WGSP (AM)


WGSP is a Spanish language radio station in Charlotte, North Carolina, known as La Z Charlotte. The programming is also aired on WXNC, at 1060 AM, along with other frequencies in various locations as of 2008.

FM Translator

In addition to the main station on 1310 kHz, WGSP programming is relayed to an FM translator. The new La Z format emphasizes the FM frequencies rather than the AM's with the previous Pepe format.

History

WKTC played country music in the 60s. During that time, DJ Johnny Jacobs demonstrated that a person could live in a fallout shelter for a long period of time, spending a week there and contacting the station by phone.
1310 AM became Charlotte's first full-time Christian station, WHVN, in August 1971 around the time George H. Buck Jr. bought the station. As of 1980, about 65 percent of programming was "spoken word". When the 1240 frequency became available early in the 80s, allowing 24-hour broadcasts, WHVN moved from 1310, which only allowed a daytime signal.
WGSP returned to the air as one of Charlotte's first oldies stations playing a wide variety of standard pop hits and "beach music." In 1985, with no other area stations playing classic rock this small AM station became one of the first in the country to shape a format around vintage rock and roll from the 1960s and 1970s. WGSP became the second most listened to AM station in the market. At its peak, the WGSP air staff included Program Director Paul Ingles, Rick Ballew, Fielding Spicer, David Appleford, Phil England and Darby James. After a couple of years of growth by WGSP, other FM stations in the region adopted the "Classic Rock" format and, with their better signals, WGSP lost audience and was sold to religious broadcasters.
WGSP became a gospel station and this format continued until 2004, when the switch was made to the current format. During 2006 and 2007, WGSP's programming aired on WGSP-FM, at 102.3 FM. Programs included "La Voz del Immigrante". WGSP has simulcast the La Tremenda Network with WXNC.