By Michele RobertsonIf you’ve been searching stations to see what’s on the radio, you may have discovered that a long-running and recently off-air station has made a reappearance. KCCC 930 AM has returned to Carlsbad air waves!At the end of May 2021, new owner Johnny Chandler with Chandler Broadcasting finalized the purchase of the radio station. The station’s months-long radio silence was broken during the first week of June 2021. “I plan to bring back the great local programming everyone loved, from Community Forum, Let's Trade Evenas well as airing local sporting events and being a live presence at most community events,” shared Chandler. Community Forum typically hosted a variety of local non-profit organizations, politicians, and civic groups, as well as city and county representatives. These individuals would come on the radio show to disseminate information about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and more to radio listeners. Several individuals have expressed hope that the Community Forum will continue, and they can rest easy knowing it will.“The community forum provides the connection between nonprofits and the community. Promoting local events and volunteer opportunities are essential for a non profits’ success. It’s heartwarming to know this opportunity will once again be available,” shared Linda Dodd Executive Director for United Way of Eddy County. “I’m excited to see what the new owners do, and I hope that the Community Forum will continue. It’s a great way for me to tell the community what we have going on,” shared Mary Garwood, Executive Director for Keep Carlsbad Beautiful. Let’s Trade Even allowed residents to have a way of connecting with one another to make trade on items they had. A person could call in saying what they are looking for and what they have to trade for it or vice versa in hopes a listener would have what they needed and be willing to trade for it.Historically, KCCC radio has been a presence at community games and events, and Chandler plans to continue that community involvement. “I plan on having the studio and these programs up and running this fall. That is a lofty but attainable goal,” said Chandler. “The hopes/plans is to build a studio out at Seven Rivers, NM and be in a perfect position to serve Carlsbad, Artesia and most of SE New Mexico,” shared Chandler. “Right now, the station is a one-man show, but hiring is on the horizon,” he added.Current format for the AM radio station is classic country. “KCCC and Chandler Broadcasting are paying homage to when the station first went on the air and the community of Carlsbad,” Chandler said.KCCC radio started in 1963 by Marion Jenkins and continued on air through December 2020 by his son Nick Jenkins. It originally played country music and acted as a way for Jenkins to advertise his business. The station signed off with its final broadcast on New Year’s Eve 2020.
KCCC radio has been a Carlsbad icon, and many people are happy to know it will continue. Tune in your AM dial to 930 anytime and enjoy some classic country and western music.