Local News Still Matters: Why I’m Joining WCAB
“As the saying goes, some personal news.” Don't worry, Cops & Congress will continue!
“As the saying goes, some personal news.”
In case you missed my announcements on Facebook and X, I’m excited to share that I joined WCAB Radio (590AM/100.9FM) and Signal Hill Media Partners as a Senior Reporter, currently part-time. This new role allows me to expand my work in local journalism while continuing my independent reporting at Cops & Congress.
WCAB has long been known as the standard for reliable, local coverage. As I reported last year, the station has been broadcasting since 1966 and recently entered a new chapter when it was purchased by Billy “Buck” Blevins. The station sits directly across from the Rutherford County courthouse, a fitting location for a newsroom dedicated to accountability and community service.
In this role, I’ll be primarily working remotely and in the field, reporting on issues that matter most to our region. I’ll continue coverage of government meetings. Some of my work from here will appear on WCABNews.com and Signal Hill Media partner platforms, with original work there, too. Cops & Congress will remain my independent space for in-depth watchdog reporting and exclusive videos.
But WCAB is just one part of the story. Signal Hill Media Partners owns and operates a strong network of stations and digital outlets across the region, including:
WAME Real Country 92.9 FM & 550 AM - Statesville
Liberty Radio 96.1 FM - Black Mountain / Asheville
Pure Country 100.9 FM & 590 AM (WCAB) - Rutherfordton
Z102.5 FM Classic Hits (’60s, ’70s, Motown, and More) - Statesville
Bigfoot Country 103.9 FM - Marion
IredellNews.com - Iredell County
Together, these outlets connect communities in a huge listening area in western North Carolina, parts of South Carolina, and parts of Tennessee. This network means more reach for local stories and more opportunities to deliver accountability journalism across Rutherford County and beyond.
Here’s how to connect with me in this new role:
Add annie@wcabnews.com to your press lists.
Use “news tip” in the subject line to share ideas, documents, and photos.
Use “advertising” for advertising inquiries. (View the media kit here.)
For Cops & Congress, please continue to use copsandcongress@gmail.com.
This is a new chapter — but the mission hasn’t changed. Local journalism is essential. WCAB and Signal Hill Media Partners are investing in it, and I’m excited to be part of the work.
Thank you for your continued support of local journalism in Rutherford County from Chimney Rock to Cliffside and beyond, including the towns of Chimney Rock Village, Lake Lure, Rutherfordton, Forest City, Spindale, Bostic and Ellenboro, and the unincorporated areas of Bills Creek, Union Mills, Shingle Hollow, Green Hill, Sunshine, Golden Valley, Harris, Henrietta, and Caroleen in the Broad River basin.
This is great. After I couldn't get the local NPR station to report the news... I wasn't sure where to go next.