“We are the same station, but now have the ability to broadcast on both the AM and FM channels,” said Bryant to The McDowell News. “One big advantage is if either transmitter goes out, we can continue to broadcast on the other transmitter. In other words, if the power goes out at the AM transmitter, we can still broadcast on the FM transmitter. Each backs up the other."

It has been quite a journey since WBRM first signed on the air May 9, 1949 with 1,000 watts of power. The original studios were located at 13 ½ W. Court St. in Marion while the tower and transmitted were located on Greenlee Road in the Pleasant Gardens community, according to Bryant.

The major stockholder was Will Erwin and the first general manager was Jack Reynolds. The first secretary was Jessee Reynolds and the first announcer was Syd Carrigan. They all remained with the station until it was sold in July 1976. The first engineer was Hubert Martin, who remained with WBRM until his death.

On July 1, 1976, James B. Childress of Sylva purchased WBRM. David Wright was named the general manager, Bill Effronsen was named the sales manager. Chuck Finley and John Robert Taylor were the first announcers and Annette Bryant was starting as a salesperson/announcer.