WPJL
Currentlysilent | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Broadcast area | Raleigh-Durham |
Frequency | 1240kHz |
Programming | |
Format | Christian talk and teaching |
Ownership | |
Owner | Divine Mercy Radio |
History | |
First air date | March 29, 1939 | (as WRAL)
Former call signs |
|
Call signmeaning | "We Proclaim Jesus Lord" |
Technical information[1] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
Facility ID | 73884 |
Class | C |
Power | 1,000wattsunlimited |
Transmitter coordinates | 35°46′25.00″N78°37′9.00″W/ 35.7736111°N 78.6191667°W |
Links | |
Public license information | |
Website | www |
WPJL(1240kHz) is a currently silentnon-commercialAMradio station,licensedtoKnightdale, North Carolina,and serving theResearch Triangle.The station, owned by Divine Mercy Radio, aired aChristian talk and teachingradio format[2]before goingsilenton July 31, 2023.
WPJL is authorized for 1,000wattsnon-directional..
History
[edit]The stationsigned onthe air on March 29, 1939, as WRAL in Raleigh. Its power was 250 watts by day and 100 watts at night, broadcasting on 1210 kHz. The studios were on Salisbury Street in downtown Raleigh. In 1946, it added an FM station,WRAL-FM,and in 1956 added a television station,WRAL-TV.
In 1941, theNorth American Regional Broadcasting Agreement(NARBA) was implemented, which moved most stations on 1210 kHz, including WRAL, to 1240 kHz. During those early days, the station was anetwork affiliateof theMutual Broadcasting System.
Capitol Broadcastingsold WRAL in 1965, but kept the sister stations WRAL-FM and WRAL-TV. That required a change in itscall sign,becoming WRNC, which stood for Raleigh, North Carolina. As WRNC, the station playedTop 40hits and thencountry music.In the 1960s the station was sold to Smiles Associates and in 1974 the format was changed toChristian radio.In 1978, the call sign was changed from WRNC to WPJL ( "We Proclaim Jesus Lord" ). The call sign was chosen to reflect the new orientation of the station.[3]
Religious leaders heard on WPJL includedAdrian Rogers,J. Vernon McGee,Joyce Meyer,Jim Daly,Nancy DeMoss WolgemuthandChuck Swindoll.WPJL went off the air July 31, 2023, and on August 16, 2023, it was authorized by theFederal Communications Commissionto remain silent for up to 180 days.[4]
On February 12, 2024, WPJL was sold to Divine Mercy Radio, in order to become a sister station toWETCinWendell.[5]At this time it changed from a commercial to a non-commercial station.
In June 2024, the station was given permission to temporarily operate with 250 watts, using a longwire antenna constructed at the WETC transmitter site.[6]In August, the Constuction Permit was modified to change theCommunity of licensefrom Raleigh to Knightdale, and specify diplex operation from the WETC transmitter site.[7]
References
[edit]- ^"Facility Technical Data for WPJL".Licensing and Management System.Federal Communications Commission.
- ^"WPJL Station Information Profile".Arbitron.
- ^"Raleigh Radio History".Archived fromthe originalon October 26, 2009.RetrievedAugust 30,2008.
- ^"RE Request for Special Temorary Request to Remain Silent",August 16, 2023 correspondence from Victoria McCauley, Attorney, FCC Audio Division, Media Bureau.
- ^Jacobson, Adam (February 12, 2024)."Silent AM Set For Rebirth Under New Owner | Radio & Television Business Report".RetrievedFebruary 17,2024.
- ^"AM Engineering STA Application",FCC Licensing and Management System,File Number: 0000245548, Submitted May 31, 2024, Granted June 20, 2024.
- ^"Minor Modification of Licensed AM Station Application (301-AM)",FCC Licensing and Management System,File Number: 0000246144, Submitted June 12, 2024, Granted: August 27, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Facility details for Facility ID 73884 (WPJL)in theFCCLicensing and Management System
- WPJLinNielsen Audio's AM station database
- FCC History Cards for WPJL(covering 1937-1978 as WRAL / WRNC / WPJL)