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Capitol Broadcasting Company
View on WikipediaCapitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. (CBC) is an American media company based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Capitol owns three television stations and nine radio stations in the Raleigh–Durham and Wilmington areas of North Carolina and the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team as well as the Coastal Plain League, a college summer baseball league. It is one of the few family-owned broadcasting companies left in the country, owned by four generations of the Fletcher-Goodmon family.
Key Information
History
[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2021) |
A.J. Fletcher founded the Capitol Broadcasting Company in 1937 when he founded Raleigh radio station WRAL (1240 AM, now WPJL). WRAL radio began transmission two years later in 1939, using a 250-watt transmitter, becoming Raleigh's second radio station (after WPTF). In 1942, Capitol created the Tobacco Radio Network, a farm news radio service that was discontinued in 2002. On September 6, 1946, Capitol Broadcasting received a license with the Federal Communications Commission for WCOY-FM (whose callsign was later changed to WRAL-FM), operating from a 250,000-watt transmitter. In 1960, CBC founded the North Carolina News Network, a statewide radio network that now provides news, weather, and sports content to about 80 radio stations. This property was sold to Curtis Media Group in 2009.
On December 15, 1956, Capitol Broadcasting's flagship television station WRAL-TV went on the air in Raleigh.
In 1979, WRAL-TV became the first television station in North Carolina to have a dedicated helicopter for newsgathering.
In 1987, Capitol acquired independent station WJZY-TV in Charlotte. The following year, Capitol also acquired another independent station, WTTV and its satellite station, WTTK, in the Indianapolis area. WTTV and WTTK were sold in 1991 to River City Broadcasting.
In 1996, WRAL-TV was granted the first experimental high definition digital television license in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission. On October 13, 2000, WRAL became the first television station in the world to broadcast a news program entirely in high-definition; the station would begin broadcasting all of its local newscasts in high-definition in January 2001.

In 2001, Capitol purchased WFVT (now WMYT-TV) in Charlotte, creating the market's second television duopoly.
On October 14, 2005, Capitol Broadcasting signed on WCMC-FM on 99.9 MHz in Raleigh with a country music format, "Genuine Country".
In July 2008, Capitol Broadcasting acquired five radio stations in Wilmington from NextMedia Group for $12 million.[1]
On April 14, 2009, Capitol Broadcasting and the City of Raleigh partnered to introduce the first mobile digital television in a public transit bus.
On January 28, 2013, Fox Television Stations announced that it had entered into an agreement to purchase WJZY and WMYT from Capitol for $18 million;[2][3] the deal was completed on April 17.[4][5]
Major assets
[edit]- (**) – Station that was built and signed-on by Capitol Broadcasting Company.
Television stations
[edit]| City of license / Market | Station | Owned since | Primary affiliation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | WRAL-TV ** | 5 (17) | 1956 | |
| WRAZ | 50 (15) | 2000 | ||
| Smithfield-Selma, NC | WNGT-CD | 34 (23) | 2020 | Independent |
| Wilmington, NC | WILM-LD | 10 (15) | 1999 |
Radio stations
[edit]Note: Stations operated within the Wilmington radio station cluster are operated under the name Sunrise Broadcasting;
| City of license / Market | Station | Owned since | Current format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Spring Lakes, NC | WKXB 99.9 | 2008 | Rhythmic oldies | Serves the Wilmington market |
| Durham, NC | WDNC 620 | 2009 | Sports radio | Serves the Raleigh market |
| Holly Springs, NC | WCMC-FM 99.9 | 2005 | ESPN Radio affiliate | Serves the Raleigh market |
| Raleigh, NC | WCLY 1550 | 2009 | Sports radio | Simulcasts WDNC |
| WRAL-FM 101.5 | 1947 | Adult contemporary | ||
| Jacksonville, NC | WRMR 98.7 | 2011 | AAA | Serves the Wilmington market |
| Southport, NC | WAZO 107.5 | 2008 | Contemporary hits | Serves the Wilmington market |
