WSVM

WSVM (1490 AM) is a radio station broadcasting a classic hits format, Licensed to Valdese, North Carolina, USA, it serves Burke and Caldwell counties. The station is owned by Vance Patterson. http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/158918/emf-buys-pair-of-pennsylvania-fms https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-340541A2.txt

History

WSVM signed on October 6, 1961.^[1]

The station's call letters are said to stand for "We Serve Valdese Merchants". Another popular belief is the letters mean "We Serve Valdese, Morganton".

During most of the first decade of the 21st century, WSVM aired the Timeless format, and was owned by Burke County Broadcasting, principals being Robert R. Hilker, William R. Rollins & various Valdese merchants. Both Hilker & Rollins were both past President of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasting and in the North Carolina Broadcasting Hall of Fame! WSVM was part of Suburban Radio Group, owned by Hilker & Rollins. Charlie Hicks worked at the station from 1969 to 1970 before taking the helm at another Suburban Radio Group station.

Later on the station was sold to GHB Broadcasting Company.

In August 2008, GHB Broadcasting sold WSVM to Radio Emmanuel, and the format was to be changed to Christian music, with most of the programming in Spanish.^[2] This did not happen.

In later years, local programming on WSVM included Clegg and Company, hosted by Jerry Clegg, and The Trading Post.

WSVM ceased operations May 31, 2010 for the "immediate future." The last song was "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You" by Jim Reeves.

The station came back on the air September 1, 2010 by Bannon Broadcasting Company of Hudson operates and manages the day-to-day operation. Jim Bannon operated WSVM with classic hits of the decades of the 1960s, 1970's and 1980s (rock oldies), plus high school sports. WSVM calls itself V-radio for Valdese. The station is automated except for the "Breakfast Club" morning show. and a few other local programs.

After Bannon Broadcasting Company decided to allow its lease on WSVM to expire on January 2, 2012, GHB of Waxhaw reached a deal to sell the station to the town of Valdese, which planned to use the property for an expansion of a neighboring cemetery.^[3] Bert Lindsay bought the WSVM broadcast license from GHB and began running the station prior to the sale's becoming finalized on September 27, 2012 at a purchase price of $12,000. He continued the station's format, including The Trading Post from 10 to 11 six mornings a week, as well as Draughn High School sports; East Burke High School sports will be added. Also being considered are beach music and doo-wop programs, and the return of the Beatles Brunch. The town is leasing the property as well as broadcast equipment to WSVM; the cemetery probably will not expand for at least 10 years^[4]

References

1. ↑ Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook 1989 (PDF). 1989. p. B-220. Retrieved June 1, 2010. 
2. ↑ John Dayberry, "Valdese Radio Station Changes Owners, Format," Morganton News-Herald, July 20, 2008.
3. ↑ "Valdese eyes buying WSVM property". The News Herald. December 30, 2011. Retrieved January 3, 2012. 
4. ↑ Chang, Julie N. (July 21, 2012). "Bert Lindsay buys WSVM's radio license". The News Herald. Retrieved July 25, 2012. 

External links

• Official website
• Query the FCC's AM station database for WSVM
• Radio-Locator Information on WSVM
• Query Nielsen Audio's AM station database for WSVM