WCLG (AM)

WCLG
City Morgantown, West Virginia
Broadcast area Morgantown, West Virginia
Monongalia County, West Virginia
Branding "Classic Hits 13AM"
Slogan "The Greatest Hits of All Time"
Frequency 1300 AM kHz
First air date December 27, 1954[1][2]
Format Oldies
Classic hits[3]
Power 2,500 watts (daytime)
44 watts (nighttime)
Class D
Facility ID 3
Transmitter coordinates 39°37′40.0″N 79°58′11.0″W / 39.627778°N 79.969722°W / 39.627778; -79.969722
Callsign meaning W C. Leslie Golliday[4]
Affiliations ABC News Radio
Classic Hits (Cumulus)
Owner Bowers Broadcasting Corporation[5]
Sister stations WCLG-FM
Website WCLG Online

WCLG (1300 AM) is an oldies and classic hits-formatted broadcast radio station licensed to Morgantown, West Virginia, serving Morgantown and Monongalia County, West Virginia.[3] WCLG is owned and operated by Bowers Broadcasting Corporation.[5]

Launched on December 27, 1954, WCLG broadcast a "music-news" format. The station was originally intended to be a part of a statewide network of stations. Over the years, the station was subject to an equal-time rule complaint and was awarded for its coverage of the Farmington Number 9 mine disaster. Many different formats were heard on WCLG during the 1970s and 1980s, with its current format launched in 1991. WCLG carries Cumulus Media Networks' satellite-fed Classic Hits network.

A planned 2013 sale of WCLG (and its sister-station WCLG-FM) was halted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) due to a complaint that the company buying the stations, AJG Corporation, has close connections with another local broadcaster, West Virginia Radio Corporation.

History

Pre-broadcast

Martinsburg, West Virginia, businessman C. Leslie Golliday filed the initial application for the station with the FCC on September 1, 1954.[6] In the application, Golliday estimated construction costs at $13,608, with a first year operation cost of $36,000.[6] Golliday estimated an initial revenue of $60,000.[6]

WCLG began testing equipment during the week of December 19, 1954,[7] and filed its construction permit application two days later.[8][9] WCLG broadcast for the first time on December 27, 1954.[1][2] The station initially had a "music-news" format, using the Associated Press news service.[1]

In its early days, WCLG was a daytime-only broadcaster, with a power of 500 watts.[2] Owner C. Leslie Golliday used his initials for the station's call sign.[2][4] Golliday, who also owned Martinsburg's WEPM, envisioned a network of stations across the state of West Virginia.[10]

WCLG was officially granted its broadcast license by the FCC on January 18, 1955.[11] Throughout its existence, WCLG's studios have been at 343 High Street in Morgantown.[2][12]

History since launch

The WCLG studios (and sign) along High Street in Morgantown.

On March 10, 1955, WCLG filed an application to increase its power to 1,000 watts, proposing to continue daytime-only broadcasts.[13] The application was granted on September 28, 1955.[14] In 1958, future owner Garry L. Bowers joined the station as an announcer.[15] WCLG was bought by Freed Broadcasting Corporation for $67,000 on December 19, 1959.[16][17]

In May 1960, Stanley R. Cox, a candidate in the Republican primary election for the House of Representatives, filed a equal-time rule complaint against WCLG.[18][19] Cox objected that the station gave his opponent, Sheriff Charles Whiston, a five-minute long segment called "Sheriff's Office Calling".[18] In the show "arrests and other activities of interest are recited"; it ended with a 30-second "thought for the day".[18] Cox had been refused equal-time by the station "on the ground that the program is a public service feature."[18] The FCC upheld the complaint, deciding the content of the program was "determined by Sheriff Whiston and not by the station" and that remarks made by the sheriff were of an editorial nature.[18] Whiston would go on to win the primary over Cox by about 300 votes.[19]

The station's coverage of the explosion at the Farmington Number 9 mine, which killed 78, earned the station an the Associated Press Radio-Television Association (APRTA) in early 1969.[20][21][22] The station earned another APRTA award for "Outstanding News Coverage" the following year.[23]

Sister station WCLG-FM began broadcasting on September 28, 1974.[24] Also during 1974, WCLG began a Top 40 format.[24] Another change in format took place in 1978, with middle of the road (MOR) music taking the place of Top 40.[25] WCLG became part of the NBC Radio Network on October 2, 1978.[26][27] In 1979, Bowers became the station's general manager.[28]

WCLG applied for another broadcasting power increase on November 4, 1980,[29] to 2,500 watts, but remained a daytime-only station.[30] The station added oldies to its MOR music format in 1983.[30]

Logo used by WCLG under the branding "Oldies 13AM".