| Wilmington, NC | WILT 103.7 | 2015 | Adult contemporary | |
| WMFD 630 | 2008 | Sports radio |
Sports
[edit]- Durham Bulls – Triple-A minor league baseball team in the International League
- North Carolina Courage – minority stake
- Holly Springs Salamanders – collegiate summer baseball team in the Coastal Plain League
- Wolfpack Sports Properties – joint venture with Learfield IMG College covering NC State Wolfpack sports
- Coastal Plain League
Real Estate
[edit]- American Tobacco Historic District (Durham, NC)
- Mock, Judson, Voehringer Company Hosiery Mill (Greensboro, NC)
- Rocky Mount Mills (Rocky Mount, NC)
Investments
[edit]- TitanTV Media[6]
Former stations
[edit]Television
[edit]| City of license / Market | Station | Channel | Years owned | Current status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington–Kokomo–Indianapolis, IN | WTTV | 4 | 1988–1991 | CBS affiliates owned by Nexstar Media Group |
| WTTK[a] | 29 | |||
| Rock Hill, SC–Belmont–Charlotte, NC | WJZY | 46 | 1987–2013 | Fox affiliate owned by Nexstar Media Group |
| WMYT-TV | 55 | 2000–2013 | CW station owned-and-operated (O&O) by Nexstar Media Group |
- ^ Satellite of WTTV.
Radio
[edit]- North Carolina News Network (now owned by Curtis Media Group)
- WILT – Wilmington, North Carolina (now owned by Bible Broadcasting Network with the call sign WYHW)
- WWMX – Baltimore (now owned by Audacy)
- WOCT-FM – Baltimore (now owned by iHeartMedia with the call sign WZFT)
- WRNL – Richmond, Virginia (now owned by Audacy)
- WRXL – Richmond, Virginia (now owned by Audacy)
- WSTF – Cocoa Beach, Florida (now owned by iHeartMedia with the call sign WJRR)
References
[edit]- ^ Capitol Broadcasting acquires seven radio stations in deals worth nearly $13M, WRAL-TV, Retrieved February 5, 2013.
- ^ "Fox Affiliate Switch in Works for Charlotte". Broadcasting and Cable. Retrieved 2013-01-29.
- ^ "Price revealed for Fox Charlotte TV buy". Radio & Television Business Report. January 29, 2013. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
- ^ "Consummation Notice (WJZY)". CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. April 17, 2013. Retrieved April 18, 2013.
- ^ "Consummation Notice (WMYT-TV)". CDBS Public Access. Federal Communications Commission. April 17, 2013. Retrieved April 18, 2013.
- ^ Kramer, Staci D. (2007-01-17). "Syndicate Buys Control Of TV Tech/Data Company Decisionmark Control; Name Changes To TitanTV Media". gigaom.com. Retrieved 2021-04-07.[dead link]
External links
[edit]Capitol Broadcasting Company
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and Early Expansion
Capitol Broadcasting Company was established in 1937 in Raleigh, North Carolina, by attorney A.J. Fletcher and four partners as a private media venture to compete in the burgeoning broadcasting industry.[1] The company's incorporation that year laid the groundwork for its entry into radio, reflecting Fletcher's vision for local media ownership in the region.[9] In July 1938, the Federal Communications Commission granted Capitol Broadcasting a construction permit and license for its inaugural station, WRAL-AM, operating on 1240 kilohertz with a power output of 250 watts.[10] The station's first broadcast occurred on December 12, 1939, from a modest studio in downtown Raleigh, making WRAL the second commercial AM radio outlet in the city after WPTF.[11] Early operations emphasized serving the local audience through a variety of programming, including daily talk shows hosted by figures like Fred Fletcher, son of the founder, alongside music and community-oriented content.[12] The onset of World War II presented significant challenges for WRAL-AM, as wartime regulations limited equipment availability, restricted frequency usage for civilian broadcasting, and diverted resources toward military communications efforts, thereby constraining the station's expansion and technical upgrades.[10] Despite these obstacles, the station maintained its commitment to local news coverage and entertainment, providing vital information and morale-boosting programs to North Carolinians during the conflict.[13] Postwar recovery enabled further growth, with Capitol Broadcasting launching WRAL-FM on September 6, 1946, at 95.3 MHz, becoming one of the early adopters of frequency modulation technology in the state.[14] This addition diversified the company's offerings and positioned it for broader audience reach as FM gained traction in the late 1940s.[15]Growth in Broadcasting
