List of radio stations in West Virginia

The list of radio stations in West Virginia encompasses all broadcast radio stations licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to serve the state, including full-power AM and FM stations, low-power FM (LPFM) stations, and FM translators that deliver diverse programming such as news, talk, country, contemporary, and public affairs content to both urban and rural audiences. As of November 2025, there are 224 such stations operating across the state, with concentrations in key areas like Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Wheeling, Beckley, and Martinsburg to address the challenges of the Appalachian terrain and provide wide coverage.^[1] Radio broadcasting in West Virginia traces its origins to March 16, 1922, when WHD—operated by West Virginia University—became the state's first licensed station, followed by pioneering outlets like WSAZ (now WRVC) in Huntington (licensed October 1924) and WWVA in Wheeling (December 1926), which helped establish early networks for music, news, and community events.^[2] The industry expanded rapidly post-World War II, growing from 13 stations in 1945 to 39 by 1947 (including the state's first FM station, WCFC in Beckley, launched August 1946) and reaching 57 licensees by 1952, with major markets emerging in Charleston, Wheeling, and Parkersburg.^[2] In the modern era, West Virginia's radio landscape features a mix of commercial and non-commercial operations, with the West Virginia Broadcasters Association representing 131 members as of 2004, though the total has since increased due to LPFM additions and format shifts toward digital integration.^[2] Public radio plays a vital role through West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB), a statewide network of 15 FM stations—such as WVPB in Charleston (88.5 FM), WVEP in Martinsburg (88.9 FM), and WVBY in Beckley (91.7 FM)—reaching approximately 85,933 weekly listeners (as of 2023) with NPR affiliates, local journalism, and educational programming amid ongoing challenges from media consolidation, streaming competition, and recent federal funding reductions in 2025.^[3][4][5] Commercial stations dominate formats like country (e.g., WKAZ 680 AM in Charleston) and news/talk (e.g., WMOV 1360 AM in Ravenswood), supporting local economies and emergency communications in this predominantly rural state.^[1]

Overview

History of Radio Broadcasting

Radio broadcasting in West Virginia began in the early 1920s with experimental and initial commercial efforts. The state's first radio station license was granted to WHD at West Virginia University in Morgantown on March 16, 1922, marking the inception of organized radio activity in the region.^[2] By October 1924, WSAZ in Huntington—originally licensed in nearby Pomeroy, Ohio, but soon relocated—emerged as the oldest continuously operating station in the state, providing early broadcasts that served local communities.^[2] This was followed by WWVA in Wheeling, which launched on December 13, 1926, from a modest 50-watt transmitter in the basement of physics teacher John Stroebel, quickly evolving into a powerhouse for country music programming through shows like the WWVA Jamboree.^[6] In 1927, WCHS (initially WOBU) began operations in Charleston, solidifying the foundation for commercial radio amid the state's growing industrial and rural audiences.^[2] The 1930s saw significant expansion and innovation, with stations incorporating local talent and programming to engage listeners. For instance, WMMN in Fairmont commenced broadcasting on December 22, 1928—just before the decade's start—with an inaugural performance by Clem Bray and his Fairmont Theatre Orchestra playing "Hail West Virginia," exemplifying the era's emphasis on community-oriented content.^[7] By 1939, the West Virginia Network was established, linking stations such as WCHS in Charleston, WSAZ in Huntington, WPAR in Parkersburg, and WBLK in Clarksburg to collaboratively cover major events and share resources, enhancing statewide coverage despite the challenges posed by the Appalachian terrain that often obstructed signal propagation.^[2] This period's growth reflected radio's role in connecting isolated mountain communities, though rugged landscapes frequently necessitated later innovations like signal translators to extend reach into valleys and hollows.^[8] Frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting arrived in the 1940s, offering improved sound quality and resistance to interference. The first FM station, WCFC in Beckley, initiated regular programming on August 15, 1946, at 101.1 MHz, followed by FCC records in 1947 listing 11 FM licensees among the state's 39 total stations.^[2] Post-World War II expansion accelerated in the 1950s and 1960s, as radio adapted to competition from television by focusing on music, news, and local affairs; by 1952, the state had 57 licensees.^[2] Notable developments included WWVA's affiliation switch to the ABC radio network on October 25, 1962, which introduced programs featuring personalities like Don McNeill and bolstered its national profile.^[9] The decade also saw the rise of educational broadcasting, with non-commercial stations emerging alongside commercial ones. A pivotal event in the 1980s involved public media reorganization: in 1983, WWVU-TV in Morgantown was transferred from West Virginia University to the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority, integrating it into the statewide public network and supporting related radio initiatives amid ongoing efforts to overcome terrain-related coverage limitations through translators and repeaters.^[10]

