WTIJ-LP, Swain County's first FM station, launched at 5:00 pm on November 27, 2015.[2] The station's studios are located at Grace Christian Academy in Bryson City.[2]
Silence and return
On February 28, 2016, three months and a day after its launch, WTIJ-LP signed off and went silent.[2][6] According to a letter written by former station manager Robert Lowe, to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Grace Christian Academy had "chosen to discontinue the service".[6] Mr. Lowe's position at the station had been "terminated".[6] At the time the letter was written, there was "no anticipated date to recommence broadcast operations".[6]
On August 8, 2016, WTIJ-LP returned to the air with a Religious and Southern Gospel format.[1][7] Local programming previously heard on the station before going silent is no longer broadcast.[8]
Programming
Prior to February 28, 2016, WTIJ-LP carried a Christian-based Full Service format, featuring Positive Country and Southern Gospel music.[2] Local news, weather and agricultural reports were also broadcast.[9] Live broadcasts of local high school sports, as well as community events, were also heard.[2] WTIJ-LP had future plans to partner with other local organizations.[9]
After August 8, 2016, the station broadcasts nationally syndicated Religious programs and Southern Gospel music, with no locally produced programming.[8]SRN News continues to be heard at the top of each hour.[8]