Special to Iredell Free News
Owner Mark Sanger announced Thursday that he has accepted an offer to sell News Talk WSIC Radio.
“It has been a fun and amazing 18 years here in the region and the Lord’s timing was just right,” Sanger said in a news release. “Kathy and I thank everyone for all their support. Thank you all and praise the Lord!”
After Sanger was approached by Cornelius resident Justin Ckezepis about airing his podcast “Today’s Real Talk” on WSIC, it became apparent that Ckezepis was looking for his next opportunity and all of the pieces fell into place for the sale of the radio station.
The FCC has begun the process of reviewing the proposed transaction. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Ckezepis is known in the Lake Norman region as the “Mobile Real Estate Closing Attorney.” He sold his Birkdale-based law firm in 2021. In addition to other professional roles and organizations, he currently serves as a Board of Director to The Hope House, a transitional homeless shelter for women and children based in Huntersville.
Ckezepis plans to expand his help to the community through media.
“Owning a radio station has always been a dream of mine and I could not believe a conversation about airing my syndicated real estate show turned into my next opportunity!” he said. “I love this area because this is where I grew up and am now raising my family.”
Ckezepis graduated from Hopewell High School in 2008 and Appalachian State University in 2011 with a degree in communications before earning a law degree from Charlotte School of Law in 2015.
WSIC went on the air on May 5, 1947, broadcasting at 1400 AM. In more recent years, the station has added two FM signals, 100.7 FM in Statesville and on 105.9 FM in the Cornelius/Lake Norman/North Charlotte area. The station is also streamed online at wsicNews.com.
“The concept of ‘community’ is crucial,” says Ckezepis. “Engaging residents, businesses, and leaders with rational and thoughtful discussions is one way we can all participate in the process,” he added.
Ckezepis said that he is looking forward to big things in both the Statesville and Lake Norman areas. He already owns Real Talk Studios, where his talk show, “Today’s Real Talk” is syndicated on several stations (and soon to air on WSIC).