WVSC (FM)
WVSC (103.1 FM) is a variety hits formatted radio station known as "SC 103.1" targeted towards the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Broadcast area | Savannah/Hilton Head |
---|---|
Frequency | 103.1 MHz (HD Radio) |
Branding | SC 103 |
Programming | |
Format | FM/HD1: Variety hits |
Subchannels | HD2: Pure Oldies (Oldies) |
Ownership | |
Owner |
|
History | |
First air date | 1985 (as WGCQ at 92.1) |
Former call signs | WGCQ (1985–1987) WBHH (1987–1990) WOCW (1990–1997) WLWS (1997) WGZO (1997-2014) |
Former frequencies | 92.1 MHz (1985–1999) |
Call sign meaning | W V South Carolina |
Technical information | |
Facility ID | 49910 |
Class | C3 |
ERP | 11,000 watts |
HAAT | 114.9 meters (377 ft) |
Translator(s) | HD2: 99.1 W256CB (Beaufort) HD2: 106.5 W293BZ (Hilton Head) |
Links | |
Webcast | Listen Live |
Website | sc103radio.com lowcountryoldies.com (HD2) |
History
The station signed on in 1985 on 92.1 with a 3,000-watt signal broadcasting from St. Helena Island, about 10 miles east of Beaufort. Because it was so close to WSGA-FM on 92.3, the station was limited in its transmitter power. In 1999, the station swapped frequencies with WBHC-FM on 103.1 to get a better signal into Savannah. The station has difficulties reaching listeners in Savannah because of its inferior signal. In January 2006 the station was given permission by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to move its tower closer to Savannah.
On November 11, 2013, L & L Broadcasting sold WGZO to Apex Broadcasting; this marks Apex Broadcasting's first entry into the Savannah/Hilton Head market. The sale, at a price of $450,000, was consummated on January 8, 2014.
On February 15, 2014, WGZO changed callsigns to WVSC. On February 21, 2014, WVSC changed formats to variety hits, branded as "SC 103".[1]
In early 2017, Apex Broadcasting sold their radio stations in Charleston and Hilton Head, South Carolina to Saga Communications for $23 million. At that time, the HD2 channel and its translators 99.1 W256CB and 106.5 W293BZ played soft adult contemporary music,[2] which later moved to WOEZ. The sale was consummated on September 1, 2017.
Programming
Previous formats and call signs include:
- WGCQ: 1985–1987
- WBHH: 1987–1990
- WOCW: 1990–1997. Station was owned by local car dealer O.C. Welch and broadcast an oldies format.
- WGZO: 1997–1999. Station simulcasted with Georgia station WGCO as oldies
- 1999 Frequency change to 103.1
- WGZO: 1999–2002. Rhythmic Top 40 "The Real Z 103 dot 1"
- WGZO: 2002–2004. 1980s hits "Star 103.1 – The '80s Channel"
- WGZO 2004–2014. Classic hits "103.1 the Drive"
- WVSC 2014–Present. Variety hits "SC 103"
Previous logos
See also
References
- WGZO Drives to SC
- Venta, Lance (May 10, 2017). "Saga Sells TV Stations; Acquires Apex Media Charleston & Hilton Head". radioinsight. Retrieved June 7, 2019.