News Summary
Seacoast Radio Network has acquired the Hot AC station WIID in Rodanthe, NC, rebranding it as ‘88.1 OBX Country.’ This shift towards country music aims to enhance community engagement and cater to listener preferences. The acquisition also includes plans to launch ‘89.3 Star-FM’ in Milledgeville, GA, further expanding their reach in the radio market. The changes reflect the growing demand for diverse music formats and local programming.
Rodanthe, NC – Seacoast Radio Network has officially acquired the Hot AC station “Sunny 88.1” WIID in Rodanthe, North Carolina, transforming it into a new country music outlet branded as “88.1 OBX Country.” This transition marks a significant shift in the station’s format and programming, which is now sourced from Local Radio Networks.
The newly branded “88.1 OBX Country” is designed to operate with listener support, ensuring community involvement and engagement in its programming. With a broadcasting power of 500 watts, the station’s signal covers various parts of Hatteras Island, making it accessible to both residents and visitors in the Outer Banks region.
The acquisition of WIID was finalized in a deal that occurred in March, led by Danny Ickes of Seacoast Radio Network. The purchase agreement involved an exchange for legal expenses incurred during the filing process of the sale, illustrating an innovative approach to station acquisition in the radio industry.
In addition to acquiring WIID, Seacoast Radio Network has also secured a construction permit (CP) for another station, 89.3 WSTY, previously known as WNBA, located in Milledgeville, Georgia. WSTY is poised to launch with a format change to Christian AC, rebranded as “89.3 Star-FM.” This development signifies Seacoast Radio Network’s expanding footprint in the broadcasting sector, enhancing its portfolio of radio stations across different formats.
Lance Venta, founder and publisher of RadioInsight.com, emphasizes the significance of such acquisitions in maintaining the diversity and vibrance within the radio industry. With a rich history of industry coverage since the mid-1990s, Venta has witnessed the evolution of radio formats, station acquisitions, and the importance of adapting to changing listener preferences.
The transformation of WIID to “88.1 OBX Country” reflects current trends as listeners increasingly seek a variety of music formats catered to their interests. Country music’s popularity continues to rise, creating opportunities for new stations to emerge and existing ones to reinvent themselves to stay relevant in a competitive marketplace.
Radio enthusiasts are encouraged to support “88.1 OBX Country” by tuning in and participating in listener engagement initiatives that promote local talent and community events. As the station establishes its presence, the potential for unique programming that resonates with the audience’s interests and local culture remains high.
Seacoast Radio Network’s recent moves signal a commitment to broadening its reach and adapting to the listening habits of modern audiences, as well as a dedication to providing a platform for diverse musical genres. The growing landscape of radio broadcasting promises to offer more tailored options for listeners, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
As “88.1 OBX Country” settles into its new identity, it highlights the importance of local engagement and the ever-changing dynamics of the radio industry, which continues to shape how communities connect through music and information. The station’s developments in Rodanthe and the upcoming launch of “89.3 Star-FM” in Georgia indicate a bright future for both stations amid evolving listener demands and preferences.
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Additional Resources
- Insideradio: OBX Country Launch
- Wikipedia: Community Radio
- RadioInsight: Non-Commercial Country Launch
- Google Search: Country Music Trends
- Insideradio: Acquisition News
- Google Scholar: Radio Industry Trends
- RadioInsight: Hatteras Island Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Radio Broadcasting
- Insideradio: Local Engagement Initiatives
- Google News: Outer Banks Radio Stations
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
