Johnny Caudle, who launched a petition to preserve the WBT(AM) transmitter site, met last week with Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley and other top executives from Radio One and Beasley to discuss the facility’s future.
As Radio World reported, Caudle believes the nearly century-old broadcast location is a historic landmark. His petition now has approximately 1,200 signatures.
The future of the 50 kW signal on 1110 AM, which has run a short program loop since January directing listeners to tune to the WBT(FM) 107.9 signal, is uncertain. A real estate firm recently listed the transmitter property on Nations Ford Road as up for commercial purchase.
The meeting on Tue., July 28, at Radio One’s Charlotte offices included Caroline Beasley, Marsha Landess, VP and general manager of Radio One Charlotte and Heidi Raphael, Beasley’s chief communications officer.
“We appreciate the thoughtful dialogue, and we share the community’s interest in preserving WBT’s legacy,” Caroline Beasley said in comments to Radio World. “Discussions regarding potential ways to recognize the site’s history remain ongoing, and we look forward to a positive outcome.”
While no final decisions have been made regarding the 19-acre south Charlotte property, Caudle said that simply securing the meeting was his primary goal. He said that all parties share a common objective regarding the preservation or documentation of WBT’s broadcast history.
“I’m encouraged that these conversations are taking place and appreciate the willingness of everyone involved to have an open dialogue,” Caudle said.
Both Radio One and Beasley have a stake in the Nations Ford Road site.
Dating back to the 2016 sale of WBT from Beasley Broadcast Group to Entercom, Radio One owns the equipment and buildings, while Beasley retains the underlying land.
Radio One ultimately acquired WBT from Entercom, which is now Audacy.
We’ve heard from several Radio World readers, both in favor of preserving the broadcast location and those who believe the land’s value is worth more in a non-radio capacity.
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