In 1985, WCLG switched formats to a soft adult contemporary playlist.[31] On March 15 of that year, Freed Broadcasting Corporation sold WCLG-FM and sister station WCLG to Bowers Broadcasting Corporation, owned by Garry Bowers, for $715,000.[32]

The station changed formats again in 1988, this time to classic hits.[33] Two years later, WCLG began broadcasting during the nighttime with 44 watts of power, enough to cover the city of Morgantown.[34][35] Another format change took place in 1991, when the station switched to golden oldies using the "Pure Gold" format from Satellite Music Network (now Cumulus Media Networks).[36]

Bowers Broadcasting Corporation owner Garry L. Bowers died on December 24, 2011.[15] On September 25, 2013, control of the company was transferred to Bowers' widow, Linda K. Bowers.[37]

Sale

Antenna on Jackson Street in Westover

On September 26, 2013, Linda Bowers entered into an agreement to sell WCLG and sister station WCLG-FM to AJG Corporation, for $1.8 million.[38][39] Bowers also entered into a time brokerage agreement, allowing AJG to operate the station prior to the close of the sale.[39][40]

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rescinded the transfer-of-ownership application on October 21, 2013, after an objection by Joe Potter, Senior Vice President of IMG Sports.[41] Potter contended there were "very close connections and operational control" between AJG Corporation and West Virginia Radio Corporation and AJG's purchase of WCLG-AM/FM would "possibly in violation of FCC regulations."[41] The co-directors of West Virginia Radio Corporation, John and David Raese, operate AJG Corporation as a trust for their descendents.[41]

Potter's complaint went on to say that "IMG was close to finalizing a contract to air WVU sports" but was "prevented by the terms of AJG's purchase agreement", which barred Bowers Broadcasting Corporation from "'entering into any contract or agreement' without the consent of AJG".[41]

West Virginia Radio Corporation previously held the rights to West Virginia University sports before losing them to IMG Sports. West Virginia Radio Corporation filed a lawsuit against West Virginia University and IMG Sports to retain the broadcast rights, which it lost in late August 2013.[41][42]

Notable former staff

Jim Slade, a Morgantown native, was hired as news director when the station launched in 1954.[43] Slade was later heard on WOWO and WIND, covering the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy on the latter station.[43] He is best known, though, for his reporting on the Mutual Broadcasting System and at ABC News, where he covered space-related stories.[43]

Country music radio and stage performer Charlie Arnett hosted the "Old Trading Post" program on WCLG in 1959.[44] Arnett's later career took him to the CBS Radio program "Renfro Valley Folks" and to Tampa, Florida, station WDAE.[45]

Eugene Cottilli started as sports director at WCLG, before becoming the press secretary to Senator Howard Metzenbaum of Ohio.[46] As of 2013, Cottilli is the Congressional Media Liaison for the United States Department of Commerce.[47]

