WBCQ is a shortwave radio station operating at Monticello, Maine, United States. The station is owned and operated by Allan Weiner, who also owns and operates WXME AM 780 kHz and WBCQ-FM 94.7 MHz at the shortwave site. The station transmits talk shows and other programs produced by commercial networks as well as former pirate radio broadcasters, including Weiner himself.
History WBCQ began operation on September 8, 1998, on 7,415 kHz.
WBCQ, Monticello, Maine, began testing August 20 and began programming September 8, only on 7415, on a 245° beam, which roughly crosses Buffalo, Columbus, Evansville, Little Rock, San Antonio, Laredo, Durango, Tuxpan, across the Pacific to south of New Zealand.
Rotatable antenna and 500 kW transmitter In 2018, WBCQ applied for a transmitter license associated with a rotatable antenna, later revealed to be a 500 kW transmitter for an Ampegon rotatable curtain antenna on a single mast.WBCQ reveals organization behind their new 500 kW transmitter, The SWLing Post, 2018-05-15, accessed 2020-02-18 This transmitter was originally funded by and leased out to World's Last Chance, a flat-Earth nontrinitarian Christian cult. In 2026, WLC's assets were lost due to the theft of their cryptocurrency wallet, and Weiner turned off the transmitter and placed it back up for lease.
Acquisition of World Harvest Radio International In August 2020, it was reported that pending FCC approval, Weiner planned to purchase World Harvest Radio International, the shortwave arm of the Family Broadcasting Corporation.
Frequencies As of 2023, WBCQ broadcasts on 7.49 MHz (41m band) from noon until midnight (as WWCR is licensed to use the frequency during morning hoursWWCR transmitter schedule, summer 2023, retrieved September 7, 2023), including original programming in the late-afternoon and evening hours (Eastern Time Zone). WBCQ also broadcasts on 6.16 MHz (a secondary frequency that operates evenings) and 5.13 MHz ("Radio Angela," an evening service with eclectic music and spoken word entertainment); the currently off-air 500 kW rotating transmitter is licensed at 9.33 MHzVideo: WBCQ/World's Last Chance Radio – Technical Notes, The SWLing Post, 2021-04-18, accessed 2021-09-14
Notable shows Radio Newyork International Le Show with Harry Shearer The Hal Turner Show Marion's Attic with Marion Webster and Kristina References
External links
Segments 2 and 3 cover WBCQ (SW).