The operator of WGOP, an AM station destroyed by fire on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, says he intends to get the station back on the air.
Mike Powell, interviewed by local TV news station WBOC, said he may use a shed at the base of the tower system (watch that interview). Powell is the general manager and reportedly operates the station under an LMA from licensee Birach Broadcasting.
Nondirectional WGOP is licensed for 500 watts daytime, 240 nights night to Pocomoke City, Md. It is the former WDMV and has a history in the community dating back to the 1950s, as related by the Shore Daily News. Its signal was heard on 540 kHz and an FM translator at 106.5.
According to the Associated Press and other news reports, the Thursday fire was started by a faulty electrical wire, destroying the station’s facilities, which were not insured. AP quoted the fire marshal’s office saying the building, which was built in 1955, is considered a complete loss.
The site RadioTowers.Info has more historical photos.
