WCOS-FM

Infobox Radio Station
name = WCOS-FM| city = Columbia, South Carolina
airdate = March, 1951
frequency = "97.5" (MHz)
area = South Carolina
format = Country music
owner = Clear Channel Communications
sister_stations = WCOS, WCOS-FM, WLTY, WNOK, WVOC, WXBT
erp = 100,000 watts | branding = "97-5 WCOS"
slogan = "Today Best Country And Your All Time Favorites"
class = C1
website = http://www.wcosfm.com
callsign_meaning = "We're Columbia's Own Station

WCOS-FM is a Country station located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is licensed by the FCC to broadcast at 97.5 MHz with an ERP of 100kW.

Station History

WCOS-FM signed on in March 1951 on 97.9 FM MHz as the sister station of WCOS-AM 1400 kHz and as Columbia's second FM station. Prior to 1963, it broadcast only during the evening hours. The programming featured Broadway, opera, and classical music, some or all of which came from the ABC Radio Network. In the fall of 1963, the station began broadcasting in stereo and the hours were extended to the daytime. The morning show was a simulcast of WCOS-AM, which was hosted by Bob Fulton, the long-time announcer for University of South Carolina football. After 9:00 a.m., the format was easy listening. The music was broadcast in mono until 6:00 p.m., converting to stereo for the evening hours. In the late 1960s, WCOS-FM converted to a Progressive rock format. Prior to the change, the station promoted the new format by announcing frequently that WCOS-FM was "going underground." By 1973, the station changed to country, adopting its longtime slogan "The Great 98." The format has remained since.

In 1991, the station upgraded its signal by changing the frequency from 97.9 MHz to 97.5 MHz and increasing its power to 100 kW, making it one of the strongest FM signals in the Columbia radio market.

The station is owned by Clear Channel Communications, which also owns CHR WNOK, Urban WXBT, Variety Hits WLTY, News/Talk WVOC, and Sports/Talk WCOS in the Columbia radio market.

External links

* [http://www.wcosfm.com/main.html Official website]
* [http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?list=0&facid=71290 WCOS-FM's FCC entry]