Capitol Broadcasting Company's expansion into television began with the launch of WRAL-TV on December 15, 1956, as North Carolina's first VHF station operating on channel 5 in Raleigh, initially affiliated with NBC.[10][16] The station's 1,100-foot transmission tower was the tallest structure east of the Mississippi River at the time, enabling broad coverage across eastern North Carolina and marking a significant technological leap for local broadcasting.[16] In 1985, WRAL-TV switched its primary affiliation to CBS in a swap with WTVD, strengthening its position as a dominant network outlet in the Raleigh-Durham market for the next three decades.[17][18] The company continued its television growth through strategic acquisitions of independent stations in the late 1980s. In November 1987, Capitol acquired WJZY-TV, channel 46 in Charlotte, shortly after its sign-on as an independent station, integrating it into operations to expand its regional footprint with a focus on syndicated programming and local content.[19] The following year, in July 1988, Capitol purchased WTTV (channel 4) and its satellite WTTK (channel 59) in Indianapolis for operational synergies, running them as independents with shared programming and sales efforts.[20] However, in 1991, Capitol sold WTTV and WTTK to River City Broadcasting for $28 million to refocus resources on its core North Carolina holdings.[21] Further broadcasting expansion included the 1999 acquisition of WFVT, channel 55 in Charlotte (later rebranded as WMYT-TV), which Capitol had operated under a local marketing agreement with its sister station WJZY, creating a duopoly that enhanced content distribution and advertising efficiency in the market. In radio, Capitol bolstered its portfolio in 2008 by acquiring the Wilmington cluster of six stations from NextMedia Group for $12 million, including WKXB-FM, WQSL-FM, and others, expanding its coastal coverage with formats like urban contemporary and talk.[22] That same year, the purchase of Sunrise Broadcasting added Raleigh-area stations such as WPTF-AM, a longstanding news-talk outlet, along with WQDR-FM and WNCB-FM, integrating them into Capitol's operations for broader audience reach.[23] Technological advancements underscored Capitol's growth, with WRAL-TV pioneering digital broadcasting. In 1996, it received the FCC's first experimental high-definition television license, beginning HD transmissions in July of that year.[24] By October 13, 2000, WRAL aired the world's first live all-HD newscast from the North Carolina State Fair, a 30-minute broadcast that demonstrated full production in high definition.[25] Early 2000s experiments with digital subchannels allowed WRAL to multicast programming, including weather and news feeds, positioning the company as a leader in transitioning to digital formats ahead of the national DTV switchover.[24]Diversification and Recent Developments
In the 2010s, Capitol Broadcasting Company began diversifying its portfolio by exiting certain markets while expanding digital capabilities. In 2013, the company sold its Charlotte-market duopoly stations WJZY (channel 46) and WMYT (channel 55) to Fox Television Stations for $18 million, effectively withdrawing from that competitive region to refocus resources on its core Raleigh-Durham operations.[26] This transaction allowed Capitol to streamline its broadcasting assets amid shifting industry dynamics. Later, in September 2020, Capitol acquired low-power station WARZ-CD (channel 34) from Waters & Brock Communications for $725,000, rebranding it as WNGT-CD and integrating it into WRAL's digital ecosystem primarily as a host for ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV signals, enhancing over-the-air delivery of advanced content.[27] Building on its technological innovations, Capitol continued adapting to broadcast advancements in the 2020s. In June 2024, the company partnered with Triveni Digital to deploy the Station Manager solution across its stations, streamlining operations for both ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV and legacy ATSC 1.0 services to improve content delivery efficiency and viewer interactivity.