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{{short description|Radio station in Harrisburg–Charlotte, North Carolina, United States}}
{{distinguish|WFMZ (FM)}}
{{distinguish|WFMZ (FM)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}

⚫
{{short description|Radio station in Harrisburg–Charlotte, North Carolina, United States}}
{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WFNZ-FM
| name = WFNZ-FM
| logo =
| above =
| logo = Sports Radio 92.7 FM WFNZ logo.png
| city = [[Harrisburg, North Carolina]]
| city = [[Harrisburg, North Carolina]]
| above = Simulcasting [[WFNZ]]
| country = US
| area = [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]]/[[Charlotte metropolitan area|Metrolina]]
| area = [[Metrolina]]
| branding = ''Sportsradio FNZ''
| branding = ''Sportsradio 92.7 WFNZ''
| frequency = 92.7 [[Megahertz|MHz]]
| frequency = 92.7 [[MHz]]
| airdate = {{start date and age|1995|1}} (as WCCJ)
| repeater = {{Radio Relay|107.9|[[WLNK|WLNK-HD3]]|Charlotte}}
| format = [[Sports radio|Sports]]
| airdate = {{start date and age|1995|1}}
| affiliations = [[CBS Sports Radio]]
| format = [[Sports radio]]
| affiliations = {{ubl|[[Infinity Sports Network]]|[[Sports USA Radio Network]]|[[Charlotte FC]]|[[Charlotte Hornets]]}}
| erp = 10,500 [[watt]]s
| erp = 10,500 watts
| haat = {{convert|154|m|ft|sp=us}}
| haat = {{convert|154|m|ft|sp=us}}
| class = C3
| class = C3
⚫
| coordinates = {{coord|35|16|20.5|N|80|45|53.3|W|type:landmark_region:US-NC_source:FCC|display=inline,title}}
| licensing_authority = [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
| facility_id = 28898
| facility_id = 28898
| callsign_meaning = "Fans"
| callsign_meaning = "Fans"
| former_callsigns = WCCJ (1994–2001)<br>WCHH (2001–2004)<br>WQNC (2004–2012)<br>WPZS (2012–2015)<br>WQNC (2015–2022)
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WCCJ (1994–2001)|WCHH (2001–2004)|WQNC (2004–2012)|WPZS (2012–2015)|WQNC (2015–2022)}}
| owner = [[Urban One]]
| owner = [[Urban One]]
| licensee = Radio One of North Carolina, LLC
| licensee = Radio One of North Carolina, LLC
| sister_stations = [[WPZS]], [[WOSF]], [[WBT (AM)]], [[WBT-FM]], [[WLNK]], [[WFNZ]]
| sister_stations = [[WBT (AM)|WBT]], [[WBT-FM]], [[WFNZ (AM)|WFNZ]], [[WLNK]], [[WOSF]], [[WPZS]]
| webcast = [https://wfnz.com/listen-live/ Listen Live]
| webcast = {{listen live|https://wfnz.com/listen-live/}}
| website = [https://wfnz.com/ wfnz.com]
| website = {{url|https://wfnz.com/}}
}}
}}


'''WFNZ-FM''' (92.7 [[Hertz|MHz]]) is a [[sports radio|sports]] radio station in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]] owned and operated by Radio One. The station's studios are located at 1 Julian Price Place just off Morehead Street in Charlotte. The transmitter site is in Charlotte's Newell South neighborhood.
'''WFNZ-FM''' (92.7 [[MHz]]) is a [[sports radio]] station in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], owned and operated by Radio One. The station's studios are located at 1 Julian Price Place just off Morehead Street in Charlotte, and its transmitter site is in Charlotte's Newell South neighborhood.

