For more than a century, WBT has been woven into the story of Charlotte, the Carolinas, and American broadcasting. Since signing on in 1922, generations have relied on the station for breaking news, severe weather coverage, election results, sports, entertainment, and reassurance during times of crisis. Today, WBT's legacy continues from the Ty Boyd Studio at 107.9 FM, where the station continues serving listeners across the Charlotte region.

This petition has never been about bringing WBT back to 1110 AM, opposing its move to FM, stopping redevelopment, or challenging private property rights. It is about preserving, documenting, or permanently commemorating the historic WBT transmitter site before final decisions are made about its future.

The historic transmitter site at 9201 Nations Ford Road is far more than a piece of real estate. It includes three rare Blaw-Knox towers, a historic transmitter building dating to the early 1930s, and a Cold War-era fallout shelter. Together, these structures tell the story of nearly a century of broadcasting, engineering, public service, and emergency communications that reached millions of listeners throughout the Carolinas and much of the eastern United States.

Concerned that the site's historic significance might not be fully considered before permanent decisions were made, I began reaching out to preservation organizations, elected officials, broadcasters, and community leaders. That effort led to the creation of this petition, which has since grown to more than 1,200 supporters and received public support from respected broadcasters, preservation advocates, elected officials, and members of the public who believe this remarkable site deserves thoughtful consideration.

This petition began to help ensure a conversation took place. That conversation has now happened, and this petition continues as a demonstration of public support while discussions continue.

Following my meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Radio One's offices in Charlotte, I released the following public statement:

I had the opportunity to meet in person with Caroline Beasley, Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Media Group; Heidi Raphael, Chief Communications Officer of Beasley Media Group; and Marsha Landess, Vice President and General Manager of Radio One Charlotte, to discuss the future of WBT's historic transmitter site.

I sincerely appreciate them taking the time to meet with me and have an open, respectful conversation about the site's significance and the importance of preserving and commemorating WBT's history.

During our meeting, it was shared that everyone is on the same page as it relates to some type of documentation or preservation of 1110 WBT AM history. It was also explained that the companies have been discussing these possibilities internally for several months and that those discussions will continue as they gather more information. No final decisions have been made.

My goal has always been simple: to make sure this conversation happened. I'm encouraged that these conversations are taking place and appreciate the willingness of everyone involved to have an open dialogue.

With those conversations now underway, this petition remains a demonstration of public support for thoughtfully preserving, adaptively reusing, documenting, or permanently commemorating the historic WBT transmitter site.

I remain hopeful that Radio One, Beasley Media Group, any future property owner, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, preservation organizations, and the community can continue working together to find a solution that honors both progress and history.

There are no villains in this story. I believe everyone involved has good intentions and shares a desire to ensure WBT's remarkable legacy is remembered for generations to come.