WBOC Salisbury Moving Into Radio

Draper Holdings-owned CBS affiliate WBOC Salisbury, Md. (DMA 143), which began serving the Delmarva Peninsula 75 years ago as WBOC-AM, is returning to its roots with the acquisition of the market’s WOLC-FM from Maranatha Inc. 

“We are humbled by the trust people on Delmarva put in us every day” says WBOC VP-GM Craig Jahelka. “We’re dedicated to providing the best news, weather, information and entertainment available. With the addition of 102.5 FM we will be able to serve our audience and advertisers anytime and anywhere on Delmarva, even when they’re in their vehicles, on a boat or operating a combine.”

WBOC-AM, originally owned by Peninsula Broadcasting, signed on the air on Sept. 13, 1940, and expanded to television in July 1954.

In 1980, current owner Thomas H. Draper purchased WBOC and this deal also marks a return to radio for him. “My start in broadcasting began in 1967 at WTHD in Milford, [Del.]” says Draper. “I’ve come full circle with the addition of WOLC. The 50,000-watt signal can be heard across much of Delmarva and is a perfect fit for our family and our company.”

“We’ve retained the services of a firm which specializes in radio programming,” says Jahelka. “So while we haven’t yet decided on a format for 102.5, I can promise the station will reflect the WBOC brand, serving our family, friends and neighbors here on the peninsula.”

“After a long season of prayer and discussion a decision has been made to sell the 102.5 frequency,” said Gordon Marsh, president of Maranatha Inc. “We are very pleased to be able to work with WBOC, an organization which is both trusted and respected here. Maranatha Inc. will continue to operate as the Christian Leadership and Community Foundation, established to provide and build leadership and support within the Christian community.”

The sale, contingent upon regulatory approval, is expected to close later this year.