Current Broadcasting Landscape

As of November 2025, West Virginia is home to approximately 224 licensed radio stations, comprising 59 AM outlets and 165 FM stations (including full-power, low-power FM, and translators), though coverage remains sparse in many rural and mountainous regions due to the state's rugged Appalachian terrain.^[1] This fragmented landscape is exacerbated by the National Radio Quiet Zone, a 13,000-square-mile area in the eastern part of the state where radio transmissions are heavily restricted to protect astronomical research, further limiting local signal propagation in areas like Pocahontas County.^[11] The state's radio market is dominated by the Charleston-Huntington area, the largest market with a population exceeding 929,900 and serving over 500,000 potential listeners, while signals from out-of-state markets in Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Ohio exert significant influence, particularly in northern and eastern West Virginia where local stations struggle with terrain-related interference.^[12] Popular formats include country, news/talk, and sports, reflecting the region's cultural and informational needs; for instance, country music dominates rural airwaves, while news/talk stations provide coverage of state politics and local events.^[13] Major owners such as iHeartMedia, which operates stations in markets like Huntington and Wheeling, and WVRC Media, controlling over 30 stations across the state and into Maryland, together manage more than 30% of the market's full-power outlets.^[14][13] Broadcasting faces unique challenges from the Appalachian terrain, which obstructs FM signals and necessitates extensive use of FM translators to extend coverage into valleys and remote communities, a strategy employed by networks to combat signal shadowing.^[15] The West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) network plays a crucial role in filling gaps, operating 16 FM stations statewide to deliver public radio programming focused on education, news, and Appalachian culture, reaching an estimated 172,500 weekly listeners as of 2024 despite funding pressures. In 2025, WVPB faced substantial federal funding cuts, including a $1.6 million loss from rescissions to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.^[4][16][17] In 2025, radio trends in West Virginia mirror national shifts, with traditional AM listenership declining amid a 18% drop in heaviest AM/FM users over the past decade, driven by younger audiences favoring digital streaming platforms that integrate with apps like iHeartRadio for on-demand access.^[18] However, overall radio reach remains robust at 91% of adults monthly, bolstered by streaming integrations that allow stations to extend beyond physical barriers in the mountains.^[5]

Active Full-Power Stations by Market

Wheeling Market

The Wheeling radio market, located in West Virginia's Northern Panhandle, primarily serves the Ohio Valley region, with station signals commonly reaching into eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. This market features a cluster of full-power AM and FM stations licensed to Wheeling and the adjacent city of Moundsville, providing programming that caters to local listeners' interests in news, music, sports, and public affairs. iHeartMedia dominates ownership in the market, operating multiple outlets that broadcast syndicated content alongside regional focus.^[19][20][21] Among these, WWVA 1170 AM stands out with its 50 kW clear-channel signal, enabling wide coverage, and a news/talk format that includes national syndication from iHeartMedia. The market's stations collectively support community events, such as sports broadcasts for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins on rock outlet WEGW. Public radio is represented by WVNP, part of the statewide West Virginia Public Broadcasting network.^[22][23][24]

