Federal Communications Commission renews WCQS licenses

Posted on by Bill Rhodes

Release from WCQS-FM:

The FCC has renewed the broadcast license for WCQS-FM and its translator stations in Clyde, Cullowhee, Sylva, Brevard, Hazelwood and Black Mountain. The announcement was made today by Jody Evans, Executive Director of Western North Carolina Public Radio – WCQS/WYQS, which holds the license.

In granting the license, the FCC noted “the Station has served the public interest, convenience and necessity.”

“We are extremely pleased with the FCC’s decision,” Evans said. “For 30 years, WCQS has brought NPR news and information, classical music and local programs to the people of western North Carolina.  We take this responsibility seriously and are gratified with the FCC’s decision.”

Evans noted that in the past two years, WCQS has increased staff reporting on regional issues and concerns. “We did this because our listeners asked for it and because we believe that knowing what’s happening in Cherokee, Franklin, Hendersonville or Burnsville is just as important as knowing what’s happening in Asheville. Clearly so does the FCC.”

WCQS and its translator stations serve more than 80,000 people in 12 counties. It is governed by an 18-member volunteer board of directors, with input from a 20-member Community Advisory Board (CAB) that reflects the region’s ethnic and cultural diversity.

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