Radio CLT

Edited video. Instagram doesn’t like reels over 3 minutes. The Carolinas’ first commercial radio station unceremoniously went silent this past weekend after 104 years and 3 months of broadcasting. The programming of 1110 WBT was moved to its FM sister back in December, after which a “redirect loop” played encouraging listeners to tune to the FM for news/weather/traffic, etc. Owner Urban One announced recently that the land where the WBT Blaw Knox towers and historic transmitter building are located is under contract. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to preserve the property as a piece of Charlotte history. The unique diamond-shaped Blaw Knox towers are among 7 remaining in North America. The transmitter building features a fully-intact early 60s fallout shelter complete with rations and supplies. The shelter resides 16 feet beneath the building.