96.9 The Cape Launches Classic Hits Format in Virginia

96.9 The Cape Brings Back the Hits too the Eastern Shore

Nassawadox/Cape Charles, VA – Classic Hits radio station 96.9 The Cape (WCCZ) officially debuted on February 1st, ushering in a new era of nostalgia for music lovers on the Eastern Shore. The station, owned by GSB Media, made a significant transformation from its previous regional Mexican format, “Radio Amigo,” to become a haven for fans of iconic pop and rock music.

Listeners can now enjoy a captivating journey through the sounds of the late 1960s through the early 1990s, with legendary artists like The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, and Prince filling the airwaves. The station’s carefully curated playlist offers a perfect soundtrack for reminiscing about cherished memories while introducing timeless hits to a new generation.

Local Focus, connecting with the community

“We’ve been working very hard to bring great content to Cape Charles and the surrounding areas. Locals and people visiting can now have something fun to listen to, and they can find out what’s happening around town, too. Our programming is simple: Music, Community, and Weather,”

said Doc Holloway, Operations Manager/Program Director, emphasizing the station’s dedication to serving its local community.

96.9 The Cape embraces familiar voices, retaining the engaging personalities that listeners already know and love. Greg Fentress, previously of sister station “Wow Country,” takes on morning duties, bringing his energetic style to the newest station. Annie Oakley, midday host on “Wow Country,” will also host afternoons on WCCZ, fostering a sense of continuity for devoted listeners.

Betsy byrd Fitch, co-owner of GSB Media, underscores the station’s meaning within the community. “I grew up on the Shore, and, for provided that I can remember, radio has been an significant part of the Shore’s community life, entertaining and keeping folks informed. We are happy that 96.9 The Cape will be carrying on that tradition,” she shared.

A Timeless Sound for a New Generation

With its nostalgic music selection, strong local focus, and engaging on-air personalities, 96.9 The Cape is poised to become a cherished member of the Cape Charles community. The station successfully bridges generations through the global language of music, creating a platform for shared experiences and creating new memories.

96.9 The Cape: Reviving Classic Hits in Cape Charles

The airwaves of Nassawadox/cape Charles have a new soundtrack thanks to 96.9 The Cape (WCCZ), a classic hits radio station that launched on February 1st. Owned by GSB Media, the station, formerly known as “Radio Amigo,” now plays music from the late 1960s to the early 1990s, catering to listeners who long for the sounds of the golden age of pop and rock.

Connecting with a Community Through Timeless Tunes

“We saw a real prospect to fill a void in the local radio landscape,” said Doc Holloway, Operations Manager and Program Director of 96.9 The Cape. “Ther’s a huge demand for classic hits in this area, and we wanted to create a station that celebrates the music people grew up with.”

holloway emphasizes that 96.9 The Cape is more than just music; it’s about building community. “It’s about nostalgia, shared memories, and bringing the community together through music.”

To achieve this, the station incorporates local news, events, and stories into its programming. “We’re committed to being a part of the fabric of Cape Charles,” Holloway explained. “Our programming is simple: music, community, and weather. We’ll feature local news, events, and stories, and our personalities will be actively involved in the community. We want listeners to feel like they know us and that we know them.”

Familiar Voices, New Beginnings

96.9 The Cape also welcomes familiar voices from sister station “wow Country,” Greg Fentress and Annie Oakley. “We wanted to create a sense of continuity and familiarity for listeners who already enjoy those voices,” Holloway said. “They understand what people want from their local radio station.”

A Beacon of nostalgia and Connection

Looking ahead,Holloway envisions 96.9 The Cape as a lasting source of joy and connection for the community. “We hope to be a source of joy, connection, and information for years to come.Whether it’s sharing a loved song from the past, keeping people updated on local happenings, or just providing a soundtrack to their day, we want 96.9 The Cape to be a cherished part of the Cape Charles experience.”

The Enduring Appeal of Classic Hits Radio

In the digital age defined by streaming services and personalized playlists, the enduring popularity of classic hits radio might seem surprising. Though, this nostalgic wave continues to captivate listeners, fostering a sense of community and shared experience that transcends the individual listening experience offered by digital platforms.

