(10/31) Thurmont’s local and only radio station, WTHU, which first aired live in 1967, has recently changed ownership and management. The station was formerly talk radio, but now plays five decades of oldies and greatest hits of all time. The station is now locally programed 24/7 and continues to provide more local content.
Earlier in the year, owner Michael Betteridge hired broadcaster, Bob Mathers, to change WTHU from talk radio to an oldies-based format. Mathers brings a wide variety of broadcasting experience to WTHU radio. He has spent more than four decades in the radio industry and has engineered a number of successful efforts revitalizing community AM radio stations over the years,
three of them located in Maryland.
When asked about the stations’ new goals and changes, Mathers spoke confidently, "The staff is committed to rebuilding and re-establishing the heritage that for years made WTHU a valued voice in the community. Since the format change earlier this year, WTHU is now known as Cool 1450. Our music is all locally programmed. We do not use a satellite service or broadcast
syndicated shows. Our music mix is different than any radio station on the dial...but it's all hits and all programmed at the WTHU studios. We play the best of the 50's through the 90's, focusing on the years 1964-1984." Mathers continued to inform readers, "It's fresh, upbeat, and has lots of variety. We also have special themed weekends, featuring all 50's, or Motown, or one hit wonders of the
70's, and other spotlighted segments. Every Sunday afternoon we choose a week from the 60's and count down the Top 40 songs and recall news of that week."
Mathers stated that they have added features such as "Meet the Mayor" with Thurmont's John Kinnaird, a local morning show with Frederick County native Luke Greffen, 24/7 weather three times per hour and much more.
When asked if both music and information will be broadcasted on WTHU, Mathers responded with something that Thurmont locals will appreciate, "WTHU will be both. Music in and of itself in the age of the internet is not enough for a radio station to be successful. Every song we play on WTHU can be heard anywhere, anytime, on demand. On your tablet. On YouTube. And all for
free. Music is certainly important and we constantly work in making it flow as smoothly as possible. What makes WTHU a compelling part of a person's life is the local content. Local, local, and even more local. We realize that Thurmont and the surrounding towns throughout Frederick County want a radio station that features coverage of local events, interviews with local voices, local news and
sports, and a music mix they can't find anywhere else. We are prioritizing that commitment to become that kind of station."
Regarding the local Thurmont community, Mathers said, "As we grow our local content, it will mesh nicely with the unique music mix and provide equal doses of both. Until the early 80's, many am stations had what they called a 'full service' format. Music, news, and information. We want to go back to that. On a community level. In the end, we want to see WTHU to one degree
or another giving the folks what they want, like and need. That would really be sweet."
If you have not done so already, head over to www.wthu.org to check out the newly upgraded website which features 24/7 live streaming of 1450AM radio and the on-demand video and audio broadcast replays. Owner, Michael Betteridge, is the commentator for the local high school sports play-by-plays along with guest commentators from the community.
The WTHU staff continues to keep "Rockin’ the Catoctins" and strives to produce a great, welcoming and communal radio experience for the town of Thurmont.