Parkersburg Market

The Parkersburg radio market, situated in the Mid-Ohio Valley along the Ohio River, serves Wood and Jackson counties in West Virginia, as well as adjacent communities in southeastern Ohio, including Marietta. This region features a blend of commercial and non-commercial full-power stations offering formats such as country, rock, contemporary hits, and news/talk to support local news, music, and community engagement. The market's stations are influenced by the area's hilly terrain, which can limit signal propagation but enhances local focus.^[31] The following table lists active full-power AM and FM stations licensed to or primarily serving the Parkersburg market, based on current FCC licensing and market data. Formats and ownership are subject to change based on FCC approvals and market dynamics; for example, recent adjustments in the Seven Mountains Media cluster include frequency swaps between WGGE and WXIL to optimize coverage.^[32][33]

Charleston-Huntington Market

The Charleston-Huntington market represents West Virginia's largest radio audience, encompassing the Kanawha Valley and Tri-State region across Kanawha, Cabell, and Wayne counties, with many stations broadcasting signals that extend into neighboring Ohio and Kentucky communities.^[12] This combined market, ranked as the 153rd largest in the U.S. by population, features a diverse array of full-power AM and FM stations licensed to cities like Charleston, Huntington, Dunbar, and South Charleston, serving over 200,000 potential listeners with formats ranging from news/talk and country to contemporary hits and sports.^[12] These stations are primarily owned by major groups such as iHeartMedia, Cumulus Media, WVRC Media, and Bristol Broadcasting Enterprises, reflecting consolidated ownership trends in mid-sized markets.^[34][35] The following table lists active full-power AM and FM stations licensed to or primarily serving the market, based on current FCC licensing and broadcast data as of 2025. Formats are current as reported by station profiles and industry directories.

Morgantown-Clarksburg-Fairmont Market

The Morgantown-Clarksburg-Fairmont radio market serves north-central West Virginia, primarily encompassing Monongalia, Harrison, and Marion counties, with a population center influenced by the presence of West Virginia University in Morgantown. This market features a diverse array of full-power AM and FM stations offering commercial, public, educational, and religious programming, including country, news/talk, classic hits, and college rock formats. Proximity to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—approximately 75 miles northeast—allows some signals from that larger market, such as urban adult contemporary on WBTJ 101.3 FM, to reach portions of the area and compete for listeners.^[40][41] In early 2025, Disruptor Radio LLC acquired operational control via a local marketing agreement (later formalized through an asset purchase) of several stations from LHTC Media of West Virginia, Inc., flipping them to the conservative talk "The Torch" network, which now dominates talk programming in the market. Other major owners include West Virginia Radio Corporation (WVRC Media), operating a cluster focused on country and news/talk, and AJG Corporation, handling classic country and rock outlets. Public broadcasting is provided by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and West Virginia University.^[42][43][13] The following table lists active full-power AM and FM stations licensed to communities within or primarily serving the market, sorted by frequency. Formats reflect current programming as of November 2025; licensees are the current FCC-authorized holders.^[41][40][44]

Beckley-Bluefield Market

The Beckley-Bluefield market, one of the smaller radio markets in southern West Virginia, primarily serves the rural coalfield communities of Raleigh, Mercer, and Summers counties, with many stations extending their signals across the state line into Virginia for broader regional coverage.^[45] This area, characterized by its mining heritage and Appalachian culture, relies on local broadcasters for news, talk, country music, gospel programming, and public affairs content tailored to the needs of its approximately 100,000 listeners. Full-power AM and FM stations in this market are licensed to communities like Beckley, Bluefield, Oak Hill, Princeton, and Rainelle, operated by a mix of local and regional companies focused on community-oriented formats.^[46] The following table lists active full-power stations licensed to or primarily serving the market, based on current FCC licensing and broadcast data.