“Classic hits radio offers something unique,” says radio personality and industry expert [Name withheld], “It’s about shared experiences, discovering new music from the past, and enjoying the magic of a curated playlist led by DJs who really connect with the community.”

Beyond Algorithms: The Power of Human Curatorship

Streaming services, while offering vast libraries and personalized recommendations, frequently enough lack the human touch found in classic hits radio. DJs handpick songs, weave stories, and create a cohesive sonic journey, going beyond algorithmic suggestions. This curated experience fosters a sense of connection and nostalgia, reminding listeners of cherished memories and shared cultural touchstones.

Curating Community: The Shared Experience of Music

Classic hits radio transcends the solitary nature of streaming. Listeners tune in at specific times, creating a sense of communal gathering. Whether it’s belting out favourite anthems during a specific hour or engaging in online discussions about the latest song choices,classic hits radio fosters a sense of belonging and shared passion for music.

A Timeless Appeal: Bridging Generations Through Sound

Beyond the sense of community, classic hits radio acts as a bridge between generations.Eager to share their love of music with younger audiences,older generations find common ground through familiar tunes,while younger listeners discover musical gems from bygone eras. This intergenerational exchange enriches the listening experience and fosters a deeper understanding and thankfulness of musical history.

in a world increasingly defined by personalized audio experiences, classic hits radio remains a powerful force, reminding us of the enduring value of shared experiences, human curation, and the timeless appeal of music that connects us across generations.

What are yoru favorite classic hits memories? Share them in the comments below

A Blast from the Past: 96.9 The Cape Revives Classic hits on the Eastern Shore

Interview with Doc Holloway, Operations Manager/Program Director of 96.9 the Cape (WCCZ)

Welcome to Archyde,Doc. 96.9 The Cape officially launched in February, and it’s generating a lot of buzz in the area.What inspired the shift from the previous format, “Radio Amigo,” to classic hits?

Thanks for having me. We saw a huge opportunity to connect with the community in a way that hadn’t been done before. There is a deep love for classic music on the Eastern Shore, and we wanted to create a station that celebrates that. We heard from so many people who missed having a dedicated outlet for these timeless tunes. this felt like a natural fit, something that would truly resonate with local listeners.

What kind of reception have you received since the launch?

The response has been absolutely incredible! People are thrilled to have a station playing music they grew up with, music that brings back fond memories. We’re getting calls, messages, even meeting people in the community who are overjoyed that classic hits are back on the airwaves. Our focus on local news, events, and weather has also been very well-received.

You mentioned local connection. How does 96.9 The Cape aim to become more than just a music station?

We believe that radio is, at its heart, about community. It’s about connecting people through shared experiences. We want to be more than just background noise; we want to be a source of information, entertainment, and connection. That means being deeply involved in local events, sharing local stories, and making sure our voices reflect the diverse and vibrant community we serve.

And you’ve retained some familiar voices from your sister station “Wow Country.” Why was that important?

Greg Fentress and annie Oakley are beloved by our listeners, and we wanted to provide that sense of continuity as we transitioned to a new format. They understand our community and their passion for music shines through, which is exactly what we want in our DJs.

Let’s talk about the enduring appeal of classic hits radio.What do you think keeps it relevant in the age of streaming services and personalized playlists?

Classic hits radio offers something unique and that’s the human element. We curate the experience, and our DJs build relationships with listeners. There’s a shared experience, a sense of nostalgia that connects people to a shared history of music. It’s more than just hearing songs; it’s a journey back in time,a chance to reminisce and celebrate those timeless melodies.

What do you hope for the future of 96.9 The Cape?

My vision is for 96.9 The Cape to become a true cornerstone of the Cape Charles community. A place where people gather to share their love of music, stay informed about local happenings, and build connections. A place where memories are made, and where the sounds of yesterday bring us together today.

Sound off! What are your favorite classic hits memories? Share them in the comments below.