Charlotte NC, December 11, 2025
Urban One has announced significant adjustments to its radio station lineup in Charlotte. The flagship News/Talk station WBT will transition to the 107.9 FM frequency, enhancing its FM presence. Other programming changes include the relocation of Gospel content and a Hot Adult Contemporary format. These strategic moves aim to optimize radio offerings in the Charlotte market and engage audiences better.
Charlotte, NC: Urban One Announces Major Radio Station Changes
Charlotte, NC – Urban One has unveiled significant changes to its radio station lineup in Charlotte, effective December 11, 2025. The primary objective is to enhance the reach of its flagship News/Talk station, WBT, by transitioning it to the more powerful 107.9 FM frequency, currently known as WLNK-FM, “Mix 107.9.” This strategic move aims to provide WBT with a stronger FM presence, leveraging the 100,000-watt signal strength of 107.9 FM, which is licensed to Charlotte and offers extensive coverage.
As a result of this realignment, several programming shifts are set to occur:
- WBT’s News/Talk Programming: The station’s established News/Talk format, featuring local hosts such as Bo Thompson, Beth Troutman, and sports director Jim Szoke, will transition from the 1110 AM frequency to the 107.9 FM signal. This change is intended to provide a more robust FM presence for WBT.
- Gospel Programming: The Gospel content currently broadcast on 100.9 FM (WPZS, “Praise 100.9”) will move to the 610 AM/102.5 FM combination (WFNZ-AM and translator W273DA). This shift will replace the existing Hip Hop/R&B format of “102.5 The Block.”
- Hot Adult Contemporary Format: The “Mix 107.9” Hot AC format will relocate to a simulcast on 100.9 FM (new calls WMXG) and 99.3 FM (formerly WBT-FM).
These changes are part of Urban One’s broader strategy to optimize its radio station offerings in the Charlotte market, aiming to strengthen signal coverage and audience engagement across its platforms.
Background Context
Urban One, formerly known as Radio One, has a history of strategic acquisitions and programming adjustments to enhance its market presence. In November 2020, Urban One expanded its reach into the Charlotte market by acquiring several stations from Entercom, including WBT-AM & FM, WLNK-FM, and WFNZ-AM & 102.5 FM Translator. This acquisition was part of a broader asset exchange agreement between the two companies. Prior to this acquisition, WBT had been a staple in Charlotte’s radio landscape for decades, known for its News/Talk programming. The recent frequency realignment reflects Urban One’s commitment to adapting its programming and signal distribution to better serve the Charlotte audience.
Key Features of the Radio Station Changes in Charlotte
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| WBT’s News/Talk Programming | Transitioning from 1110 AM to 107.9 FM to enhance FM presence. |
| Gospel Programming | Moving from 100.9 FM to 610 AM/102.5 FM, replacing “102.5 The Block.” |
| Hot Adult Contemporary Format | Relocating from 107.9 FM to simulcast on 100.9 FM (new calls WMXG) and 99.3 FM (formerly WBT-FM). |
| 1110 AM Frequency | Will no longer carry WBT’s News/Talk programming; new programming to be announced. |
| Urban One’s Acquisition | Expanded into Charlotte market in November 2020 by acquiring stations from Entercom. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary reason for the recent changes to Urban One’s radio stations in Charlotte?
The primary objective is to enhance the reach of its flagship News/Talk station, WBT, by transitioning it to the more powerful 107.9 FM frequency, currently known as WLNK-FM, “Mix 107.9.” This strategic move aims to provide WBT with a stronger FM presence, leveraging the 100,000-watt signal strength of 107.9 FM, which is licensed to Charlotte and offers extensive coverage.
What programming changes are expected to occur as a result of this realignment?
- WBT’s News/Talk Programming: The station’s established News/Talk format, featuring local hosts such as Bo Thompson, Beth Troutman, and sports director Jim Szoke, will transition from the 1110 AM frequency to the 107.9 FM signal. This change is intended to provide a more robust FM presence for WBT.
- Gospel Programming: The Gospel content currently broadcast on 100.9 FM (WPZS, “Praise 100.9”) will move to the 610 AM/102.5 FM combination (WFNZ-AM and translator W273DA). This shift will replace the existing Hip Hop/R&B format of “102.5 The Block.”
- Hot Adult Contemporary Format: The “Mix 107.9” Hot AC format will relocate to a simulcast on 100.9 FM (new calls WMXG) and 99.3 FM (formerly WBT-FM).
How does this realignment affect the existing programming on 1110 AM?
With the transition of WBT’s News/Talk programming to 107.9 FM, the 1110 AM frequency will no longer carry this content. Urban One has indicated that they will continue to own and operate 1110 AM WBT, with plans to introduce new programming in the future. Specific details about the new format have not been disclosed yet.
What is the history of Urban One’s presence in the Charlotte market?
In November 2020, Urban One expanded its reach into the Charlotte market by acquiring several stations from Entercom, including WBT-AM & FM, WLNK-FM, and WFNZ-AM & 102.5 FM Translator. This acquisition was part of a broader asset exchange agreement between the two companies. Prior to this acquisition, WBT had been a staple in Charlotte’s radio landscape for decades, known for its News/Talk programming. The recent frequency realignment reflects Urban One’s commitment to adapting its programming and signal distribution to better serve the Charlotte audience.
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