WFNZ-FM is the Charlotte affiliate of [[Infinity Sports Network]], carrying network programming on nights and weekends. It airs local sports hosts weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. WFNZ serves as the [[flagship station]] for the [[NBA]]'S [[Charlotte Hornets]]<ref>[http://www.insideradio.com/free/more-coverage-added-as-nba-s-hornets-wfnz-extend-deal/article_69b0d9c4-9cb7-11e7-a5bb-d32d6f2a58b1.html InsideRadio.com/WFNZ]</ref> and [[Major League Soccer]]'s [[Charlotte FC]].<ref name=CharlotteFCRadio>{{cite news |date=January 20, 2022 |title=Charlotte FC, Radio One Announce Club's First-Ever Radio Partnership |url=https://wfnz.com/124575/charlotte-fc-radio-one-announce-clubs-first-ever-radio-partnership/ |publisher=WFNZ |access-date=January 30, 2022}}</ref> Whenever there is a conflict, Charlotte FC matches air on sister stations [[WBT (AM)|WBT AM]]-[[WBT-FM|FM]].


==History==
==History==
The station signed on as WCCJ in late January 1995 with a commercial-free [[Freeform (radio format)|free-form]] rock format.<ref name="Char950210">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96063389/now-hear-this-new-album-rock-station-at/|date=February 10, 1995|page=1E|first=Tim|last=Funk|title=Now hear this: New album-rock station attracts hungry listeners|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Fri --> Due to low advertising rates, in June 1995, the station changed to [[smooth jazz]],<ref name="Char950620">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96063943/james-back-to-interview-colleagues/|date=June 20, 1995|page=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96064252/ 3E]|first=Tim|last=Funk|title=James back to interview colleagues|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Tue --> and would flip again to [[rhythmic oldies]] as "92.7 the Jam" on August 22, 1999.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-08-27.pdf|title=NAC 'CCJ/Charlotte Caught In A 'Jam'|pages=36, 63|work=Radio & Records|date=August 27, 1999}}</ref>
The station signed on as WCCJ in late January 1995 with a commercial-free [[Freeform (radio format)|free-form]] rock format.<ref name="Char950210">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96063389/now-hear-this-new-album-rock-station-at/|date=February 10, 1995|page=1E|first=Tim|last=Funk|title=Now hear this: New album-rock station attracts hungry listeners|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Fri --> Due to low advertising rates, in June 1995, the station changed to [[smooth jazz]],<ref name="Char950620">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96063943/james-back-to-interview-colleagues/|date=June 20, 1995|page=1E, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96064252/ 3E]|first=Tim|last=Funk|title=James back to interview colleagues|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Tue --> and would flip again to [[rhythmic oldies]] as "92.7 the Jam" on August 22, 1999.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-08-27.pdf|title=NAC 'CCJ/Charlotte Caught In A 'Jam'|pages=36, 63|work=Radio & Records|date=August 27, 1999}}</ref>


