Detroit Radio Stations WEXL and WCHB Merge

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Detroit’s WEXL and WCHB have united to form the new WCHB 1340-AM station. Each broadcasting company had operated independently for more than 50 years.

WCHB was founded in 1956 as the first owned and operated African-American radio station in Detroit. Several local artists began their careers at WCHB, including Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.

WEXL joins WCHB after being founded in the early 1930s as the first station to offer 24-hour country music programming in Detroit, later transitioning to a religious station.

“We are excited about the direction that we are taking the all-new WCHB 1340-AM,” says Michelle Payne, sales manager and operations director for WCHB 1340-AM. “You will find the uplifting gospel and ministry that you know and love from 1340-AM mixed with the heritage and neighborhood notoriety of call letters WCHB.”

With the merger, WCHB will continue its current programming of traditional gospel music and ministry programs. Jay Sanford will host the station from 9 a.m. to noon followed by Val Monroe from 3-6p.m.