WIDU

{{short description|Radio station in Fayetteville, North Carolina}}

{{Infobox radio station

| name = WIDU

| logo =

| logo_size =

| city = Fayetteville, North Carolina

| area = Fayetteville, North Carolina

| branding = WIDU 1600 & 99.7

| airdate = {{start date|1958|12}}

| frequency = 1600 kHz

| format = Gospel music

| power = 5,000 watts day
147 watts night

| translator = 99.7 W259CY (Fayetteville)

| haat =

| class = D

| facility_id =

| coordinates = {{coord|35|05|54|N|78|53|12|W|region:US-NC_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}

| callsign_meaning =

| former_callsigns =

| owner = WIDU Broadcasting, Inc.

| licensee =

| sister_stations =

| webcast = {{listenlive|http://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/WIDU2}}

| website = {{URL|http://www.widu1600.com/}}

| affiliations =

| licensing_authority= FCC

}}

WIDU (1600 AM) is a radio station broadcasting a gospel music format. Licensed to Fayetteville, North Carolina, United States, it serves the Fayetteville area. The station is owned by WIDU Broadcasting, Inc.

History

WIDU was Fayetteville's fourth radio station when it signed on in December 1958 with 1,000 watts of power and a Top 40 format. Six years later, WIDU became the city's first black radio station. In 1987, Wes Cookman, who is white and later married a black woman he met at WIDU, became majority owner and changed its format to black gospel.Michael Futch, "Sounds for the Soul," The Fayetteville Observer, October 19, 1997. Bill Belche Sr., one of those who started the station, had recently died and the WIDU was having trouble competing with larger stations.

In 1998, Cookman bought WAGR in Lumberton and WEWO in Laurinburg.Michael Futch, "Lumberton's WAGR to Be Sold," The Fayetteville Observer, April 18, 1998.

Later, Cookman added WFMO in Fairmont to what was called "WE-DO" network, whose black gospel and news and information programming originated from the WIDU studios.TV Station Replaces Its Weather Man," The Fayetteville Observer, October 18, 1998.

Terry Jordan of WFNC became the WE-DO network's only white host in 2001Michael Futch, "Radio Host Jordan Resigns," The Fayetteville Observer, June 16, 2001. but ended up moving the show to WAZZ after two weeks; he remained an engineer for WE-DO network.Michael Futch, "Half-Hour Talk Show Won't Go on After All," The Fayetteville Observer, September 30, 2001.

File:WIDU logo.png

In 2012, Cookman was hosting the "issue-driven and knowledge-based" morning show called "Wake Up", which aired from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. weekdays. Kirk deViere hosted the program Tuesdays and Thursdays. WIDU also aired church services on Sundays. In 2010, Cookman received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue.{{cite news|url=http://fayobserver.com/articles/2012/04/29/1172314?sac=fo.local|title=Cape Fear Profile: Wes Cookman seeks to empower community through radio|last=Calhoun|first=Jennifer|work=Fayetteville Observer|date=April 29, 2012|accessdate=June 5, 2012}}

References

External links

{{Official website|http://www.widu1600.com/}}

IDU

Category:Gospel radio stations in the United States

IDU

Category:Radio stations established in 1958

Category:1958 establishments in North Carolina