Northampton gets new radio station

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BY TED SHOCKLEY, Eastern Shore Post

Northampton County is getting its own FM radio station — complete with an Exmore broadcast tower, a lighthouse logo, and a name that zeroes in on Cape Charles.

The station, 96.9 The Cape, will begin broadcasting at noon on Saturday, Feb. 1. But Mike Szczechura, the sales manager of the station, WCCZ, said the station’s weekday radio personalities will debut on Monday, Feb. 3.

The station also will include weather and storm information and live broadcasts from community events.

“We feel like the growth that’s happening in Northampton County is certainly deserving of a station,” said Szczechura. “Cape Charles is becoming more and more of a destination.”

The station’s ownership family, Wray and Betsy Byrd Fitch, have Eastern Shore roots. 

Their business, GSB Media LLC, also owns Chincoteague-focused WCTG 96.5 FM and several other area stations, including WBEY 97.9 FM and WVES 101.5 FM. Its studios are in Pocomoke City.

“I grew up on the Shore, and for as long as I can remember, radio a been an important part of the Shore’s community life, entertaining and keeping folks informed,” said Betsy Byrd Fitch. 

“We are happy that 96.9 The Cape will be carring on that tradition.”

According to a press release, the station’s format will be “upbeat pop and rock hits” from the late 1960s to the early 1990s — everthing from The Beatles to Madonna. 

There also wil be a website, 969TheCape.com, with streaming for the station.

“Our programming is simple: music, community, and weather,” siad Doc Holloway, the station’s operations manager and programming director. 

“Locals and visitors can now have something fun to listen to, and they can find out what is happening around town, too.”

Szczechura said the station’s range will be from roughtly the Temperanceville area of Accomack County to Hampton Roads.

“Our goal is to be very visible in the community,” said Szezechura.

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