DC Radio WTOP Ending 19-Year Simulcast In Maryland

Hubbard’s all-news WTOP is ending its 19-year simulcast on WTLP in the Frederick, Maryland, area and leasing the frequency to Christian broadcaster K-Love through 2029.

WTLP 103.9 FM (350 watts)

The move places the station under the Contemporary Christian Music network’s umbrella alongside former WINC-FM 92.5 in Winchester, Virginia, and former Mix 107.3 (WRQX) in Washington. A pending acquisition of 100.7 WZBA in Westminster, Maryland, is also underway.

WTOP listeners in Frederick—due north of Montgomery County via I-270—are being directed to the station’s main 103.5 FM signal, a 44 kW Class B facility that delivers a strong in-car signal but lacks a city-grade contour in Frederick. 

Streaming is offered as an alternative.

Hubbard acquired WTOP in April 2011 as part of a $505 million purchase of 17 stations from Bonneville International Corp. The lease announcement coincides with WTOP General Manager Joel Oxley’s planned departure after decades leading the station.