As a result of the decline of rhythmic oldies nationally, on April 2, 2001, WCCJ flipped to [[mainstream urban]] as ''Hot 92.7'', with new call letters WCHH, taking on [[Urban contemporary|urban]]/[[hip hop music|hip hop]] station [[WPEG]].<ref name="Char010403">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96063591/wccj-goes-hip-hop-as-ratings-fade-out-fo/|date=April 3, 2001|page=3E|first=Mark|last=Washburn|title=WCCJ goes hip-hop as ratings fade out for rhythmic oldies|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Tue --><ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2001/RR-2001-04-06.pdf|title='CCJ/Charlotte Gets 'Hot' Urban Format|page=19|work=Radio & Records|date=April 6, 2001}}</ref> It did well in the ratings at first, knocking heritage station WPEG down to 6th place in the market,<ref name="Char010728">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96064946/radio-competitor-leaves-favorite-singing/|date=July 28, 2001|page=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96065683/ 4D]|first=Mark|last=Washburn|title=Radio competitor leaves favorite singing sad song|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Sat --> but later declined, so it was flipped to [[urban AC]] on January 21, 2004, as "Q92.7", along with a call letter change to WQNC. WQNC took over [[Tom Joyner]]'s show from longer standing urban AC rival [[WBAV-FM]] soon after that.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-01-30.pdf|work=Radio & Records|page=3|title=WCHH/Charlotte Goes Urban AC|date=January 30, 2004}}</ref><ref name="Char040123">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96066871/no-1-morning-show-swaps-stations-in-cha/|date=January 23, 2004|page=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96067059/ 2D]|first=Mark|last=Washburn|first2=Tonya|last2=Jameson|title=No. 1 morning show swaps stations in Charlotte|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Fri --> WBAV subsequently answered back by signing on as an affiliate for a new syndicated show hosted by Joyner's rival, [[Steve Harvey]].
As a result of the decline of rhythmic oldies nationally, on April 2, 2001, WCCJ flipped to [[mainstream urban]] as ''Hot 92.7'', with new call letters WCHH, taking on [[Urban contemporary|urban]]/[[hip hop]] station [[WPEG]].<ref name="Char010403">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96063591/wccj-goes-hip-hop-as-ratings-fade-out-fo/|date=April 3, 2001|page=3E|first=Mark|last=Washburn|title=WCCJ goes hip-hop as ratings fade out for rhythmic oldies|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Tue --><ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2001/RR-2001-04-06.pdf|title='CCJ/Charlotte Gets 'Hot' Urban Format|page=19|work=Radio & Records|date=April 6, 2001}}</ref> It did well in the ratings at first, knocking heritage station WPEG down to 6th place in the market,<ref name="Char010728">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96064946/radio-competitor-leaves-favorite-singing/|date=July 28, 2001|page=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96065683/ 4D]|first=Mark|last=Washburn|title=Radio competitor leaves favorite singing sad song|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Sat --> but later declined, so it was flipped to [[urban AC]] on January 21, 2004, as "Q92.7", along with a call letter change to WQNC. WQNC took over [[Tom Joyner]]'s show from longer standing urban AC rival [[WBAV-FM]] soon after that.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-01-30.pdf|work=Radio & Records|page=3|title=WCHH/Charlotte Goes Urban AC|date=January 30, 2004}}</ref><ref name="Char040123">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96066871/no-1-morning-show-swaps-stations-in-cha/|date=January 23, 2004|page=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96067059/ 2D]|first=Mark|last=Washburn|first2=Tonya|last2=Jameson|title=No. 1 morning show swaps stations in Charlotte|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Fri --> WBAV subsequently answered back by signing on as an affiliate for a new syndicated show hosted by Joyner's rival, [[Steve Harvey]].


[[File:WQNCMy927.png|My 92.7 ident used until 2012.|thumb|left]]On May 15, 2008, WQNC added two talk shows: the [[New York, New York|New York City]] based "Keeping It Real with Rev. [[Al Sharpton]]," and the "[[Warren Ballentine]] Show."<ref name="Char080513">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96065835/sharpton-to-headline-new-format-at-radio/|date=May 14, 2008|page=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96065979/ 2D]|title=Sharpton to headline new format at radio station|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref>
[[File:WQNCMy927.png|My 92.7 ident used until 2012.|thumb]]On May 15, 2008, WQNC added two talk shows: the [[New York City]] based "Keeping It Real with Rev. [[Al Sharpton]]", and the "[[Warren Ballentine]] Show".<ref name="Char080513">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96065835/sharpton-to-headline-new-format-at-radio/|date=May 14, 2008|page=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96065979/ 2D]|title=Sharpton to headline new format at radio station|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref>


In October 2009, WQNC rebranded as "My 92.7", changed to a more contemporary format, dropping the talk show hosts other than Joyner, and adding energetic music from such artists as [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]], [[Patti LaBelle]] and [[Whitney Houston]]. The slogan was "R&B from the 80s, 90s, and Now", although some 70s [[disco]]/[[Soul music|soul]]/[[R&B]] songs remained on the playlist.
In October 2009, WQNC rebranded as "My 92.7", changed to a more contemporary format, dropping the talk show hosts other than Joyner, and adding energetic music from such artists as [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]], [[Patti LaBelle]] and [[Whitney Houston]]. The slogan was "R&B from the 80s, 90s, and Now", although some 70s [[disco]]/[[Soul music|soul]]/[[R&B]] songs remained on the playlist.


