In December 1985, the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a license to American Beacon Broadcasting, majority owned by Ernie Penley, Jr., station manager of
WPTL in
Canton, North Carolina. Sherrill Greene of
Glen Alpine was the other owner. The plan was to play
Contemporary Christian music by such artists as
Amy Grant and
Sandi Patti, with a target audience of 25 to 45. WCIS did not sign on until March 1988, and the format changed to southern gospel in January 1989. Many listeners were over 50. On February 1, 2008, the station's building was destroyed by fire. John Whisnant, Jr., who had won the Southern Gospel DJ of the Year award three times, said he believed the fire was intentionally set to cover up a
burglary. WCIS returned to the air on March 1 with automation and a backup transmitter, with plans to begin live broadcasts eventually. A new studio was planned on
Highway 126.
WMIT sent its chief engineer to get the station running again, and station employees were helping with construction of the new studio. ==References==