WBCQ is a shortwave radio station operating at Monticello, Maine, United States. The station is owned and operated by Allan Weiner,[1][3]: 828 who also owns and operates WXME AM 780 kHz and WBCQ-FM 94.7 MHz at the shortwave site. WBCQ began operation on September 8, 1998, on 7.415 MHz.[1] The station transmits talk shows and other programs produced by commercial networks as well as former pirate radio broadcasters, including Weiner himself.[1][4]: 24, 371, 383
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| Frequency |
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| Branding | WBCQ, The Planet |
| Programming | |
| Format | Variety |
| Ownership | |
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| History | |
First air date | September 8, 1998; 25 years ago (1998-09-08)[1] |
Call sign meaning | Weiner Broadcasting Company Q |
| Technical information[2] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| Facility ID | 77261 |
| Power | 500000 watts |
Transmitter coordinates | 46°20′28″N 67°48′53″W / 46.34111°N 67.81472°W / 46.34111; -67.81472 |
| Links | |
Public license information |
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| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | www |
In 2018, WBCQ applied for a transmitter license associated with a rotatable antenna, later revealed to be a 500 kW transmitter for an Ampegon rotatable curtain antenna on a single mast.[5]
In August 2020, it was reported that pending FCC approval, Weiner planned to purchase World Harvest Radio International, the shortwave arm of the Family Broadcasting Corporation.[6]
As of 2023, WBCQ broadcasts on 7.49 MHz (41m band) from noon until midnight (asWWCR is licensed the frequency during morning hours[7]), including original programming in the late-afternoon and evening hours (Eastern time zone); the remaining time is leased to R.G. Stair's Overcomer Ministry. WBCQ also broadcasts on 3.265 MHz (mostly dormant), 6.16 MHz (a secondary frequency that operates evenings), 5.13 MHz ("Radio Angela," a two-hour evening service with eclectic music and spoken word entertainment), and 9.33 MHz (a full-time lease-out to World's Last Chance, a flat-Earth evangelistic society.)[8]
WBCQ — the only station willing to air Hal Turner's program — is operated by Jewish free-speech advocate Alan Weiner.
Family Broadcasting Corporation is selling shortwave Christian "World Harvest Radio" WHRI Furman SC to Allan Weiner for $1.25 million. Weiner also owns shortwave Talk "The Planet" WBCQ Monticello ME as well as Talk/Rock 780 WXME/98.3 W252DW and Classic Country "Kixx 94.7" WBCQ-FM Monticello.
