WFTH

WFTH (1590 AM) is a non-commercial radio station licensed to Richmond, Virginia, and serving the Greater Richmond Region.[3] WFTH is owned and operated by Stu-Comm, Inc.[2] It airs an adult album alternative radio format, simulcasting sister station WNRN in Charlottesville, Virginia. WFTH is listener supported, with on-air fundraisers held throughout the year.

WFTH
Simulcasts WNRN, Charlottesville
Broadcast areaMetro Richmond
Frequency1590 kHz
Branding91–9 WNRN
Programming
FormatAdult Album Alternative / Public Radio
Ownership
OwnerStu-Comm, Inc.
WHAN, WNRN, WNRS-FM, WRJR
History
First air date
December 1958[1]
Former call signs
WEZL (1958–1961)
WRGM (1961–1964)
WGOE (1964–1982)[1]
Call sign meaning
FaiTH
Technical information
Facility ID67683
ClassD
Power5,000 watts daytime
24 watts nighttime[2]
Transmitter coordinates
37°30′2.0″N 77°27′28.0″W
Links
WebcastListen Live
Websitewnrn.org
Main article: WNRN

WFTH broadcasts in the daytime at 5,000 watts, using a non-directional antenna. The station decreases power to 24 watts at night to protect others on the same frequency. 1590 AM is a regional broadcast frequency.

Programming is also heard on FM translator station W203CB at 88.5 MHz, which has a power of 170 watts.[4]

History

In December 1958, the station signed on as WEZL. The station was originally a daytimer, required to sign-off at sunset. In 1964, it was purchased by Richard S. Reynolds III and future Lieutenant Governor of Virginia J. Sargeant Reynolds. As WGOE, the station was first a top-40 outlet. It later became locally famous for airing a progressive rock format, which was typically the domain of FM radio, during the 1970s.[1][3]

In 1982, the station was bought by the Willis Broadcasting Corporation.[5] Owner L.E. Willis Sr. changed the call sign to WFTH to represent the word "faith." The format was switched to black gospel music and preaching shows.

In May 2016, the station was leased to Stu-Comm, Inc., owner of non-commercial FM 91.9 WNRN in Charlottesville, Virginia. WFTH was sold to Stu-Comm the next month.[6] Stu-Comm's goal was to take advantage of the Federal Communications Commission's "AM revitalization" program, which allows owners of eligible AM stations to purchase and move in FM translators from up to 250 miles away. A facility was brought in from Harrisville, West Virginia, which is now on the air as W203CB. This translator replaces WNRN's previous signal in the area, W276BZ (103.1 FM), which broadcast at just 10 watts and drew listener complaints due to its poor coverage of the city.[7][8]

Translator

In addition to the main station, WFTH is relayed by one FM translator to widen its broadcast area.[9]

Call signFrequencyCity of licenseFIDERP (W)HAATClassFCC info
W203CB 88.5 FMRichmond, Virginia54972170213 m (699 ft)DLMS

References
  1. "FCC History Cards for WFTH" (PDF). FCC.
  2. "WFTH Facility Record". Federal Communications Commission, audio division. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
  3. "Arbitron Station Information Profiles". Nielsen Audio/Nielsen Holdings. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
  4. "W203CB Facility Data". FCCData.
  5. Broadcasting Yearbook 1983 page B-256
  6. Venta, Lance. "Station Sales Week Of 6/3: Multicultural Swaps Trust Assets In Los Angeles". RadioInsight. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  7. "WFTH". FCCData. REC Networks.
  8. "Boosting Our Richmond Signal".
  9. "W276BZ Facility Record". Federal Communications Commission, audio division. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
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