WCHL 1360 AM/97.9 FM was presented with the 2016 Award for Radio Station of the Year in a Non-Metro Market during the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Convention, held on June 14 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro.

One NCAB award is given to a radio station in each market – Large, Medium and Non-Metro.

Criteria for the judging process included highlights and achievements during 2015, innovative programming and revenue generation, audience involvement and promotion, commitment to the community and hurdles encountered and how they were overcome. The judges, who are broadcasters from the Maryland/DC area, made their selection based on audio excerpts taken from 2015 as well as information and letters of commendation from listeners and sponsors.WCHL Logo

Jan Bolick, WCHL’s General Manager said when accepting the award, “It would be an honor to win this award in any year. But for two reasons, it’s an especially huge honor for 2015.

“First, even with much change, including station ownership, the WCHL team continued with business as usual – better than usual – a 24/7 commitment to inform, entertain and connect the Chapelboro community. It’s quite amazing what this team accomplished in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty. And quite inspiring that our listeners, readers and partners supported us the entire way.

“Second, the award is a fabulous tribute to the late Sandy McClamroch and Jim Heavner, former owners of WCHL. Sandy started the station in 1953. Jim arrived in 1958 as a student announcer and eventually became the owner. Over the 63-year period of their ownership, they established a culture of unquestionable commitment to the community. No matter what – stay committed to the community.

“Sandy and Jim also provided a place for people to learn and grow – many who continued in radio. People like Charles Kuralt, Jim Lampley, Ty Boyd, Bob Holliday, Mick Mixon and many others.

“What a gift Sandy and Jim gave to WCHL, the Chapelboro community and the broadcasting industry. Sandy passed away a few months ago. Jim’s connection with the station ended in 2015 with the ownership transfer. We thank NCAB for a very special way to honor Sandy and Jim and the end of a truly great era in broadcasting.

“And for a special way to celebrate a team that has done great things and is always looking for ways to do what they do even better.”