WCHL radio is moving to a new space at University Place on South Estes Drive, after 14 years at its location off Weaver Dairy Road.

WCHL Owners

Left to Right: Jim Kitchen, Leslie Rudd, Chris Ehrenfeld

The station was purchased last August by California and Colorado-based businessman Leslie Rudd, a former homeowner in Chapel Hill. He brought in Chris Ehrenfeld, Jim Kitchen and Mark Vitali as local co-owners. Operating as Chapel Hill Media Group, they want to make the 63-year-old radio station and its website – Chapelboro.com – more visible in the community.

“One way to accomplish that is to physically be more visible,” WCHL general manager Jan Bolick said. “The new space is in the middle of a vibrant commercial, shopping and recreation area, where people can walk by and see the station in operation through the big front windows.”

Chapel Hill Media Group has received its building permit from the town and up-fitting has started. The space will include three recording studios and space for news, sports, operations and advertising departments. The ample parking at University Place will be more convenient for visitors and guests.

“We are very excited about moving the station into the middle of the action,” said Ehrenfeld. “As the heartbeat of this community, we want to be where everyone can actually see us in operation and drop by to visit.”

Ron Stutts, who has hosted the morning show for 39 years is thrilled about the move. “I love the idea of seeing our listeners at University Place as they walk by when we’re on the air. This is such a great new location which will allow us to connect even more with our local community.”

The move is scheduled for the end of August.

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