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December 11, 2025 12:39 pm  #1


A New Sound Coming For A U.S. AM Powerhouse

If you've ever scanned the dial late at night, you've almost certainly received the mighty WBT from Charlotte, North Carolina. The 50K clear channel signal is easily receivable most nights in the GTA and has been around a very long time. It's been on the air since 1922, and was once a Top 40 outlet, long since switched to talk. 

But all that is coming to an end now that WBT has sent its signal to its FM counterpart, a 100,000 watt powerhouse that's even stronger than its AM side. The stations will continue to simulcast until January. So what will long distance tuners hear on 1100 after that? 

According to Radio Insight, those in charge know, but won't say yet. 

"In regards to WBT AM 1110, we will continue as a company Radio One and Urban One will continue to proudly own and operate AM 1110 WBT. There’s no question about that and please stay tuned for announcements coming on what that programming will be.”

So if you come across something different sounding in the New Year, it's the same old WBT - but a brand new sound. 

 

December 11, 2025 10:43 pm  #2


Re: A New Sound Coming For A U.S. AM Powerhouse

Yes, "11-10 The Patriot". Catchy, eh?

 

December 11, 2025 10:48 pm  #3


Re: A New Sound Coming For A U.S. AM Powerhouse

That would be really sad for such a great station like WBT. But it would not surprise me at all. It's a fallback many AM stations are using. 

     Thread Starter
 

December 11, 2025 10:55 pm  #4


Re: A New Sound Coming For A U.S. AM Powerhouse

Yes, I can't see them going to an oldies format. Other possibilities could be sports or sports-betting, maybe religion. But I think for that market a patriot format would be the most sensible fit.

 

December 12, 2025 2:19 pm  #5


Re: A New Sound Coming For A U.S. AM Powerhouse

Evuguy wrote:

Yes, I can't see them going to an oldies format. Other possibilities could be sports or sports-betting, maybe religion. But I think for that market a patriot format would be the most sensible fit.

You are probably correct. Currently, WBT sits 14th with a 3.3 share. It has the N/T market to itself. Other format. Urban: #1 and 3. Country: 2 and 11. NPR Public Radio: 6. Sports: 9. No religious stations in the market other than Gospel and Christian Contempoary Music.

 

December 12, 2025 2:31 pm  #6


Re: A New Sound Coming For A U.S. AM Powerhouse

Evuguy wrote:

Yes, I can't see them going to an oldies format. Other possibilities could be sports or sports-betting, maybe religion. But I think for that market a patriot format would be the most sensible fit.

Maybe they could do a hybrid of sports-betting and religion.   In that market I'm sure that the Panthers, Hornets, Knights, NASCAR and NCAA football and basketball are all followed and bet on religiously