“Imagine tuning your radio dial, not to find music, but news.” That’s the essence of WVBF, a radio station serving the Middleborough/Taunton area. WVBF broadcasts on 1530 AM. It delivers a news/talk format. But there’s more to WVBF than just headlines.
WVBF first aired as WCEG on March 31, 1992. Steven J Callahan was the original owner. In 1993, Callahan sold the station to Metro South Broadcasting. Metro South Broadcasting owned WMSX in Brockton. WCEG then simulcast WMSX. Later, it introduced separate Portuguese programming.
However, WCEG fell silent for several years. In 1996, Callahan struck a deal to repurchase it. On January 5, 1997, Callahan regained control. He brought WCEG back on air. The programming focused on a radio reading service. The call letters changed to WVBF on March 21, 1997.
Did you know WVBF wasn’t always WVBF? The call sign had a previous life. From 1971 to 1993, 105.7 FM in Framingham used WVBF. That station broadcasted top 40 and adult contemporary formats. Today, that station is known as WROR-FM.
WVBF’s broadcast history is interesting. Initially, it only operated during daytime hours. It broadcasted with 1000 watts. In 2002, WVBF introduced a low-power nighttime service. It broadcasted with only 2 watts. By 2006, the station increased its daytime power. It then broadcasted with 2200 watts.
In 2007, WVBF expanded its programming. It began airing local talk shows from Taunton studios. These shows had moved from WPEP. WPEP was closing down. The radio reading service programming remained when talk shows were not airing.
WVBF also uses a translator station. W259DD broadcasts on 99.7 MHz. This translator extends WVBF’s reach. It improves the listening experience.
Today, Massachusetts state senator Marc R Pacheco owns WVBF. He owns it through MRP Communications and Consulting, LLC. When WVBF isn’t airing local shows, it carries the Massachusetts Reading Network. Plus, USA Radio News airs at the top of the hour. It airs during locally produced programs.
From its start as WCEG to its current news/talk format, WVBF has served its community. It is a testament to the evolving world of radio. So, next time you’re in Middleborough or Taunton, tune into WVBF. You might just hear a story you didn’t know.