. I think it will be a nice fit for what we do, plus with our agricultural information in there, too.”
Radke, who has been a part of the WBCO family for nearly 40 years, said it was always the intention to make WBCO a 24-hour station. Unfortunately, restrictions placed by the Federal Communications Commission required the AM portion to sign on and off at certain hours.
“Now, this gives us that 24-hour feel and coverage throughout at least Crawford County,” Radke said.
“I’m very excited,” said station manager Kim Goyer about the addition of a FM station and the move to country. “This is a niche our community has been asking for. To be going 24/7 shows that we are growing in our community.”