There’s been a lot of static over a local radio station simulcast in Delaware which may cease broadcasting at the end of the month.
CD 92.9 FM, a Columbus alternative rock station, also airs on WQCD (1550 AM) in Delaware. Calling itself “Central Ohio’s Alternative,” local communities like Lewis Center and Marengo are frequently namechecked in promotional messages for the station.
“The WQCD/WWCD studios are located in Columbus’s Brewery District, while the WQCD transmitter is located in Delaware,” states the station’s entry on Wikipedia.
Randy Malloy, who has owned intellectual rights to the brand since 2010, made a surprising announcement the first week of the New Year.
“After extensive discussions, the Federal Communications Commission licensees (ICS Communications, Inc. and Delmar Communications, Inc.) and WWCD, Ltd., doing business as CD 92.9, were unable to finalize an agreement that would have allowed us to broadcast on the FM dial,” Malloy said on the station’s Facebook page Jan. 5. “While it pains me once again to announce our departure from the airwaves, the WWCD radio brand, along with CD 92.9 merchandise, will remain available on our website.”
This was countered by another post later that day by Delmar President Brent Casagrande.
“On December 1, 2020, Delmar Communications and WWCD Ltd. entered into an agreement to broadcast WWCD formerly on 102.5 on Delmar’s radio frequencies 92.9 FM, 1550 AM and 1580,” Casagrande said. “This agreement was for three years with an option to renew for another three-year term. The agreement also contained an option to purchase the radio frequencies during the six-year term… Malloy… has opted not to renew the agreement. At midnight February 1, 2024, WWCD in its current form will cease broadcasting on the Delmar frequencies. Delmar Media is happy to report it will continue the legacy of WWCD by debuting A new and refreshing version of The NEW WWCD at that time. The NEW WWCD will continue its support of local artists and some of the legacy programs that have made the station a favorite of central Ohio radio listeners… We will be reinstating free online streaming and a full complement of online digital products through our website at www.cd929columbus.com and streaming through the TuneIN application…”
However, an extensive Facebook post appeared the next day on the CD 92.9 FM page.
“…If ICS and Delmar would like to use WWCD/CD101/CD102.5/ CD 92.9’s 33-year history and good will, or any of our music library, programming, service marks, trademarks, trade names, logos, copyrights, or any other intellectual property, we would need to have an executed asset purchase agreement in place,” the post said. “We immediately informed ICS and Delmar that they do not have permission to use our intellectual property or to portray themselves as a continuation of the brand that we spent 30+ years building, and that we would be taking legal action if they continued to do so. WWCD, Ltd. has CD 92.9, CD929, and WWCD as registered service marks with the State of Ohio. And that’s where we are. Again, many thanks for your endless support!”
These developments have been reported extensively in local media outlets, as well as in trade publications such as RAMP (Radio and Music Pros) and InsideRadio.
During its various iterations, the station has become beloved by many for its support of the central Ohio music scene (in some cases boosting the popularity of performers), its personable and relatable disc jockeys, and by inviting popular touring alternative acts to play live in-studio “Big Room Brunch” sets.
Since the announcement was made, disc jockeys have reminisced about how this station stood out in a transitory radio business, heard heartfelt messages from fans, and indulgently played personal picks and requests, such as “Wonderwal”l by Oasis.
“With everything going on, we still get to meet the Adoptable Pet of the Week,” said a CD 92.9 FM post on Jan. 12, referring to a station tie-in with the nonprofit organization Columbus Humane.
A Facebook group called Save CD 92.9 was established following the flurry of announcements. A posting on Jan. 14 said, “If CD 92.9 fully dies and isn’t resurrected, I found another volunteer-run Columbus-based station that seems to be independent that we can move our dial to after the frequency takeover. It is WGRN 91.9. They have a variety of shows and have alternative music during the morning commute. If CD 92.9 can’t be saved instead of turning to a different corporate station, we should get to supporting other local independent stations. And maybe, just maybe, those stations might take on some of our beloved DJs. … Let’s make the most of this and show Delmar that we support local.”
There’s also been talk of boycotting radio once CD 92.9 signs off, with listeners turning instead to streaming apps and online stations.
The Gazette will provide an update in the weeks to come. Stay tuned.
Editor’s note: Gary Budzak, who wrote this article, previously appeared as a guest on WWCD’s “Invisible Hits Hour” many years ago.
Assistant Editor Gary Budzak covers the eastern half of Delaware County and surrounding areas. He may be reached at the above email address.
