WTOP will soon leave 103.9 FM in Frederick. Hubbard has agreed to lease the signal to K-LOVE.
What We Know: Beginning Saturday, August 1, Hubbard will lease the 103.9 WTLP-FM signal to K-LOVE, ending WTOP’s simulcast on the translator after nearly two decades. The move affects WTLP-FM, a 350-watt Class A FM translator, while WTOP’s primary 44,000-watt Class B signal at 103.5 FM will continue serving the Washington, D.C. market. The arrangement runs through December 31, 2029, and will automatically extend for three additional years unless either party provides written notice of termination by March 31, 2029. WTLP-FM has carried a simulcast of WTOP since 2007. Although listeners in Frederick will lose the 103.9 FM simulcast, WTOP will remain available on its full-power 103.5 FM signal.
What They Said: “Our main signal on 103.5 FM covers most of Frederick County’s population. And with the advent of streaming, listeners can get us anywhere in the country.” -Hubbard Washington VP/GM Joel Oxley
What Remains Unclear: Hubbard hasn’t disclosed which Educational Media Foundation brand will ultimately occupy the signal. While the lease is with K-LOVE, the organization also operates Air1, and no programming plans have been confirmed. K-LOVE’s network already reaches portions of the Frederick area via 107.3 WLVW. It is also expected to be available on 100.7 WZBA following that pending acquisition.
What It Means: The lease allows Hubbard to streamline distribution of WTOP while relying on its stronger 103.5 FM signal. Meanwhile, K-LOVE gains another Washington-area outlet to strengthen its regional coverage, even as questions remain about which of its national brands will debut on 103.9 FM.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.