On August 31, 2011, Radio One announced its intention to sell off their Charlotte stations to Davis Broadcasting,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/95889/davis-broadcasting-to-purchase-wqnc-and-wpzs|title=Davis Broadcasting To Purchase WQNC and WPZS|publisher=allaccess.com|date=2011-08-31|access-date=2012-11-01}}</ref> but in April 2012, the deal fell through, and Radio One decided to keep the stations.<ref name="Char120818">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96066237/battle-on-way-for-urban-radio/|date=August 18, 2012|page=2B|first=Mark|last=Washburn|title=Battle on way for urban radio|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Sat -->
On August 31, 2011, Radio One announced its intention to sell off their Charlotte stations to Davis Broadcasting,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/95889/davis-broadcasting-to-purchase-wqnc-and-wpzs|title=Davis Broadcasting To Purchase WQNC and WPZS|publisher=allaccess.com|date=August 31, 2011|access-date=November 1, 2012}}</ref> but in April 2012, the deal fell through, and Radio One decided to keep the stations.<ref name="Char120818">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96066237/battle-on-way-for-urban-radio/|date=August 18, 2012|page=2B|first=Mark|last=Washburn|title=Battle on way for urban radio|newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=February 22, 2022}}</ref><!-- Sat -->


On August 27, 2012, WQNC began directing listeners on air and online to sister station [[WOSF|WNOW-FM]]. Imaging teased that something 'inspirational' was coming. Two weeks later, on September 13, WQNC began simulcasting sister WPZS and switched call letters with that station.<ref name=Praise>{{cite web|url=http://praisecharlotte.com/545893/praise-charlotte-takes-over-92-7/|title=Praise Charlotte Takes Over 92.7|date=13 September 2012|access-date=2012-10-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=52553&Callsign=WPZS|title=Call Sign History (WPZS)|access-date=2012-10-30}}</ref><ref name=WFNZ>{{cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=28898&Callsign=WFNZ-FM|title=Call Sign History (WFNZ-FM)|access-date=2022-02-20}}</ref> The two stations provided a strong combined signal with 60 percent overlap.
On August 27, 2012, WQNC began directing listeners on air and online to sister station [[WOSF|WNOW-FM]]. Imaging teased that something 'inspirational' was coming. Two weeks later, on September 13, WQNC began simulcasting sister WPZS and switched call letters with that station.<ref name=Praise>{{cite web|url=http://praisecharlotte.com/545893/praise-charlotte-takes-over-92-7/|title=Praise Charlotte Takes Over 92.7|date=September 13, 2012|access-date=October 30, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=52553&Callsign=WPZS|title=Call Sign History (WPZS)|access-date=October 30, 2012}}</ref><ref name=WFNZ>{{cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=28898&Callsign=WFNZ-FM|title=Call Sign History (WFNZ-FM)|access-date=February 20, 2022}}</ref> The two stations provided a strong combined signal with 60 percent overlap.


WPZS increased power to 10.5&nbsp;kW and height to 154 meters. Construction was completed in October 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?state=&call=wfnz|title=FM Query Results (WFNZ-FM)|publisher=Audio Division (FCC) USA|access-date=2012-11-01}}</ref>
WPZS increased power to 10.5&nbsp;kW and height to 154 meters. Construction was completed in October 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?state=&call=wfnz|title=FM Query Results (WFNZ-FM)|publisher=Audio Division (FCC) USA|access-date=November 1, 2012}}</ref>


