(PHOTO BY BREANA RELIFORD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
RADIO RESTORED … The updates to the transmitter building offer a temporary solution to get the station back on the air.
By: Breana Reliford
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
On Saturday, May 24th, WBNO and WQCT radio station, a staple of Bryan for ages, had been declared a total loss after a devastating overnight fire.
After weeks of working to rebuild, updating through Facebook posts, borrowing equipment, and an overwhelming response from the community, they are letting the area know that their favorite radio station will be back on the air.
The building, located at 12810 State Route 34 in Bryan, was destroyed due to a fire that took place in the early morning around 4:00 a.m., and took several area fire departments and long hours to put out. Several pieces of equipment, belongings, and memorabilia from over the years were gone in the blink of an eye.
As was the community, those who worked at the station were also shattered and heartbroken, seeing a piece of their livelihood go up in flames.
B-Rock 100.9 shared on their Facebook page, “You [the community] have built us and kept us going for over 60 plus years and we are so grateful and so thankful for all of you. The love that we have felt in the hours since the fire has been overwhelming.”
Although the fire was a setback, the radio station urged listeners to note that it was only temporary. “We aren’t going anywhere!!”
“The road may be long, and the journey may be a long and winding road (apologies to the Beatles) but B Rock and The Q means too much to all of us.”
Since the fire, the station had crews working to install a new pole and to restore electricity. Thanks to Bryan Municipal Utilities and Stratton Electric, that was made possible.
Erwin Construction also updated the transmitter building, which was a huge step in getting things back on track.
In order to keep sharing local athletic events, the Bryan Sports YouTube Channel aided with the broadcasting to keep fans in the loop.
B-Rock 100.9 updated listeners through their Facebook page of the good news stating, “B Rock 100.9 is back on the air!!!! This is a major step in our Rise From The Ashes!!!”
“We ask that you remain patient with us as we continue to slowly integrate normal stuff back onto the air in the coming days. Q 96.5 will be joining B Rock back on the air soon.”
Listeners in the comments expressed their excitement, remarking on their surprise when they were flipping through radio stations to find their long-time source of local news, sports, and music was back on the air.
As time goes on, the reception in some areas is strengthening, but may take some time to get back to being fully operational in all of the tri-state area.
B-Rock 100.9 returned back on the air as of Sunday, June 8th, while communicating that Q 96.5 will be close to follow.
Although they are still working through the technical difficulties, many community members have shown their excitement and support to have their #1 station back on the air.