WUNC in Chapel Hill, N.C., plans to acquire WZCO, a formerly student-run station.
WUNC will pay $50,000 for the full-power FM station in Whiteville, N.C., according to the asset purchase agreement. WZCO is currently silent, according to the FCC.
The deal is an “important step in the expansion of public radio in North Carolina,” WUNC said in a press release. In addition to its flagship WUNC signal, the public broadcaster airs programming on seven other FM stations and translators throughout the state.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to serve more North Carolinians with our high-quality news and programming,” said WUNC GM Paul Hunton in the release. “Our mission has always been to foster informed and engaged communities across the state. The addition of WZCO enables us to strengthen this commitment, extending our service to an even broader audience.”
Located in the state’s southeastern region, WZCO is owned by Columbus County Schools and is housed at the district’s Columbus Career & College Academy.
WUNC will announce its rebranding plans for the station following FCC approval, according to the release.