Programming

As of 2014, WCLG carries programming from Cumulus Media Networks' satellite-fed Classic Hits network.[48] Every Sunday morning, WCLG broadcasts services live from Star City's St. Mary Roman Catholic Church at 8:30 a.m. and Morgantown's Spruce Street United Methodist Church at 10:45 a.m.[49][50] The station also carries the Living the Country Life show, the radio companion to the Living the Country Life magazine.[51]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Broadcasting/Telecasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. January 24, 1955. p. 68. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 1955 Broadcasting Yearbook/Marketbook (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1955. p. 322. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Arbitron Station Information Profiles". Nielsen Audio/Nielsen Holdings. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  4. 1 2 "Origins of Broadcast Call Letters in West Virginia". Jeff Miller. June 13, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  5. 1 2 "WCLG Facility Record". Federal Communications Commission, audio division. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  6. 1 2 3 Broadcasting/Telecasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. September 13, 1954. p. 130. Retrieved November 29, 2013.
  7. ↑ Broadcasting/Telecasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. December 20, 1954. p. 85. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  8. ↑ Broadcasting/Telecasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. December 27, 1954. p. 90. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  9. ↑ Broadcasting/Telecasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. December 27, 1954. p. 91. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  10. ↑ McVey, John (October 26, 2011). "Station going strong after 65 years". The Journal. Martinsburg, West Virginia: Ogden Newspapers. Archived from the original on 2016-04-14. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  11. ↑ Broadcasting/Telecasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. January 31, 1955. p. 90. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  12. ↑ "Application for Consent to Assignment of Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License". Federal Communications Commission, audio division. October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  13. ↑ Broadcasting/Telecasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. March 21, 1955. p. 122. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  14. ↑ Broadcasting/Telecasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. October 3, 1955. p. 106. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  15. 1 2 Kercheval, Hoppy (December 30, 2011). "The year ends, but life remains interesting". Charleston Daily Mail. Charleston, West Virginia: The Daily Gazette Company. Retrieved November 15, 2013.
  16. ↑ Broadcasting/Telecasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. November 9, 1959. p. 80. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  17. ↑ 1960 Broadcasting Yearbook/Marketbook (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1960. p. A-250. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 Broadcasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. May 2, 1960. p. 66. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  19. 1 2 "Whetsell loses to Wolfe in 15th Dist. Sentatorial Race". The Grant County Press. Petersburg, West Virginia. May 18, 1960. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
  20. ↑ Broadcasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. April 21, 1969. p. 72. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  21. ↑ Broadcasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. June 30, 1969. p. 46. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  22. ↑ Block, Melissa (January 5, 2006). "A Look Back at the Farmington Mine Disaster". National Public Radio. Retrieved November 29, 2013.
  23. ↑ Broadcasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. March 22, 1971. p. 1. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  24. 1 2 Broadcasting Yearbook - 1975 (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1975. p. C-204. Retrieved November 15, 2013.
  25. ↑ Broadcasting Yearbook - 1978 (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1978. p. C-237. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  26. ↑ Broadcasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. October 30, 1978. p. 44. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  27. ↑ Broadcasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. June 9, 1986. p. 68. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  28. ↑ Broadcasting Yearbook - 1979 (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1979. p. C-240. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  29. ↑ Broadcasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. December 1, 1980. p. 120. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  30. 1 2 Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook - 1983 (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1983. p. B-266. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  31. ↑ Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook - 1985 (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1985. pp. B–295. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  32. ↑ Broadcasting (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. March 25, 1985. p. 83. Retrieved November 15, 2013.
  33. ↑ Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook - 1988 (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1988. p. B-306. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  34. ↑ Broadcasting Yearbook - 1990 (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1990. p. B-339. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  35. ↑ "Nighttime Coverage Pattern for WCLG-AM". Theodric Technologies, LLC. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  36. ↑ Broadcasting Yearbook - 1991 (PDF). Broadcasting Publications, Inc. 1991. p. B-306. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  37. ↑ "Application for Consent to Transfer Control of Entity Holding Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License". Federal Communications Commission, audio division. September 25, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  38. ↑ "Application for Consent to Assignment of Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License". Federal Communications Commission, audio division. October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  39. 1 2 "Asset Purchase Agreement". Federal Communications Commission, audio division. August 9, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  40. ↑ "Time Brokerage Agreement". Federal Communications Commission, audio division. August 9, 2013. Retrieved January 15, 2014.
  41. 1 2 3 4 5 Kabler, Phil (October 28, 2013). "FCC holds up Morgantown radio deal". The Charleston Gazette. Charleston, West Virginia: The Daily Gazette Company. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  42. ↑ Smith, Vicki (August 26, 2013). "Judge denies motions in WVU media rights lawsuit". Charleston Daily Mail. Charleston, West Virginia: The Daily Gazette Company. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  43. 1 2 3 "NASA - The Chroniclers". NASA. May 24, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  44. ↑ Radio Annual Television Yearbook (PDF). Radio Daily Corporation. 1959. p. 1206. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  45. ↑ "RadioYears.com - Daisy Mae & Old Brother Charlie Arnett". RadioYears.com. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  46. ↑ "WVU J-Week features award-winning correspondent, journalism experts". Morgantown, West Virginia: Perley Issac Reed School of Journalism. February 6, 2006. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  47. ↑ "Media Contacts - Department of Commerce". United States Department of Commerce. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  48. ↑ "WCLG-AM". Bowers Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  49. ↑ "This Week's Celebrations of the Eucharist" (PDF). St. Mary Roman Catholic Church. November 17, 2013. p. 2. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  50. ↑ "Regular Schedule". Spruce Street United Methodist Church. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  51. ↑ "Check out the stations airing our radio show". Living the Country Life/Meredith Corporation. Retrieved November 29, 2013.
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