Whiteville radio station forced off the air after fire destroys transmitter

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Whiteville radio station WTXY 103.9 was forced off the air after a fire started at one of its buildings Saturday night, March 16.

The building housed both an AM and an FM radio transmitter. The AM transmitter was salvaged, but the FM was significantly damaged, according to Whiteville Emergency Services Director Hal Lowder. The structure was significantly damaged as well.

Emergency services got the call a little before 8 p.m. Lowder said the building was secured at the time and believes the fire was unintentional. He says they are still investigating the cause, but haven’t ruled out electrical causes at this time.

Lowder said the radio station is focusing on next steps right now, including how to get back up and running.