WBCQ (SW)
WBCQ is a shortwave radio station operating at Monticello, Maine, United States. The station is owned and operated by Allan Weiner,[1][2] who also owns and operates WXME AM 780 kHz and WBCQ-FM 94.7 MHz at the shortwave site. WBCQ began operation on September 8, 1998 with just the WBCQ-1 transmitter on 7.415 MHz.[1] WBCQ's shortwave antennas are all beamed directionally: primarily at 245 degrees, and secondarily at 65 degrees.
City | Monticello, Maine |
---|---|
Broadcast area | North America, Europe & Asia |
Frequency | 3.265 MHz 5.13 MHz 6.16 MHz 7.49 MHz 9.33 MHz |
Branding | WBCQ, The Planet |
Slogan | "Free Speech Radio" |
Programming | |
Format | Variety |
Ownership | |
Owner | Allan Weiner |
History | |
First air date | September 8, 1998[1] |
Call sign meaning | Weiner Broadcasting Company Q |
Technical information | |
Power | 500,000 watts |
Transmitter coordinates | 46°20′28″N 67°48′53″W |
Links | |
Website | wbcq.com |
The station transmits numerous talk shows and other programs produced by commercial networks as well as former pirate radio broadcasters, such as Weiner himself and his erstwhile collaborators.[1][3]
Unlike Weiner's former pirate radio stations, now relegated to well-documented history, WBCQ and its AM and FM sister stations are licensed by the FCC under his own name.
Rotatable antenna, and 500kW transmitter
In 2018, WBCQ applied for a new transmitter license associated with a rotatable antenna, later revealed[4] to be a 500 kW transmitter for an Ampegon rotatable curtain antenna on a single mast, the system funded by World’s Last Chance, on 9.33 MHz.[5]
Acquisition of World Harvest Radio International
In August 2020, it was announced that Weiner has plans to purchase World Harvest Radio International, the shortwave arm of the Family Broadcasting Corporation, pending FCC approval.[6]
Frequencies
- WBCQ 1
- 7.49 MHz (41m band). WBCQ's flagship frequency operates a full 24-hour schedule with original programming only in the late-afternoon and evening hours; the remainder is leased out to R.G. Stair's Overcomer Ministry.
- WBCQ 2
- 3.265 MHz (90m band). Operates on a limited schedule during the evening hours.
- WBCQ 3
- 9.33 MHz (31m band). Operates as a full-time lease-out to religious broadcaster World's Last Chance.
- WBCQ 4
- 5.13 MHz (60m band). Dormant.
- WBCQ 5
- 6.16 MHz (49m band). Dormant.
Former frequencies
- WBCQ-1: 7.415 MHz[1]
- WBCQ-2: 15.42, 17.495, 18.91 & 3.25 MHz
- WBCQ-3: 9.34 & 9.335 MHz
- WBCQ-4: 5.1, 5.105 & 5.11 MHz
Notable shows
References
- Brown, Dan. "WBCQ. The Planet.", Monitoring Times. Vol. 27, No. 9. September 2008. p. 10-13. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
- Ciment, James (2015). Social Issues in America: An Encyclopedia: An Encyclopedia. Routledge. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
- Berg, Jerome S. (2008). Broadcasting on the Short Waves, 1945 to Today. McFarland & Company. pp. 24, 371, 383. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
- WBCQ reveals organization behind their new 500 kW transmitter, The SWLing Post, 2018-05-15, accessed 2020-02-18
- The New WBCQ, Geoff Rivett, 2019-06-29, accessed 2020-02-18
- Radio Insight: "Station Sales Week Of 8/14", August 14, 2020.
External links
- WBCQ's official website
- WBCQ's Program Schedule
- FCC information for WBCQ (not up-to-date)