WCPA (AM)

Infobox Radio Station
name = WCPA


area = Clearfield, Pennsylvania / DuBois
branding = "AM 900 WCPA"
slogan =
airdate = 1947
frequency = 900(kHz)
format = News, talk, sports
erp = 2,500 watts (Daytime); 500 watts (Nighttime)
class =
owner = First Media, Inc.
website = none
callsign_meaning = Clearfield, PennsylvaniA

WCPA is an American radio station, licensed to Clearfield, Pennsylvania; the seat of government for Clearfield County. WCPA is owned and operated by First Media, Inc. WCPA broadcasts at the assigned frequency of 900 kHz with a power output of 2500 watts day; and 500 watts night.

History

WCPA was the first of three radio properties once owned by Progressive Publishing, first going on the air back in 1947. Though it had always broadcast at its current frequency, this station would not be granted nighttime power authorization until 1990, when it undertook a major engineering project.

Prior to this, WCPA enjoyed a reputation as an immediate and reliable source for breaking local news, largely through the newspaper cross-ownership. This alliance resulted in many awards for the quality of their local newscasts. Wishing to expand their reach into other markets, Progressive also purchased WDAD Indiana in 1958 and WMAJ State College at around the same time. Both WDAD and WMAJ experienced massive growth while under the tutelage of Progressive's ownership.

In the mid 1960's, the FCC approved a round of low-powered Class A FM drop-in channels to spur growth on that band among AM broadcasters who were reluctant to take the financial risk involved with the unpopular technology. Progressive successfully applied for three FM channels in their respective markets, with WCPA's FM sister, WQYX coming on the air at 93.5 (now at 93.1) on July 12, 1967.

1980's: Progressive Divestiture

In the late 1980s, Progressive decided to reduce its footprint and sold their properties in State College and Indiana. Sales of both stations generated close to $5 million dollars by the end of the decade. With this new capital, Progressive decided to put a sizable investment into WCPA's future. Prior to 1990, it had been a single-tower non-directional daytime-only AM station operating at a thousand watts.

Progressive successfully applied for a construction permit to build a new transmitter and tower site for WCPA. Two new towers were built for a directional-antenna pattern that would allow the station to operate more than double its current power during the day, with nighttime power at 500 watts. The low dial position allowed WCPA to be heard clearly at night throughout Clearfield County, and parts of Centre County.

WCPA Today

WCPA, along with WQYX, continues to operate from its longtime location at 110 Healy Street in downtown Clearfield. In October 2006, Progressive Publishing sold WCPA and WQYX to First Media, owners of Q102 in DuBois, for $750,000.

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