Talks Begin on Preserving Historic WBT Transmitter Site

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 3:25pm CT

Johnny Caudle

Discussions are underway about preserving or documenting the history of WBT's iconic 1110 AM transmitter site in Charlotte following a meeting between preservation advocate Johnny Caudle (pictured) and executives from Beasley Media Group and Radio One.

Caudle said he met July 28 at Radio One's Charlotte offices with Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley, Chief Communications Officer Heidi Raphael and Radio One Charlotte Vice President and General Manager Marsha Landess to discuss the future of the historic Nations Ford Road property.

According to Caudle, company representatives said both Beasley Media Group, which owns the transmitter property, and Radio One, which owns the WBT license, support some form of documenting or preserving the station's history. He said the companies have been discussing preservation possibilities internally for several months, although no final decisions have been made.

"My goal has always been simple: to make sure this conversation happened," Caudle said in a statement. "I'm encouraged that these conversations are taking place and appreciate the willingness of everyone involved to have an open dialogue."

The meeting follows months of public interest surrounding the future of WBT's longtime transmitter site at 9201 Nations Ford Road, which has been listed for sale. The property includes three rare Blaw-Knox towers, a transmitter building dating to the early 1930s and a Cold War-era fallout shelter.

WBT moved its news/talk programming from the historic 50,000-watt 1110 AM signal to WBT-FM (107.9) in December 2025. Since then, 1110 AM has carried a continuous loop of music and recorded announcements directing listeners to the FM signal, while Radio One has said new programming is planned for the AM frequency.

Concerned that the site's historic significance could be overlooked, Caudle contacted the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Department, which indicated the transmitter building appears eligible for historic landmark designation and inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The Charlotte Amateur Radio Club has also proposed preserving the building as a museum and emergency communications center while retaining one of the towers for amateur radio use.

Caudle also launched an online petition urging preservation efforts before any redevelopment moves forward. He said the petition has attracted more than 1,200 verified signatures and support from current and former broadcasters, while also generating coverage from WCNC Charlotte, WGN Radio and Radio World.

Following the July 28 meeting, Caudle said Landess has reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Director Stewart Gray to begin discussions with the agency.

Caudle emphasized that his efforts have not been aimed at preventing the property's sale or restoring WBT programming to 1110 AM, but rather ensuring the station's historic legacy is considered before any final decisions are made. He added that he believes all parties involved are committed to finding an appropriate way to recognize WBT's history.