Roanoke Radio: Wheeler Launches Sports On 610 AM

Wheeler Broadcasting is dropping is simulcast of WVBE 100.1 FM from its 610 AM to launch an all-sports format beginning Thursday.

The station’s name has switched from WVBE-AM to the play-like WPLY to go with the sports format. The station will be simulcast on 97.3 FM in Roanoke and on 98.5 FM in Lynchburg.

Wheeler Broadcasting President and General Manager Leonard Wheeler said he has struck a deal with DirecTV to air The Dan Patrick Show on WPLY from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays and “The Rich Eisen Show” from noon to 3 p.m. DirecTV not only televises both shows but also handles their radio syndication.

WPLY 610 AM (5 KwD, 1 KwN, DA2)

According to roanoke.com, Wheeler grabbed the Roanoke rights to Dan Patrick’s show from WFJX 910 AM, which had been airing the program on same-day tape at noon.

Wheeler has also struck a deal for WPLY to become a Fox Sports Radio affiliate, so that network’s programs will consist of the rest of the WPLY schedule. That includes Colin Cowherd’s show, which will air in Roanoke on same-day tape from 3-6 p.m.

Roanoke already has an all-sports station, WGMN 1240 AM, which is an ESPN Radio affiliate.
Wheeler said he believes the market can sustain two all-sports stations.

Wheeler Broadcasting already owned 610 AM and 97.3 FM in Roanoke and bought the 98.5 FM signal in Lynchburg earlier this month.