With the way things are these days I don't think they'd have any trouble filling programming blocks for that...
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1110 New Format
- Thread starter amos1001
- Start date
In all fairness, it had to have been something outside their control. I'm guessing that they had a format all lined up, but then something fell through.
Just to clarify, when I said "so it can't be redeveloped," that probably wasn't the best choice of words. I'm not trying to stop anyone from selling the property or doing what they want with it. I'd just like to see if there's a way to preserve or recognize at least part of the site's history, whether that's the transmitter building, the Blaw-Knox towers, or even a historical marker. I think a site that's been part of North Carolina broadcasting since 1927 is worth making an effort to remember.
I know of at least two transmitter sites that have a historical designation. WSM in Nashville, and the KPH marine radio station.
KPH (radio station) - Wikipedia
To point out the differences between these two and WBT:
WSM still has on air value as the radio voice of the Grand Ole Opry,
KPH is already located on a national seashore reserve. It's preservation was made possible through a non profit organization.
Charlotte is suffering from overdevelopment.
To me, 1 Julian Price Place, 9201 Nations Ford Rd, and 400 Radio Road will always be places I remember. I wish I had known more about 237 South Tryon St and 3229 South Blvd but until just a few years ago I didn't know about the older studio sites.
I received the following thoughts from someone who asked not to be identified. I thought they offered an interesting perspective on the discussion surrounding WBT and its transmitter site.
According to this individual, WBT has gone through numerous ownership changes over the years, and many longtime observers still view the Jefferson-Pilot era as a high point in the station's history. They expressed concern that, in their view, only one or two people associated with the station today truly appreciate the heritage and significance of the 1110 AM signal and its place in broadcasting history.
They believe preserving the transmitter building may be more realistic than preserving the entire three-tower Blaw-Knox array, despite the historic importance of that tower configuration. In their view, the economic value of the land may ultimately outweigh the desire to preserve the site in its entirety.
They were also disappointed by what they saw as a lack of public attention surrounding the end of regular programming on 1110 AM. In their opinion, the history of WBT and the growth of Charlotte are closely connected, making the transition more significant than many people realize.
While they understand the business realities facing AM radio today, they remain saddened by what has happened to 1110 AM. They suggested that historic recognition may be the most practical path toward preserving some aspect of the site's legacy and acknowledged that broader preservation efforts face significant challenges if those making decisions about the property do not view its history as a priority.
They concluded by expressing appreciation for those who are working to raise awareness about the site's history and importance.
According to this individual, WBT has gone through numerous ownership changes over the years, and many longtime observers still view the Jefferson-Pilot era as a high point in the station's history. They expressed concern that, in their view, only one or two people associated with the station today truly appreciate the heritage and significance of the 1110 AM signal and its place in broadcasting history.
They believe preserving the transmitter building may be more realistic than preserving the entire three-tower Blaw-Knox array, despite the historic importance of that tower configuration. In their view, the economic value of the land may ultimately outweigh the desire to preserve the site in its entirety.
They were also disappointed by what they saw as a lack of public attention surrounding the end of regular programming on 1110 AM. In their opinion, the history of WBT and the growth of Charlotte are closely connected, making the transition more significant than many people realize.
While they understand the business realities facing AM radio today, they remain saddened by what has happened to 1110 AM. They suggested that historic recognition may be the most practical path toward preserving some aspect of the site's legacy and acknowledged that broader preservation efforts face significant challenges if those making decisions about the property do not view its history as a priority.
They concluded by expressing appreciation for those who are working to raise awareness about the site's history and importance.
Preserved by whom? Using what money for maintenance and tower lighting? Who compensates the current owners of the site?
Please tell us which people and how many you think should leave the Charlotte area in order to stop that “overdevelopment”? Perhaps slam the door on new people moving in? Limit the number of children people have?
Population increase = need for more land for housing and businesses.
Which speaks volumes about how irrelevant AM radio has become. If a 50kw AM “clear channel” station can disappear with hardly anyone noticing, then the AM band is truly dead.
Dead air at 9AM
There are grants and additional resources available for preservation projects.
Sure! As long as the current owner receives fair market value for their assets, the new owner is free to do whatever they choose with them. I'm not sure that enough people care to procure/raise the funds, oversee the preservation and maintain the facilities, but go for it! We are rooting for you!!
Just wanted to share a quick update on the effort to preserve some part of the historic WBT transmitter site.
Today I spoke with Stewart Gray, Director of the Mecklenburg County Historic Landmarks Department. He told me he's still trying to get in touch with the broker representing the property.
He also told me that the WBT transmitter site is already on the Historic Landmarks Commission's study list, so the site's historical significance has already been recognized to some degree.
I want to be clear that I'm not trying to stop anyone from selling or developing the property. I understand the realities facing AM radio today, and I respect the rights of the current owner.
What I'm hoping for is a conversation about whether some part of this nearly 100-year-old site can be preserved or recognized. Maybe that's the transmitter building. Maybe it's one of the Blaw-Knox towers. Maybe it's simply a historical marker telling the story of what happened there.
The site has been in continuous use since 1927 and has been part of Charlotte's growth and broadcasting history for generations.
I've also started reaching out to local media outlets to help raise awareness about the site's history.
I know there are strong opinions on all sides of this issue, and this effort may not ultimately go anywhere. But I think it's worth asking the question and exploring the possibilities before they're gone.
Today I spoke with Stewart Gray, Director of the Mecklenburg County Historic Landmarks Department. He told me he's still trying to get in touch with the broker representing the property.
He also told me that the WBT transmitter site is already on the Historic Landmarks Commission's study list, so the site's historical significance has already been recognized to some degree.
I want to be clear that I'm not trying to stop anyone from selling or developing the property. I understand the realities facing AM radio today, and I respect the rights of the current owner.
What I'm hoping for is a conversation about whether some part of this nearly 100-year-old site can be preserved or recognized. Maybe that's the transmitter building. Maybe it's one of the Blaw-Knox towers. Maybe it's simply a historical marker telling the story of what happened there.
The site has been in continuous use since 1927 and has been part of Charlotte's growth and broadcasting history for generations.
I've also started reaching out to local media outlets to help raise awareness about the site's history.
I know there are strong opinions on all sides of this issue, and this effort may not ultimately go anywhere. But I think it's worth asking the question and exploring the possibilities before they're gone.
Re: the lack of public attention, the rug was pulled out so quickly, there wasn't time to respond proactively, just reactively, IMHO.