WBCQ (SW)

WBCQ
Broadcast area
Frequency
  • 3.265 MHz
  • 5.130 MHz
  • 6.160 MHz
  • 7.490 MHz
  • 9.330 MHz
BrandingWBCQ, The Planet
Programming
FormatVariety
Ownership
Owner
  • Allan Weiner
  • (Allan H. Weiner)
History
First air date
September 8, 1998;
25 years ago
 (1998-09-08)[1]
Call sign meaning
Weiner Broadcasting Company Q
Technical information[2]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID77261
Power500000 watts
Transmitter coordinates
46°20′28″N 67°48′53″W / 46.34111°N 67.81472°W / 46.34111; -67.81472
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen Live
Websitewww.wbcq.com

WBCQ is a shortwave radio station operating at Monticello, Maine, United States. The station is owned and operated by Allan Weiner,[1][3]: 828 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, on 7.415 MHz.[1] The station transmits talk shows and other programs produced by commercial networks as well as former pirate radio broadcasters, including Weiner himself.[1][4]: 24, 371, 383 

Rotatable antenna and 500kW transmitter[edit]

In 2018, WBCQ applied for a transmitter license associated with a rotatable antenna, later revealed to be a 500 kW transmitter for an Ampegon rotatable curtain antenna on a single mast.[5]

Acquisition of World Harvest Radio International[edit]

In August 2020, it was reported that pending FCC approval, Weiner planned to purchase World Harvest Radio International, the shortwave arm of the Family Broadcasting Corporation.[6]

Frequencies[edit]

As of 2023, WBCQ broadcasts on 7.49 MHz (41m band) from noon until midnight (as WWCR is licensed the frequency during morning hours[7]), including original programming in the late-afternoon and evening hours (Eastern time zone); the remaining time is leased to R.G. Stair's Overcomer Ministry. WBCQ also broadcasts on 3.265 MHz (mostly dormant), 6.16 MHz (a secondary frequency that operates evenings), 5.13 MHz ("Radio Angela," a two-hour evening service with eclectic music and spoken word entertainment), and 9.33 MHz (a full-time lease-out to World's Last Chance, a flat-Earth evangelistic society.)[8]

Notable shows[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Brown, Dan (September 2008). "WBCQ. The Planet" (PDF). Monitoring Times. Vol. 27, no. 9. pp. 10–13. ISSN 0889-5341. LCCN 91649214. OCLC 13943620. Retrieved 27 June 2019 – via americanradiohistory.com.
  2. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WBCQ". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  3. ^ Ciment, James (15 March 2006). "Hate Radio and Internet". Social Issues in America: An Encyclopedia. Vol. Four. M. E. Sharpe. pp. 826–832. ISBN 9780765680617. LCCN 2005018778. OCLC 968159338. OL 3403590M. Retrieved 3 February 2023 – via Internet Archive. p. 828: WBCQ — the only station willing to air Hal Turner's program — is operated by Jewish free-speech advocate Alan Weiner.
  4. ^ Berg, Jerome S. (24 October 2008). Broadcasting on the Short Waves, 1945 to Today. McFarland & Company. pp. 826–832. ISBN 978-0786469024. LCCN 2005018778. OCLC 1035367522. OL 26805897M. Retrieved 3 February 2023 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ WBCQ reveals organization behind their new 500 kW transmitter, The SWLing Post, 2018-05-15, accessed 2020-02-18
  6. ^ Venta, Lance (14 August 2020). "Station Sales Week Of 8/14". Radio Insight. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023. Family Broadcasting Corporation is selling shortwave Christian "World Harvest Radio" WHRI Furman SC to Allan Weiner for $1.25 million. Weiner also owns shortwave Talk "The Planet" WBCQ Monticello ME as well as Talk/Rock 780 WXME/98.3 W252DW and Classic Country "Kixx 94.7" WBCQ-FM Monticello.
  7. ^ WWCR transmitter schedule, summer 2023, retrieved September 7, 2023
  8. ^ Video: WBCQ/World’s Last Chance Radio – Technical Notes, The SWLing Post, 2021-04-18, accessed 2021-09-14

External links[edit]