Cornelius resident buying Statesville radio station
Mark Sanger, Justin Ckezepis
April 11. By Dave Yochum. A 2008 Hopewell High graduate who got a degree in communications from App State in 2011 and a law degree from Charlotte School of Law in 2015 will purchase WSIC, pending FCC approval.
Justin Ckezepis paid an undisclosed amount for the 24-hour, 1000 Watt station that broadcasts at 1400 on the AM dial. The Cornelius resident purchased the station from Mark Sanger.
Ckezepis said he bought the Statesville station because he loves the area that he grew up in and where he is now raising a family.
Background
He was the founder of Birkdale-based Ckezepis Law, which he sold in 2021 to Trey Bright who renamed the real estate closing firm Bright Law.
Ckezepis, who also has his real estate license, gained town approval for a new mixed-use building at the corner of Bethel Church and Jetton Road Extension back in September.
But he said media was his first love, starting in college.
“The concept of ‘community’ is crucial. Engaging residents, businesses, and leaders with rational and thoughtful discussions is one way we can all participate in the process,” he said.
Joshua Dobi on-air
Paid programming
The station gets its revenue from advertisers and show hosts who block out periods of time for special programming, among them Cornelius residents Joshua Dobi and Joe Vagnone who have programs on investing and business acquisitions, respectively. NC Sen. Vickie Sawyer, who now represents a portion of Cornelius as well as southern Iredell, also has a program.
The FCC is expected to approve the transfer of the license this spring.
WSIC details
Joe Vagnone on-air
—1400 is a 24-hour 1000 Watt AM station based in Statesville
—100.7 FM (fill in translator) covers Statesville and surrounding area (toward Rowan & Cabarrus Counties)
—105.9 FM (fill in translator) – located in Mooresville at their Water Treatment Facility Tower – covers Lake Norman
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Big things are in store for Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson and Mooresville at 105.9 on your FM dial…stay tuned!
I will miss Mark Sanger, this area was very lucky to have a media owner committed to local small business. Providing a unique opportunity to express ourselves in a way that only radio can do.
for over 10 years I feel very lucky to have shared a passion for small business topics & issues with Mark.
-From Hot air balloon rides, Packing the Trump National ball room with business associates & local leaders, sharing the mic with a Media legend Harold Johnston & Pat Shannon, to many interviews with NC Senator Thom Tillis – WOW – lucky me, thanks Mark
Hello Justine, it was such a pleasure to meet you last week when I was touring the station with Mark Sanger. Best of luck to you in this new venture and don’t hesitate to contact me anytime. Perhaps we can do lunch once you are settled in. Regards, Lee Willoughby
I have had a chance to meet with Justin Ckezepis and it is very exciting to hear about his plans for WSIC FM and the coverage of news and events at the lake. Thank you Justin for your investment in the Lake Norman region!
I hope that he continues to keep the conservative line up of talk show hosts, that are currently being aired through out the week. I live in Love Valley and listen to 100.7 everyday, including morning and evening shows. The local and national hosts are fantastic!