WSTP went on the air New Year’s eve 1939 broadcasting from the grand ballroom on the top floor of the old Yadkin Hotel which was located across the road from the Salisbury railroad depot.

WSTP has a rich history spanning it’s 73 years.  WSTP was home to a number of notable people.  The names of the founders are still known as their children and grandchildren remain leaders and notable businessmen throughout the community today.   A number of broadcasting professionals, news reporters, sportscasters, and numerous people of varied professions all had their start at WSTP.  Some of those names are known nationwide.  Broadcasting is one of those professions that once you become a part of it, even though you may leave or retire, it will always be a part of you.

Over the upcoming month’s, maybe years, the story of WSTP will be published on this website.  You will find that WSTP’s history will be a significant part of Salisbury’s as well.  Remember in 1939 the newspapers, radio stations, and theaters were the only form of news and entertainment.  The birth of WSTP was quite an event.

Keep checking back often.  We have quite a history and quite a story to be told!

The station and the studios were completely separate in those days.  The actual station with the transmitter is located near the tower site.  The old station was small, and made of thick concrete.  I believe it was build as a bunker because it was built while the war in Europe was just getting underway.  During the late 30′s and early 40′s there was fear that the United States could fall victim to Axis bombing and at that time radio stations were prime targets as they were the only quick way of communicating to the public.