WCSI radio in Columbus has received Federal Communications Commission approval to broadcast at 98.1 on the FM dial as well as its current broadcast station of AM 1010.
The FCC decision allows the radio station to reach a wider audience.
WCSI, which first went on the air in 1947, is a Class D AM radio station that broadcasts at 330 watts of power, station officials said.
Until 1989, WCSI was required to sign off at sunset and not sign back on until sunrise. However, since then, WCSI has broadcast 24 hours a day, from sunset to sunrise, at a reduced power of 18 watts.
Using a FM translator permits simultaneous broadcast of WCSI’s programming on the AM and FM frequencies, said David Glass, White River Broadcasting president.
Glass said the expansion will be helpful for local high school sports broadcasts. The build-out of the project is expected this spring.
White River Broadcasting, which is a subsidiary of Findley Publishing Co. in Findley, Ohio, also operates WKKG, WIN 104.9 and 106.1 The River along with three radio stations in Ohio. The publishing company also owns two daily newspapers, the Findlay Courier and the Fostoria Review Times.
