WFSS

WFSS (91.9 FM) is a radio station broadcasting National Public Radio (NPR) programming originating from WUNC. Owned by Fayetteville State University until May 2015, when it was purchased by the Chapel Hill-based public radio broadcaster, WFSS programmed jazz as well as an eclectic mix of formats on the weekend, including bluegrass, Gospel, blues, African and Latin music. Licensed to Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA, it serves the Fayetteville area and twelve surrounding counties.

History

In 1977, WFSS began broadcasting at 10 watts and was operated by students using the station to prepare them for broadcasting careers. In February 1983, power was increased to 100,000 watts. From the beginning the station played jazz but went on to offer a wide variety of programming including blues, reggae and rhythm and blues. Joseph Ross, who came from Monrovia, Liberia, was the station manager from 1977 until the 1980s and again starting in 1995.

In March 1993, in order to switch from 89.1 to 91.9 and reduce interference to WECT, WFSS signed off for five days and then came back at 30,000 watts before finally going back to 100,000 watts.