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