If you think radio is just an old, obsolete box collecting dust, then you haven't heard about WECC-FM. This well-loved radio station serves listeners in and around Folkston, Georgia, and it has carved a niche for itself in the hearts and minds of its dedicated audience. But why does it stand out, and what makes it matter today?
WECC-FM, known on-air as "The Lighthouse," first flickered to life in 1993, making it a relatively young beacon compared to some century-old stations. Yet, its impact is far from faint. It's a non-commercial, contemporary Christian music station owned by Lighthouse Christian Broadcasting Corporation, a not-for-profit organization. They mainly target a Christian audience but reach a wider demographic with their family-friendly playlists and community-focused programming.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of WECC-FM is its dedication to its community—a trait that can sometimes be overlooked in media today. Each broadcast is a mix of uplifting music, engaging talk, and important local news that resonates with listeners’ daily lives. But it’s not only about faith-based content; the station brings a blend of topics to the airwaves, ensuring they aren’t preaching strictly to the choir.
WECC-FM provides a platform for different voices and different perspectives, which is refreshing in a world where many media outlets have siloed viewpoints. Every day they play host to people sharing stories of resilience, joy, and faith. They encourage conversations around family, society’s challenges, and sometimes even dive into deeper discussions that go beyond spiritual matters. It’s a station that fosters a sense of belonging, understanding, and respect.
Diving into the technology side of things, WECC-FM hasn’t been left behind as the world speeds forward with digital innovation. The station streams online and has an active online presence, letting them connect with a broader audience than ever before. This push into the digital age is a smart move, aligning with the habits of Gen Z listeners who often combine traditional media consumption with online engagement.
For those who see the world through a lens of progress and inclusivity, stations like WECC-FM can seem a conservative choice, especially for its affiliations. Yet, there’s something to admire in how they transcend mere labels by promoting positive values, openness, and hope. They welcome listeners looking for nourishment that feeds the soul and lifts the spirit in these turbulent times.
Let’s also address the elephant in the room—the undeniable overlap of politics and media. As a politically liberal writer, it’s not lost on me that stations like WECC-FM are sometimes cast in the role of promoting one side of the cultural conversations. However, as polarized as our media landscape can be, WECC-FM embraces a mix of traditional and contemporary, blending interaction and modernity in ways larger networks seldom bother to.
So why is this small station still significant in an era filled with Spotify playlists, podcasts, and YouTube? One word: community. In a society starved for connection, where digital likes have replaced human interactions, stations like WECC-FM remind us there’s still beauty in the old-school way of coming together. They aren’t just a soundtrack playing in the background; they’re a companion, a friend you can lean on during good times and bad.
WECC-FM also expands its mission beyond just radio shows and music, reaching into community events, fundraisers, and local charity engagements. It’s not uncommon for them to host events that bring people together, fostering that rare feeling of unity that has sadly been missed in many public spaces lately.
Critics might argue that radio can't adequately serve today's diverse listening demands. But in contrast, WECC-FM shows adaptability by continually reimagining and evolving its role, mirroring the societal shifts while remaining true to its core values. It reflects the kind of coexistence and progress that any forward-thinking person would endorse.
I believe with stations like WECC-FM, the radio has much life left in it. While technology continues to dictate the ways we connect and consume media, the heart of radio—and stations like WECC-FM—remains the heart of the community. They remind us of our stories, our struggles, and our shared humanity.
In a world filled with noise, it’s good to remember the voice at the other end of the dial.