About Us / WBCP History
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WBCP 1580AM Radio Champaign-Urbana, IL
Soul of the Twin Cities!
WBCP 1580AM Radio has enjoyed 20 years bringing you our best in Urban Adult Contemporary music, education and local news.
WBCP 1580AM started in 1989 by the late Vernon Barkstall, Lonnie Clark and J.W. Pirtle. Three pioneers in the radio industry brought their knowledge and individual talents to a small station in the urban community. Named after each of their last name's, WBCP is celebrated as the only African American owned radio station in East Central Illinois. That's one out of 240 in the entire country! The greater Chamapign-Urbana, Illinois area consists of a population of roughly 170,000 with the inclusion of students at the University of Illinois.
According to the 2000 census, African Americans make up 16% of the population. And spend $30 milion annualy on goods and services locally. WBCP has a very diverse listening audience of African American, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Caucasian ranging in ages from 25-55.
WBCP is an ABC Affiliate which means it shares the airwaves with such popular show hosts as Doug Banks, Tom Joyner, and Michael Baisden just to name a few!
Special acknowledgment to Deb Kennedy, WBCP's first General Manager and Program Director.
ABC Affiliates
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