WTBO

History

1928 Cumberland Maryland's first broadcast station was authorized to operate and granted call letters WTBO in October of 1928 by the Federal Radio Commission. Granted was operation on 1420 kilocycles with a power of 50 watts. The Cumberland Electric Company placed WTBO on the air Thursday, December 13, 1928, from 138 Virginia Avenue, site of the station as well as the retail shop of the station owner, William McKinley Dailey, Sr. Two masts were erected on the roof of the structure to support the station's antenna.

1929-30

In March 1929, The Cumberland Broadcasting Company was formed by the Cumberland Electric Company and became WTBO's licensee. The Associated Broadcasting Corporation acquired the station in November 1929. In early 1930, WTBO was moved from it's original site on Virginia Avenue to the Commercial Bank Building, on the southwest corner of Frederick and Liberty streets.

1931-33

Power was increased to 100 in June 1930. In August 1930, WTBO's transmitter was relocated to the area now known as Constitution Park. Daytime power rose to 250 watts (nights 100 watts) in February 1931. In September 1932, WTBO was leased by the Interstate Broadcasting System, Inc. The Associated Broadcasting Corporation, Licensee, again assumed control of the independent station from the former lessee on January 31, 1933.

1934-42

In 1934, controlling interest in the Associated Broadcasting Corporation was acquired by Herbet Lee Blye, who then became Station Manager of WTBO. In late 1935, Mr. Blye sold WTBO to Roger W. Clipp and Frank V. Becker.

Frank V. Becker died in 1942. Mrs. Aurelia S. Becker became President of the Associated Broadcasting Corporation and Station Manager of it's WTBO.

1943-44

On October 26, 1943, the FCC issued a permit to change frequency from 820 kilocycles to 1450 kilocycles (unlimited hours). On January 1, 1944, WTBO changed frequency and became a full-time 250 watt station; concurrently joining the National Broadcasting Company network.

1946-53

In 1946, WTBO's ownership was reorganized. Becoming a co-owner and partner was Charles Z. Heskett with Aurelia S. Becker remaining managing partner. The station's licensee name was then changed to the Cumberland Broadcasting Corporation. Mrs. Becker became both President and General Manager of the NBC station in 1947. The Maryland Radio Corporation acquired WTBO from the Becker and Heskett interests in early 1951. Charles E. Smith, owner, then became President and General Manager of the station.

1954-71

In late September 1954, the station was again sold. WTBO was purchased by the Tennessee Valley Broadcasting Corporation. A. William German then became both President and General Manager of WTBO after the sale was consummated. In 1955, the licensee name of the station was changed to the Cumberland Valley Broadcasting Corporation. On April 26, 1956, the station was authorized to change studio and transmitting locations to 350 Byrd Avenue (the present site).

In early 1961, the FCC authorized WTBO to increase daytime power to 1,000 watts with night power of 250 watts to continue as before. Power was raised in 1962.

1977-1978

In late 1977, WTBO and it's frequency modulation (FM) affiliate WKGO at 106.1, were acquired from David P. Welborne's Welborne Broadcasting Inc., by Wooster Republican Printing Company, owned by Dix Communications.

The WTBO-WKGO Corporation was formed by the new owners to be the WTBO licensee. The officers were: Raymond E. Dix, President; E.B. Evans, Vice President and General Manager; Albert E. Dix, Vice President; E.S. Dix, Treasurer; R. Victor Dix, Assistant Secretary; Timothy V. Dix, Secretary.

At that time WTBO, Maryland's FIFTH oldest continuously licensed broadcast station, operated on 1450 kilohertz with a day power of 1,000 watts (night power of 250 watts) and served the three-state area from 350 Byrd Avenue, Cumberland, Maryland.

The format was Adult Contemporary. The staff consisted of 18 full and part-time people. Roy H. Knotts - Assistant Manager, Beda M. Riley -Office Manager .

1984- Roy Knotts retired as General Manager in March of 1984. Mrs. Beda M. Riley, Assistant Manager became General Manager.

1985-86. WTBO installed equipment to broadcast in AM Stereo.

1987- The format on WTBO became Adult Standards. WTBO continued to broadcast Baltimore Orioles Baseball, University of Maryland Football and Basketball and high school football. Shortly after 1987, WTBO was granted permission to broadcast at full power, 1000 watts, 24 hours a day.

1992- Chazz Offutt returned to radio on WTBO with the "Chazz Offutt Morning Road Show" in December.

2000- Mrs. Beda M. Riley, General Manager, retired. Richard Cornwell is named General Manager and Tim Martin, Asst. Manager.

2003- December 13, 2003 was the 75th Anniversary Date for WTBO and the station began a year long celebration of the event marked by many promotional give aways. Commemorative promotional announcements for each year of broadcasting were aired along with celebrity anniversary greetings.

External Link

http://www.wtboam.com/