WCPA (AM)
Encyclopedia
WCPA is an American radio station
, licensed to Clearfield, Pennsylvania
, the seat of government for Clearfield County. WCPA is owned and operated by First Media, Inc. WCPA broadcasts at the assigned frequency of 900 kHz with a power output of 2500 watts day; and 500 watts night.
Prior to this, WCPA enjoyed a reputation as an immediate and reliable source for breaking local news, largely through the newspaper cross-ownership. This alliance resulted in many awards for the quality of their local newscasts. Wishing to expand their reach into other markets, Progressive also purchased WDAD
Indiana in 1958 and WMAJ State College at around the same time. Both WDAD and WMAJ experienced massive growth while under Progressive's ownership.
In the mid 1960s, the FCC approved a round of low-powered Class A FM drop-in channels to spur growth on that band among AM broadcasters who were reluctant to take the financial risk involved with the unpopular technology. Progressive successfully applied for three FM channels in their respective markets, with WCPA's FM sister, WQYX
coming on the air at 93.5 (now at 93.1) on July 12, 1967.
Progressive successfully applied for a construction permit to build a new transmitter and tower site. Two new towers were built for a directional-antenna pattern that would allow the station to operate at more than double its current power during the day, with nighttime power at 500 watts. The low dial position allowed WCPA to be heard clearly at night throughout Clearfield County, and parts of Centre County.
, operated at 110 Healy Street in downtown Clearfield. In October 2006, Progressive Publishing sold WCPA and WQYX to First Media, owners of Q102
in DuBois, for $750,000. On May 1, 2010, WCPA/WQYX held a "yard sale" to liquidate its 30-year collection of 45s and albums, as well as electronics, office supplies, etc., in preparation for the demolition of the building. The offices/studios are now co-located with WOWQ/WZDB in Du Bois, PA.
Radio station
Radio broadcasting is a one-way wireless transmission over radio waves intended to reach a wide audience. Stations can be linked in radio networks to broadcast a common radio format, either in broadcast syndication or simulcast or both...
, licensed to Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Clearfield is a borough in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 6,631 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Clearfield County.-Geography:Clearfield is located at ....
, the seat of government for Clearfield County. WCPA is owned and operated by First Media, Inc. WCPA broadcasts at the assigned frequency of 900 kHz with a power output of 2500 watts day; and 500 watts night.
History
WCPA was the first of three radio properties once owned by Progressive Publishing, first going on the air back in 1947. Though it had always broadcast at its current frequency, this station would not be granted nighttime power authorization until 1990, when it undertook a major engineering project.Prior to this, WCPA enjoyed a reputation as an immediate and reliable source for breaking local news, largely through the newspaper cross-ownership. This alliance resulted in many awards for the quality of their local newscasts. Wishing to expand their reach into other markets, Progressive also purchased WDAD
WDAD
WDAD is a radio station in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, serving Indiana, Cambria, and Westmoreland counties. It is owned and operated by Renda Broadcasting. The station broadcasts on AM 1450. Its slogan is "Classic Hits."-History:...
Indiana in 1958 and WMAJ State College at around the same time. Both WDAD and WMAJ experienced massive growth while under Progressive's ownership.
In the mid 1960s, the FCC approved a round of low-powered Class A FM drop-in channels to spur growth on that band among AM broadcasters who were reluctant to take the financial risk involved with the unpopular technology. Progressive successfully applied for three FM channels in their respective markets, with WCPA's FM sister, WQYX
WQYX
WQYX is a Hot Adult Contemporary music formatted radio station based in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. It is owned by the First Media Company. 93-1 QYX On Air Programming Schedule:Monday - Friday:6 a.m. - 9 a.m. - The Morning Mix with Tracie and Drew...
coming on the air at 93.5 (now at 93.1) on July 12, 1967.
1980s: Progressive divestiture
In the late 1980s, Progressive decided to reduce its footprint and sold their properties in State College and Indiana. Sales of both stations generated close to $5 million by the end of the decade. With this new capital, Progressive decided to put a sizable investment into WCPA's future. Prior to 1990, it had been a single-tower non-directional daytime-only AM station operating at a thousand watts.Progressive successfully applied for a construction permit to build a new transmitter and tower site. Two new towers were built for a directional-antenna pattern that would allow the station to operate at more than double its current power during the day, with nighttime power at 500 watts. The low dial position allowed WCPA to be heard clearly at night throughout Clearfield County, and parts of Centre County.
WCPA today
Until 2010, WCPA, along with WQYXWQYX
WQYX is a Hot Adult Contemporary music formatted radio station based in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. It is owned by the First Media Company. 93-1 QYX On Air Programming Schedule:Monday - Friday:6 a.m. - 9 a.m. - The Morning Mix with Tracie and Drew...
, operated at 110 Healy Street in downtown Clearfield. In October 2006, Progressive Publishing sold WCPA and WQYX to First Media, owners of Q102
WOWQ
WOWQ is a Country formatted broadcast radio station licensed to Dubois, Pennsylvania, serving the Dubois/Punxsutawney/Clearfield area. WOWQ is owned and operated by First Media Radio, LLC.-History:...
in DuBois, for $750,000. On May 1, 2010, WCPA/WQYX held a "yard sale" to liquidate its 30-year collection of 45s and albums, as well as electronics, office supplies, etc., in preparation for the demolition of the building. The offices/studios are now co-located with WOWQ/WZDB in Du Bois, PA.