North Carolina News Network
711 Hillsborough Street
P. O. Box 12900
Raleigh, NC 27605
(919) 890-6030

Visit Web Site

Mission Statement
The North Carolina News Network is dedicated to providing quality news, information, weather, sports, and feature programming to 75 radio stations in North Carolina.  Our information is based on local, regional and statewide events that are important to the citizens of the state.  From the Outer Banks to the Smokey Mountains, people in North Carolina rely no the North Carolina News Network to keep them informed and in touch.

Message from the GM

"The North Carolina News Network has a solid reputation as a leader in its field. We have a dedicated, experienced staff that provides listeners with local, regional and statewide news and information. We take pride in the quality and quantity of information we deliver to the affiliate radio stations across the state."

-- Ardie Gregory, Vice President & General Manager, WRAL-FM

North Carolina News Network

Overview
Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, the North Carolina News Network (NCNN) provides news, sports, weather and special programming to over 75 radio stations across the state. Thus, NCNN spans the information gap between local and national information for North Carolina radio stations.

NCNN's programming contains a commercial unit, which gives our advertisers the opportunity to reach over 1,300,000 of North Carolina adults each week - in the metros and rural areas - for a fraction of the cost of placing spot radio.

The majority of NCNN affiliates air the network programming live as it is delivered via satellite. However, some stations customize their information packages.

Simply put, NCNN is a radio syndicate. NCNN produces and delivers statewide news, weather, sports, and feature event coverage to affiliate radio stations across the state. NCNN has affiliates in all major metros and more importantly, the smaller cities and hometowns that make up over half the state's population.

History
NCNN can trace its roots back to 1942 when the Tobacco Radio Network was formed and farmers from all over the south began tuning in to become more informed and profitable. Over the years, parent company Capitol Broadcasting Company has transformed the network into a major source for statewide news coverage. Only 28 states in the U.S. can boast a state radio network. NCNN is proud to be a leader among this elite group of broadcasters, winning numerous awards.

When FM radio first made its appearance in the consumer market in North Carolina, there were few FM receivers available. Capitol Broadcasting began forming radio networks to help programs and sponsors reach a broader audience. First formed was the Dixie Network consisting of several North Carolina radio stations. As new stations joined, the network became know as the Tobacco Radio Network, and focused on farm news, weather, sports and features.

As college sports grew in popularity, the Tobacco Sports Network was formed. Games in the 1940's were never broadcast live, and sometimes only consisted of the second half. Colleges thought that live broadcasts would hurt attendance.

As Hurricane Hazel approached the North Carolina coast in 1954, a weather network was formed to track the storm's progress. A Wilmington FM station tracked the storm. Their transmission was picked up and delivered by more inland stations as the storm progressed.

In 1959, the Tobacco Network was incorporated and added full news service on the North Carolina News Network. Programming was picked up by FM stations around the state and Southern Virginia. During non-network time, "background" style music tapes were played.

In 1982, the various networks merged into the Capitol Radio Networks and converted to analog satellite distribution by providing each affiliated radio station with receivers and satellite dishes. The very first satellite broadcast was a Duke University football game. In 1996, as technology changed and new opportunities opened up, the networks merged into Capitol Networks, reflecting the broad variety of programming offered and markets serviced. The previous networks evolved into Capitol AgriBusiness (formerly Tobacco Radio Network), The North Carolina News Network, and Capitol Sports Network.

Today, the North Carolina News Network has refocused efforts to concentrate on news and program distribution.

High quality audio and reliability are vital to those radio stations that use our programming services. With this in mind,   we  have made a strong commitment to   digital technology in our   satellite distribution and studio equipment.

A division of WRAL-FM, NCNN is committed to excellence and is buidling on the tradition that began so long ago. 

View History

Awards
View Awards