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On August 14, 2015, 92.7 began stunting with all-[[Drake (rapper)|Drake]] as "Drake 92.7", promoting a new format to come the following Monday, August 17, at 5&nbsp;pm. Along with this, 92.7 reverted to its previous call sign of WQNC, with 100.9 retaining the gospel format and the WPZS call letters. At the promised time, WQNC flipped back to urban as "92.7 The Block", taking direct aim at WPEG (as well as [[WGIV]]/W277CB).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/94121/non-stop-drake-launches-in-charlotte/|title=Non-Stop Drake Launches in Charlotte|date=August 17, 2015|work=RadioInsight}}</ref>
[[File:Praise Charlotte.jpg|thumb|Logo during simulcast of 100.9, 2012-2015]]
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On August 14, 2015, 92.7 began stunting with all-[[Drake (rapper)|Drake]] as "Drake 92.7", promoting a new format to come the following Monday, August 17, at 5 p.m. Along with this, 92.7 reverted to its previous call sign of WQNC, with 100.9 retaining the gospel format and the WPZS call letters. At the promised time, WQNC flipped back to urban as "92.7 The Block", taking direct aim at WPEG (as well as [[WGIV]]/W277CB).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/94121/non-stop-drake-launches-in-charlotte/|title=Non-Stop Drake Launches in Charlotte|date=August 17, 2015|work=RadioInsight}}</ref>


"The Block" was moved to the [[HD radio|HD2]] channel of [[WOSF]], as well as [[FM translator|translator station]] W273DA (102.5 FM), on February 28, 2022; following a transition period, 92.7 became an FM simulcast of [[WFNZ]] on March 1, a role previously served by the 102.5 facility.<ref name="ri-wqnctowfnz">{{cite news |last1=Venta |first1=Lance |title=Frequency Swap In Process In Charlotte |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/220640/frequency-swap-in-process-in-charlotte/ |access-date=February 28, 2022 |work=RadioInsight |date=February 28, 2022}}</ref> Ahead of the swap, on February 16, WQNC changed its call letters to WFNZ-FM.<ref name=WFNZ/> The simulcast serves mainly to fill in the gaps in the AM station's nighttime signal. WFNZ must reduce power from 5,000 watts to 1,000 watts at sunset, making it hard to hear even in some parts of Charlotte and rendering it all but unlistenable in much of the South Carolina portion of the market.
"The Block" was moved to the [[HD radio|HD2]] channel of [[WOSF]], as well as [[translator station]] W273DA (102.5 FM), on February 28, 2022; following a transition period, 92.7 became an FM simulcast of [[WFNZ (AM)|WFNZ]] on March 1, a role previously served by the 102.5 facility.<ref name="ri-wqnctowfnz">{{cite news |last1=Venta |first1=Lance |title=Frequency Swap In Process In Charlotte |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/220640/frequency-swap-in-process-in-charlotte/ |access-date=February 28, 2022 |work=RadioInsight |date=February 28, 2022}}</ref> Ahead of the swap, on February 16, WQNC changed its call letters to WFNZ-FM.<ref name=WFNZ/> The simulcast served mainly to fill in the gaps in the AM station's nighttime signal. WFNZ must reduce power from 5,000 watts to 1,000 watts at sunset, making it hard to hear even in some parts of Charlotte and rendering it all but unlistenable in much of the South Carolina portion of the market. At midnight on September 19, 2022, WFNZ split from simulcasting with WFNZ-FM and joined WOSF-HD2 and W273DA in carrying "The Block".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Venta |first1=Lance |title=WFNZ Moves Exclusively To FM |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/242519/wfnz-moves-exclusively-to-fm/|access-date=September 21, 2022 |work=RadioInsight |date=September 20, 2022}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
<References/>


==External links==
==External links==
*{{FM station data|WFNZ}}
* {{FM station data|28898|WFNZ-FM}}


{{Charlotte Radio}}
{{Charlotte Radio}}
{{Sports Radio Stations in North Carolina}}
{{Sports Radio Stations in North Carolina}}
{{Radio One}}
{{Radio One}}

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[[Category:Urban One stations]]
[[Category:Urban One stations]]
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[[Category:1995 establishments in North Carolina]]
[[Category:1995 establishments in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Sports radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Sports radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:CBS Sports Radio stations]]
[[Category:Cabarrus County, North Carolina]]

Latest revision as of 05:15, 31 August 2024

Not to be confused with WFMZ (FM).

