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WCTN
Broadcast areaWashington, D.C.
Frequency950 kHz
BrandingAuténtica 950
Programming
FormatSpanish Hits
Ownership
OwnerWin Radio Broadcasting Corporation
History
First air date
November 1971 (53 years ago) (1971-11)
Former call signs
WXLN (1964–1973)
Call sign meaning
"Christ To the Nation"[1]
Technical information[2]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID59711
ClassD
Power2,500 watts day
350 watts night
Translator(s)94.3 MHz W232DE (Potomac)
Links
Public license information
Websitehttp://autentica950.com/

WCTN is a Spanish hits radio station broadcasting on 950 kHz in the medium-wave AM band from Potomac, Maryland.

History

Seven Locks Broadcasting Company obtained a construction permit for station WXLN on July 1, 1964. Seven Locks was beset by financial problems; the permit was initially applied for in 1958 but faced delays due to ownership changes, and the deadline to construct was extended ten times between 1964 and 1971. WXLN went on the air in November 1971 with an adult standards format, but was forced to suspend operations May 26, 1972 due to bankruptcy.[1][3]

The station was sold to Christ Church, Washington Parish in February 1973, who put the station back on the air that May 21 with one of the first contemporary Christian music formats in the nation.[4][5]

Translator

WCTN signed on FM translator W232DE (94.3 MHz) on August 30, 2017. This translator immediately drew interference complaints from WOWD-LP, also broadcasting on 94.3 to nearby Takoma Park, Maryland, who also alleged that Win Radio had installed a different antenna than that which was authorized. Win Radio did not respond to any of the complaints or inquiries from the FCC. As a translator is not allowed to cause any interference to another station, its license application was dismissed on May 8, 2018, and Win Radio was ordered to immediately cease its operation.[6] The translator returned to air a year later; WOWD-LP dropped its complaints, though Win Radio admitted it had installed an unauthorized antenna and was fined $7,500 for the rule violation.[7] Win Radio currently holds a construction permit to move to 101.5 FM, which would alleviate interference with both WOWD-LP and WLZV.

WCTN 95AM Bumper sticker, circa 1973
WCTN 95AM Bumper sticker, circa 1973

References

  1. ^ a b "Washington, D.C. AM Station History". earlyradiohistory.us.
  2. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WCTN". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  3. ^ "Facility No. 59711 History Card" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission.
  4. ^ Staff (August 20, 1973). "Sounding a new beat in radio: the Jesus rockers" (PDF). Broadcasting. p. 77.
  5. ^ "WCTN Facility Data". FCCdata.
  6. ^ "In re: W257BW, Potomac, Maryland". FCC CDBS.
  7. ^ "In The Matter of Win Radio Broadcasting Corp" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission. 27 June 2023.

39°02′12″N 77°12′09″W / 39.03667°N 77.20250°W / 39.03667; -77.20250