[28] That same year, on April 19, Capitol Broadcasting became the first company inducted into the North Carolina Media & Journalism Hall of Fame at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, recognizing its longstanding contributions to local journalism and broadcasting innovation.[29] Recent leadership and revenue strategies reflect Capitol's response to evolving media challenges. In April 2025, the company appointed Warren Thomas as Vice President and General Counsel, leveraging his expertise in FCC compliance and media advocacy to navigate regulatory and operational complexities.[30] By October 2025, amid declining traditional advertising revenue, Capitol selected AdApt Media Sales as its national sales representative to optimize revenue streams through data-driven targeting and multi-platform ad solutions. On November 7, 2025, Director of Technology Peter Sockett was honored with the Wade H. Hargrove Community Leadership Award for his service to the community.[31] These moves address broader industry pressures, including cord-cutting and digital fragmentation, where WRAL has countered by expanding free streaming services via platforms like NewsON and investing in localized on-demand content to retain audience engagement in 2025.[32]Broadcasting Assets
Television Stations
Capitol Broadcasting Company owns four television stations across North Carolina, primarily serving the Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington markets with a mix of network affiliations, independent programming, and local news content. These stations emphasize high-quality local journalism, sports coverage, and innovative broadcasting technologies, contributing to the company's position as a leading regional media provider.[33] WRAL-TV, the flagship station, is an NBC affiliate broadcasting on virtual channel 5 (RF channel 17) from Raleigh, serving the Research Triangle area. It launched on December 15, 1956, as one of the region's pioneering television outlets. The station is renowned for its robust news operation, which includes award-winning investigative journalism; for instance, reporter Sarah Krueger was named Investigative Reporter of the Year at the 2025 Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas (RTDNAC) Awards, and the team earned the News Excellence Emmy at the 39th Midsouth Regional Emmy Awards for overall journalistic leadership. WRAL-TV's programming features extensive local coverage, including politics, weather, and community stories, often extended through digital streams like WRAL News+.[34][10][35][36] WRAZ, known on-air as Fox 50, operates as the Fox affiliate on virtual channel 50 (RF channel 15) in Raleigh-Durham, forming a duopoly with WRAL-TV that allows shared resources for news and production. Capitol Broadcasting acquired WRAZ in 2000, shortly after the FCC's approval of television duopolies in 1999, enabling efficient local content delivery across both stations. The station airs Fox network programming alongside syndicated shows and contributes to the market's sports and entertainment lineup, leveraging the duopoly for enhanced advertising and operational synergies.[37] WNGT-CD is a low-power, Class A independent station on virtual channel 34 (RF channel 23), licensed to Smithfield and Selma but serving the broader Raleigh-Durham area, including portions of Greensboro. Acquired by Capitol Broadcasting on September 11, 2020, for $725,000 from previous owner Waters & Brock Communications, it primarily functions as a host for ATSC 3.0 signals and airs WRAL Plus, a 24/7 news and local programming channel focused on simulcasts and original content. This setup supports expanded news dissemination without traditional syndication emphasis.[38][39] WILM-LD, an independent station with MeTV affiliation on subchannel 10.2, broadcasts on virtual channel 10 (RF channel 15) from Wilmington. Capitol Broadcasting acquired the station in December 1999, when it operated as low-power WSSN, and relaunched it in 2000 with an emphasis on local programming, including WRAL News extensions, prime-time syndication, and classic television via MeTV. The station prioritizes community-focused content for the Cape Fear region, such as weather updates and regional events, filling a niche for non-network viewers.