WFNZ-FM
Broadcast areaMetrolina
Frequency92.7 MHz
BrandingSportsradio 92.7 WFNZ
Programming
FormatSports radio
Affiliations
Ownership
Owner
WBT, WBT-FM, WFNZ, WLNK, WOSF, WPZS
History
First air date
January 1995; 30 years ago (1995-01)
Former call signs
  • WCCJ (1994–2001)
  • WCHH (2001–2004)
  • WQNC (2004–2012)
  • WPZS (2012–2015)
  • WQNC (2015–2022)
Call sign meaning
"Fans"
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID28898
ClassC3
ERP10,500 watts
HAAT154 meters (505 ft)
Transmitter coordinates
35°16′20.5″N 80°45′53.3″W / 35.272361°N 80.764806°W / 35.272361; -80.764806
Repeater(s)107.9 WLNK-HD3 (Charlotte)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen live
Websitewfnz.com

WFNZ-FM (92.7 MHz) is a sports radio station in Charlotte, North Carolina, owned and operated by Radio One. The station's studios are located at 1 Julian Price Place just off Morehead Street in Charlotte, and its transmitter site is in Charlotte's Newell South neighborhood.

WFNZ-FM is the Charlotte affiliate of Infinity Sports Network, carrying network programming on nights and weekends. It airs local sports hosts weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. WFNZ serves as the flagship station for the NBA'S Charlotte Hornets[2] and Major League Soccer's Charlotte FC.[3] Whenever there is a conflict, Charlotte FC matches air on sister stations WBT AM-FM.

History

[edit]

The station signed on as WCCJ in late January 1995 with a commercial-free free-form rock format.[4] Due to low advertising rates, in June 1995, the station changed to smooth jazz,[5] and would flip again to rhythmic oldies as "92.7 the Jam" on August 22, 1999.[6]

As a result of the decline of rhythmic oldies nationally, on April 2, 2001, WCCJ flipped to mainstream urban as Hot 92.7, with new call letters WCHH, taking on urban/hip hop station WPEG.[7][8] It did well in the ratings at first, knocking heritage station WPEG down to 6th place in the market,[9] but later declined, so it was flipped to urban AC on January 21, 2004, as "Q92.7", along with a call letter change to WQNC. WQNC took over Tom Joyner's show from longer standing urban AC rival WBAV-FM soon after that.[10][11] WBAV subsequently answered back by signing on as an affiliate for a new syndicated show hosted by Joyner's rival, Steve Harvey.

My 92.7 ident used until 2012.

On May 15, 2008, WQNC added two talk shows: the New York City based "Keeping It Real with Rev. Al Sharpton", and the "Warren Ballentine Show".[12]

In October 2009, WQNC rebranded as "My 92.7", changed to a more contemporary format, dropping the talk show hosts other than Joyner, and adding energetic music from such artists as Usher, Patti LaBelle and Whitney Houston. The slogan was "R&B from the 80s, 90s, and Now", although some 70s disco/soul/R&B songs remained on the playlist.

On August 31, 2011, Radio One announced its intention to sell off their Charlotte stations to Davis Broadcasting,[13] but in April 2012, the deal fell through, and Radio One decided to keep the stations.[14]

On August 27, 2012, WQNC began directing listeners on air and online to sister station WNOW-FM. Imaging teased that something 'inspirational' was coming. Two weeks later, on September 13, WQNC began simulcasting sister WPZS and switched call letters with that station.[15][16][17] The two stations provided a strong combined signal with 60 percent overlap.

