WCHE 1520 is a "Daytimer" radio station, meaning that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) dictates the time we sign on and sign off each day. We are required by law to follow this schedule.

The rules regarding radio stations go back to 1934 when there were far fewer radio stations in the country. "Daytimers" share signals with the very first, 50,000 watt, clear channel stations (not to be confused with the company, Clear Channel) that went on air in the 1920s. WCHE 1520, for instance, is on the same frequency as WWKB in Buffalo, NY. We both broadcast at 1520 AM. For a long time, the FCC protected stations like WWKB, prohibiting anyone from broadcasting on the same signal - no matter how geographically distant they were.

Some years ago, however, The FCC decided to allow geographically distant stations to use these signals - but only during the day. These "heritage" stations are still protected at night - when their signals are the largest. That's why, if you turn on 1520 AM at night, you may hear WWKB from Buffalo.

For more information on AM Daytimers and AM signal strengths, click here.