[40][41] In recent years, Capitol Broadcasting has advanced digital broadcasting through ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV), initially launching in the Raleigh-Durham market in December 2020 via WRAL-TV, WRAZ, and WNGT-CD. The rollout continued with enhancements in 2024, including a partnership with Triveni Digital's Station Manager software to streamline ATSC 3.0 and ATSC 1.0 operations across stations, improving viewer experiences with features like 4K video, interactive elements, and better mobile integration as of 2025. This initiative positions the company's stations at the forefront of over-the-air technology upgrades.[42][43]Radio Stations
Capitol Broadcasting Company operates a portfolio of nine radio stations primarily serving the Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington markets in North Carolina, emphasizing local programming, sports coverage, and community engagement.[3] The company's radio assets integrate closely with its television operations, particularly through shared sports content from WRAL-TV, and have seen enhancements in digital streaming capabilities as of 2025 to expand reach via apps and online platforms.[44] The portfolio expanded with the 2009 acquisition of WDNC and WCLY in Raleigh, enhancing sports programming. No major acquisitions or format overhauls have occurred since the 2009 acquisitions of WDNC and WCLY.[45][22] The flagship station, WRAL-FM (101.5 MHz) in Raleigh, broadcasts an adult contemporary format and has served the community since its launch in 1946.[46] Known as MIX 101.5, it features a mix of current hits and classic favorites, drawing over 500,000 weekly listeners, and annually switches to all-Christmas music starting in mid-November, creating a seasonal tradition for the Triangle area.[46][47] This station plays a central role in local events, including broadcasts from community gatherings and cross-promotions with WRAL-TV for holiday specials. In the sports radio segment, WCMC-FM (99.9 MHz) in Raleigh operates as an all-sports talk station branded as 99.9 The Fan ESPN Radio, acquired and launched by Capitol in 2005.[48] It provides live coverage of local teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and integrates programming with WRAL-TV's sports reporting, serving as a key hub for Triangle sports enthusiasts.[49] Complementing this is WDNC (620 AM) in Durham, known as Buzz Sports Radio, which offers additional sports talk and simulcasts select programming from WCMC-FM via HD and streaming.[50] The Wilmington cluster, acquired from NextMedia Group in 2008 for $12 million, includes six stations focused on diverse formats to capture the coastal market's demographics.[22] Notable among them is WILT-FM (103.7 MHz) in Wrightsville Beach, airing a hot adult contemporary format as Sunny 103.7, emphasizing family-friendly entertainment and local news inserts.[51] WKXB-FM (99.9 MHz) in Boiling Spring Lakes delivers rhythmic oldies under the Jammin' 99.9 branding, while WMFD (630 AM) in Wilmington serves as ESPN Wilmington with sports programming tied to regional teams.[3] Other stations in the cluster, such as WAZO-FM (107.5 MHz) with top 40 hits and WRMR-FM (98.7 MHz) featuring modern rock, contribute to community events like coastal festivals and provide hyper-local content.[52]| Station | Frequency | Market | Format | Key Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRAL-FM | 101.5 MHz | Raleigh | Adult Contemporary | Flagship; holiday specials; 500,000+ weekly listeners |
| WCMC-FM | 99.9 MHz | Raleigh | Sports Talk | ESPN affiliate; live sports integration with WRAL-TV |
| WDNC | 620 kHz | Durham | Sports Talk | Buzz Sports Radio; simulcast and local analysis |
| WCLY | 1550 kHz | Raleigh | Sports Talk | Simulcast of Buzz Sports Radio; additional sports coverage |
| WILT-FM | 103.7 MHz | Wilmington | Hot AC | Sunny 103.7; family-oriented local entertainment |
| WKXB-FM | 99.9 MHz | Wilmington | Rhythmic Oldies | Jammin' 99.9; community event coverage |
| WMFD | 630 kHz | Wilmington | Sports | ESPN Wilmington; regional sports focus |
| WAZO-FM | 107.5 MHz | Wilmington | Top 40 | Z107.5; youth-targeted hits and promotions |
| WRMR-FM | 98.7 MHz | Wilmington | Alternative Rock | Modern Rock 98.7; emerging artist spotlights |
