Contemporary Christian singer Michael W. Smith finishes the last strains of “Here I am,” when an announcer breaks in with the station I.D, “So who’s listening to 90.1 WCCE FM” he asks, “someone who’s looking for words of encouragement? Maybe someone like you?” Reaching out to the listening community through praise and worship music is the motive behind Campbell University’s decision to convert WCCE’s music format from the block programming it has maintained for the past 15 years. The station’s block programming featured a wide variety of music styles mixed with sports and syndicated talk shows such as Dr. James Dobson’s “Focus on the Family.” The new praise and worship programming, which aired in mid-June, is designed to streamline the station’s format and enhance its on-air sound, while reinforcing Campbell’s mission of promoting a values-based, Christian lifestyle. “It’s hard to promote a block format because listeners are accustomed to one type of music on a station,” said Campbell alumnus Travis Autry, who has been the station’s general manager since 1989. “Block programming lacks consistency throughout the day.” The praise and worship format provides consistency, and the new core of the format which is called ‘The Word in Praise’ complements WCCE’s role in supporting the Christian mission of Campbell. The format not only features contemporary Christian music but traditional and gospel music. “It’s a very unique mix,” Autry said. Primary artists include the Marantha Praise Band, Mercy Me, Michael W. Smith, Twila Paris and Alvin Slaughter. “We know what our game plan is—to be a Christian outreach for Campbell to the larger community,” said Autry. “By offering a different brand of Christian radio, we know we can accomplish that goal.” The response to WCCE’s new format has already been positive. “I got a voice mail from a listener just the other day who said she had not listened to WCCE much in the past, but she likes the new format and plans to listen more often,” Autry said. WCCE will also be unveiling a new program, “Opening the Word,” a locally produced show featuring Campbell voices exploring biblical truths through sermon and Bible study. “You’ll find it very listenable too,” said Autry.Photo Copy: The billboard announcing WCCE’s new music format, located on U.S. 421 between Dunn and Erwin.
WCCE changes format to support Campbell’s mission