WPZS increased power to 10.5 kW and height to 154 meters. Construction was completed in October 2013.[18]

On August 14, 2015, 92.7 began stunting with all-Drake as "Drake 92.7", promoting a new format to come the following Monday, August 17, at 5 pm. Along with this, 92.7 reverted to its previous call sign of WQNC, with 100.9 retaining the gospel format and the WPZS call letters. At the promised time, WQNC flipped back to urban as "92.7 The Block", taking direct aim at WPEG (as well as WGIV/W277CB).[19]

"The Block" was moved to the HD2 channel of WOSF, as well as translator station W273DA (102.5 FM), on February 28, 2022; following a transition period, 92.7 became an FM simulcast of WFNZ on March 1, a role previously served by the 102.5 facility.[20] Ahead of the swap, on February 16, WQNC changed its call letters to WFNZ-FM.[17] The simulcast served mainly to fill in the gaps in the AM station's nighttime signal. WFNZ must reduce power from 5,000 watts to 1,000 watts at sunset, making it hard to hear even in some parts of Charlotte and rendering it all but unlistenable in much of the South Carolina portion of the market. At midnight on September 19, 2022, WFNZ split from simulcasting with WFNZ-FM and joined WOSF-HD2 and W273DA in carrying "The Block".[21]

References

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  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WFNZ-FM". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ InsideRadio.com/WFNZ
  3. ^ "Charlotte FC, Radio One Announce Club's First-Ever Radio Partnership". WFNZ. January 20, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  4. ^ Funk, Tim (February 10, 1995). "Now hear this: New album-rock station attracts hungry listeners". The Charlotte Observer. Charlotte, North Carolina. p. 1E. Retrieved February 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Funk, Tim (June 20, 1995). "James back to interview colleagues". The Charlotte Observer. Charlotte, North Carolina. p. 1E, 3E. Retrieved February 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "NAC 'CCJ/Charlotte Caught In A 'Jam'" (PDF). Radio & Records. August 27, 1999. pp. 36, 63.
  7. ^ Washburn, Mark (April 3, 2001). "WCCJ goes hip-hop as ratings fade out for rhythmic oldies". The Charlotte Observer. Charlotte, North Carolina. p. 3E. Retrieved February 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "'CCJ/Charlotte Gets 'Hot' Urban Format" (PDF). Radio & Records. April 6, 2001. p. 19.
  9. ^ Washburn, Mark (July 28, 2001). "Radio competitor leaves favorite singing sad song". The Charlotte Observer. Charlotte, North Carolina. p. 1D, 4D. Retrieved February 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "WCHH/Charlotte Goes Urban AC" (PDF). Radio & Records. January 30, 2004. p. 3.
  11. ^ Washburn, Mark; Jameson, Tonya (January 23, 2004). "No. 1 morning show swaps stations in Charlotte". The Charlotte Observer. Charlotte, North Carolina. p. 1D, 2D. Retrieved February 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "Sharpton to headline new format at radio station". The Charlotte Observer. Charlotte, North Carolina. May 14, 2008. p. 1D, 2D. Retrieved February 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ "Davis Broadcasting To Purchase WQNC and WPZS". allaccess.com. August 31, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
  14. ^ Washburn, Mark (August 18, 2012). "Battle on way for urban radio". The Charlotte Observer. Charlotte, North Carolina. p. 2B. Retrieved February 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "Praise Charlotte Takes Over 92.7". September 13, 2012. Retrieved October 30, 2012.
  16. ^ "Call Sign History (WPZS)". Retrieved October 30, 2012.
  17. ^ a b "Call Sign History (WFNZ-FM)". Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  18. ^ "FM Query Results (WFNZ-FM)". Audio Division (FCC) USA. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
  19. ^ "Non-Stop Drake Launches in Charlotte". RadioInsight. August 17, 2015.
  20. ^ Venta, Lance (February 28, 2022). "Frequency Swap In Process In Charlotte". RadioInsight. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  21. ^ Venta, Lance (September 20, 2022). "WFNZ Moves Exclusively To FM". RadioInsight. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
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