About

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Franklin Broadcasting Corporation (WLQM-FM & WLQM-AM) has a rich family history of providing unduplicated, quality “local” radio for the Westen Tidewater-Greater Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina market since 1956. In 1956 Thomas F. Clark purchased WYSR to begin three generations of family ownership. For the next 30 years, the Franklin-Southampton market was served by WYSR AM 1250, operating with 1,000 watts from sunrise to sunset. Thomas Clark retired in 1977 and his son Pete Clark assumed General Manager responsibilites. In 1988, Pete Clark signed on Franklin's first and only FM station to the airwaves at 101.7 and changed the call letters of both stations to WLQM. After Thomas Clark's death in the early 90's, ownership passed to Pete. In 1999, WLQM-AM ceased simulcasting the FM's programming and launched a full-service 24-hour format of urban gospel, "AM 1250 The Light". In 1991, Pete's son Michael Clark joined the staff at Franklin Broadcasting Corporation and later assumed the role of Vice President an General Manager. Today, the stations proudly remain under the same local family management and ownership for a third generation.

WLQM-FM (101.7) provides full-service local programming with a format of country music that is further enhanced by live NASCAR racing coverage, play-by-play high school sports, weekday morning local newscasts, CNN national & world news and a host of community affairs programming. WLQM-FM is also heavily involved and committed to numerous non-profit and civic club events and fundraisers throughout American Cancer Society and many other organizations.

WLQM-AM (1250) is the sister station and programs a format of urban gospel music for the Franklin-Southampton area. For many years, a staple of the station's on-air programming has included numerous broadcasts each weekend by ministers and churches; including the live broadcast each Sunday morning from Franklin Baptist Church. WLQM-AM believes that a strong commitment to religious and inspiration programming continues to enhance and create stronger bonds within the local community.