Broadcast area Fayetteville Class C1 Frequency 91.9 MHz Format Jazz, Public broadcasting Area Fayetteville | Power 100,000 Watts City of license Fayetteville | |
 | ||
Slogan NPR News and Jazz from Fayetteville State University | ||
WFSS (91.9 FM) is a radio station broadcasting National Public Radio (NPR) programming originating from WUNC. Owned by Fayetteville State University until May 2015, when it was purchased by the Chapel Hill-based public radio broadcaster, WFSS programmed jazz as well as an eclectic mix of formats on the weekend, including bluegrass, Gospel, blues, African and Latin music. Licensed to Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA, it serves the Fayetteville area and twelve surrounding counties.
Contents
Radio promo 91 9wfss 100 000watts fm
History
In 1977, WFSS began broadcasting at 10 watts and was operated by students using the station to prepare them for broadcasting careers. In February 1983, power was increased to 100,000 watts. From the beginning the station played jazz but went on to offer a wide variety of programming including blues, reggae and rhythm and blues. Joseph Ross, who came from Monrovia, Liberia, was the station manager from 1977 until the 1980s and again starting in 1995.
In March 1993, in order to switch from 89.1 to 91.9 and reduce interference to WECT, WFSS signed off for five days and then came back at 30,000 watts before finally going back to 100,000 watts.
On January 20, 2000, a winter storm caused significant damage to broadcasting equipment, and WFSS came back days later at 60 watts. The return to full power happened May 5 after $45,000 in repairs.
Funding reductions since 2009 caused the station to lose money, and it soon became apparent that it was no longer viable as a standalone NPR member. On May 13, 2015, Fayetteville State trustees voted to sell WFSS to WUNC Public Radio, LLC for $1.35 million. Though the sale still required Federal Communications Commission approval, WFSS began simulcasting WUNC-FM at 10 A.M. the same day. The sale was consummated on November 24, 2015.