WCIS

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WCIS
City of license	Morganton, North Carolina
Slogan	Powerhouse 76
Frequency	760 kHz
Format	Southern Gospel Music
Power	3500 Watts
Class	D
Transmitter Coordinates	35°47′40″N 81°43′12″W / 35.79444, -81.72
Owner	WFM Incorporated

WCIS (760 AM), "Western Carolina Inspiration Station," is a radio station broadcasting a Southern Gospel Music format. Licensed to Morganton, North Carolina, USA, it serves the area. The station is currently owned by WFM Incorporated.

[edit] History

In December 1985, the FCC granted a license to Beacon Broadcasting, majority owned by Ben Pendley, Jr., operations manager of WPTL in Canton, North Carolina. Sherrill Greene of Glen Alpine was the other owner. The plan was to play Contemporary Christian music by such artists as Amy Grant and Sandi Patti, with a target audience of 25 to 45. ^[1]

WCIS did not sign on until March 1988, and the format changed to Southern Gospel in January 1989. Many listeners were over 50.^[2]

On February 1, 2008, the station's building was destroyed by fire. John Whisnant, Jr., who had won the Southern Gospel DJ of the Year award three times, said he believed the fire was intentionally set to cover up a burglary.^[3] WCIS returned to the air on March 1 with automation and a backup transmitter, with plans to begin live broadcasts eventually. A new studio was planned on Highway 126. WMIT sent its chief engineer to get the station running again, and station employees were helping with construction of the new studio.^[4]

[edit] References

^ "Beacon Wins OK to Build Radio Station in Morganton; Christian Format Planned," The Charlotte Observer, December 18, 1985.
^ Joseph Galarneau, "Religion Via Airwaves: More Listeners Tune in Christian Radio Stations," The Charlotte Observer, November 15, 1989.
^ Mark Price, "Arson Blamed in Radio Fire," The Charlotte Observer, February 4, 2008.
^ Julie N. Chang, "Station Rises from the Ashes with New Studio," Morganton Herald, Wednesday, March 5, 2008.