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WBCO

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by PrimeBOT (talk | contribs) at 06:29, 13 August 2020 (→‎top: Task 30 - update Template:Infobox radio station following a redesign (+genfixes)). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

WBCO
Broadcast areaMid-Ohio
Frequency1540 kHz
BrandingWBCO 1540AM/107.5FM
Programming
FormatClassic Country
AffiliationsCBS Radio
Agri Broadcast Network
Ohio State Sports Network
Ownership
OwnerFranklin Communications
WQEL
History
First air date
1962
Call sign meaning
BuCyrus, Ohio[1]
Technical information
Facility ID7111
ClassD
Power500 watts (day)
Transmitter coordinates
40°45′51.00″N 82°56′5.00″W / 40.7641667°N 82.9347222°W / 40.7641667; -82.9347222
Translator(s)107.5 W298CC (Bucyrus)
Links
Websitewbco.com

WBCO (1540 AM) is a radio station licensed to serve the community of Bucyrus, Ohio. The station currently features a classic country format.

WBCO also airs 24 hours per day on FM translator W298CC at 107.5 FM.[2]

History

WBCO was founded in 1962 by Thomas P. Moore and wife J. LaVonne Moore, along with LaVonne's brother and pioneer in broadcasting, Orville J. Sather, and investors. WBCO was joined by sister-station WBCO-FM (later named WQEL) two years later. The company was first known as Brokensword Broadcasting Co. When the Moores and Sathers bought out the investors, it became Sa-Mor Stations. Full ownership was assumed by Tom and LaVonne following Orville's death. The stations were sold to Mike and Donna Laipply in 1991. In 1996, both stations were sold to the Ohio Radio Group based in Ashland Ohio who also owned stations WQIO and WMVO in Mount Vernon, Ohio, WNCO & WNCO-FM in Ashland, Ohio, WMAN-FM in Fredericktown, Ohio, WFXN-FM in Galion, Ohio and WXXF in Loudonville, Ohio. They would later add local WYNT in Upper Sandusky, Ohio to the group making it the largest radio ownership company in Ohio. In 2001, Ohio Radio Group was purchased by Clear Channel Communications which had to sell two stations that included WBCO and WQEL who was purchased by Scantland Broadcasting, then current Saga Communications. The stations are now managed by Debbi Gifford, who was trained by and maintains a relationship with Tom and LaVonne.

On February 1, 2016 WBCO changed their format from adult standards to classic country.

References

  1. ^ "Call Letter Origins". Radio History on the Web.
  2. ^ "WBCO spreading its wings and its reach at 107.5 FM". WBCO.com.