The Highest Station on the East Coast
When mass communication happened to the world in the early 1920s, radio programs were transmitted out of WWNC, the highest radio station on the East Coast, broadcasting local music that was heard in near and far away places. With the addition of 100-foot towers above the Flatiron building, the signal could hit the ionosphere and was heard as far away as Australia. In the days before FM became widespread, WWNC AM was sometimes one of the most popular stations in the United States, with an Arbitron share of over 40 percent of the listening audience, sometimes as high as 50 percent.
In the late 1920s, both Jimmie Rodgers and Doc Watson had live shows on the station, helping cement their vernacular music into the listener’s understanding and appreciation of the music of the region. Folk, Bluegrass, Americana, and Country music are deeply influenced and derived from the music of this region.
WWNC announced Asheville’s arrival on the national stage. Now, their own stories, music, and heritage could ring out to living rooms across America. Asheville was ready for its closeup!