WENC Opens Its Doors in Whiteville: A Community Day with Tours, Live Radio and a Celebrity Meet‑and‑Greet

Radio Comes Home: A Saturday That Puts WENC at the Heart of Whiteville

WENC “The New Power 1220” is throwing open its studio doors on Saturday, December 20 for a community open house and a celebrity meet‑and‑greet aimed at listeners across Whiteville and the surrounding towns. The station is billing the day as an opportunity for neighbors to see how shows are made, meet on‑air personalities in person, and enjoy live music and family friendly activities.

The event is designed to be local and low‑key: a chance for long‑time listeners to reconnect with a station they grew up with, and for newer residents to learn what WENC does for the Greater Cape Fear area. Organizers say the open house will mix short studio tours with pop‑up performances, live radio segments you can watch, and scheduled autograph/photo times with a guest from the entertainment world.

What Happens, When and Where: A Practical Guide for Visitors

The open house runs on Saturday, December 20 at the WENC studios in downtown Whiteville. Organizers expect activity to start in mid‑morning and continue into the afternoon so families and workers can drop in between chores and errands. Visitors can watch short live broadcasts from the main studio, take guided tours that explain how news and music shows are produced, and enjoy several short performances throughout the day.

Admission is free and open to the public. There will be a limited number of reserved spots for the celebrity meet‑and‑greet; the station recommends arriving early if you want a guaranteed slot for photos or autographs. While no ticket fee is required for general admission, some special opportunities such as front‑row seating for live segments or autograph lines may be on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

From a Small Signal to an 80‑Year Community Fixture

WENC has been on air for more than eight decades, making it one of the region’s longest‑running local broadcasters. Over the years the station has shifted formats and talent, but its mission has stayed steady: deliver local news, amplify civic conversations, and provide a platform for community voices. For many residents, WENC has been the place to hear about school closings, local fundraisers, and the people who make the town run.

This open house also ties into ongoing efforts by the station’s leadership to strengthen local programming and preserve its physical studio as a community asset. Supporters say the day is a show of local pride — a reminder that a radio station can be more than a voice on the dial; it can be a gathering place for conversation, culture and local business.

Who You Might Meet: Hosts, Community Leaders and a Visiting Guest

Attendees should expect to meet WENC’s regular on‑air team — the morning hosts, the midday news crew, and the producers who pull live shows together. These are the familiar voices many listeners recognize from daily routines, now available to shake hands and pose for photos. The station has also invited community leaders and a guest from the regional entertainment scene to appear during the meet‑and‑greet portion.

Appearances will be brief and scheduled so that everyone in line has a chance to meet talent. Organizers say the day is meant to highlight local connections rather than big celebrity spectacle.

Getting There, Safety Notes and Media Access

Parking will be available in nearby public lots and street spaces; attendees are encouraged to allow extra time for arrival during peak hours. The WENC facility is wheelchair accessible and staff will be on hand to guide visitors with special needs. Basic safety measures will be in place during the event; attendees should follow directions from station staff and volunteers on arrival.

Local reporters and photographers are welcome to cover the day. Media wishing to arrange interview slots with WENC talent or the celebrity guest can contact the station’s press office directly for scheduling. For casual visitors, staff will provide guidance on the best times and spots for photos so you can capture the event without interrupting live broadcasts.

Whether you grew up listening to WENC or are simply curious about how a radio station works, the open house is set up as a low‑pressure way to meet neighbors, hear live radio in action, and celebrate a local institution.

Sources

• prnewswire.com