The History of WAYN AM 900:
The Pioneer Voice of the Carolina Sandhills

Founded in 1946 by Wayne M. Nelson of Mooresville, North Carolina, WAYN AM 900 holds a special place in North Carolina's broadcasting history as one of the state's earliest radio stations. It was the first FCC-licensed station to serve the area between Charlotte and Fayetteville, quickly becoming a trusted and cherished voice for communities across the Sandhills region.

WAYN first took to the airwaves in September 1946, earning its nickname as the "Pioneer Voice of the Carolina Sandhills." Its inaugural broadcast featured the voice of Robert D. Raiford, who would later gain national fame as a commentator for the "John Boy and Billy" radio show.

In the early 1960s, Bill Futterer, a transplanted New Yorker who had joined the station as a salesman, became WAYN's General Manager. In 1964, Futterer purchased the station with support from local Rockingham businessmen. The Futterer family has proudly operated WAYN ever since.

Notable figures like Jimmy Smith, , who joined the station at just 16, retired in 2013 after an extraordinary 62-year career, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and local impact.

Through the years, WAYN has evolved with the times, but its commitment to serving the Carolina Sandhills remains steadfast. From its pioneering beginnings to its enduring presence today, WAYN AM 900 continues to be a vital voice and a trusted companion for generations of listeners.