Other Markets

The smaller markets in West Virginia, including the Eastern Panhandle regions of Berkeley and Jefferson counties as well as the Potomac Highlands areas around Elkins, Romney, and Keyser, host a collection of full-power AM and FM stations that serve rural and semi-rural audiences with localized programming. These stations often compete with or complement signals from nearby Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area, providing formats such as news-talk, country, and public radio to communities influenced by cross-border listening habits.^[50][51] The following table lists representative active full-power stations in these markets, focusing on those licensed to key communities:

Low-Power and Translator Stations

Low-Power FM Stations

Low-power FM (LPFM) stations in West Virginia operate at effective radiated powers of 100 watts or less, enabling local, noncommercial broadcasting by community organizations, educational entities, and nonprofits. Created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in January 2000, with expansions enabled by the Local Community Radio Act of 2010, the LPFM service aims to enhance media diversity and support hyper-local programming that full-power stations often overlook.^[53] These stations address coverage challenges in West Virginia's rural and mountainous regions, delivering targeted content such as religious broadcasts, educational discussions, and community-focused music to isolated communities. As of late 2024, REC Networks reported 8 fully licensed and operational LPFM stations across the state, emphasizing noncommercial educational and local programming, with additional stations licensed by November 2025.^[54] The table below lists selected active LPFM stations in West Virginia, including key details drawn from FCC records as of November 2025.

FM Translator Stations

FM translator stations in West Virginia are secondary low-power facilities that rebroadcast signals from primary AM or FM stations on a different frequency to improve reception in areas where terrain or distance limits coverage. These stations play a vital role in the state due to its mountainous Appalachian geography, which frequently obstructs line-of-sight propagation for higher-power broadcasts, enabling service to isolated valleys and rural communities. Under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules, FM translators serving as fill-ins within a primary station's protected contour may operate at up to 250 watts effective radiated power (ERP), while those outside such areas face stricter limits based on location and class.^[65][65] Numerous translators support commercial FM stations in West Virginia's rugged regions, such as the Alleghenies and New River Gorge areas, where they extend programming like country, news-talk, and contemporary hits to underserved listeners. Public broadcasters also rely heavily on them; for instance, West Virginia Public Broadcasting employs translators to deliver NPR and local content statewide. Representative active FM translators are listed below, drawn from FCC licensing records.^[66][67] These examples illustrate typical deployments: lower-power units for precise fill-ins in public radio networks and higher-power ones for commercial AM-to-FM simulcasts in challenging terrains. As of 2025, West Virginia hosts over 100 licensed FM translators, reflecting their widespread use to bridge coverage gaps.^[67][67]

Defunct Stations

Defunct AM Stations

Several AM radio stations in West Virginia have ceased operations over the decades, contributing to the broader decline of the medium. This decline has been driven by factors such as signal interference, particularly at night when stations must reduce power to comply with FCC regulations aimed at preventing disruptions to distant broadcasts, and the increasing popularity of FM radio, which offers clearer audio quality and fewer propagation issues.^[71][2] In West Virginia, early experimental stations paved the way for broadcasting but often proved short-lived due to limited technology and funding, while later closures frequently stemmed from financial challenges and the shift toward FM dominance. The following table lists notable defunct AM stations, focusing on those with documented histories of operation and closure.

Defunct FM Stations

Several FM radio stations in West Virginia have ceased broadcasting over the decades, primarily due to economic pressures, operational challenges, and industry consolidations leading to mergers or license relocations. In the mid-20th century, pioneering FM outlets struggled with limited audience adoption and financial viability following World War II. More recently, from the 2000s onward, a number of stations, including low-power FMs, have gone silent amid declining ad revenues and shifts toward digital media, with some licenses relocated out of state to sustain operations elsewhere.^[8] Notable examples include early full-power stations that signed off shortly after launch and later ones affected by market dynamics. The following table lists selected defunct FM stations, focusing on those with documented histories. These cases illustrate broader patterns, such as the relocation of signals to adjacent markets during ownership changes in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, contributing to the reduction in local FM presence in rural areas.^[8]