In an era where streaming and social media dominate, one small-town radio station is still turning the dial on tradition.

WWIC Real Country 1050 AM in Scottsboro recently celebrated its 75th anniversary on June 13th, and for longtime operator Greg Bell, the station’s endurance is a testament to its unwavering focus on service, not just sound.

Founded through a longstanding friendship and shared broadcast values, WWIC’s roots run deep in community loyalty. Bell’s relationship with former Yellowhammer News Anchor J. Holland helped shape the network connection, but the station’s mission remains local.

“The FCC doesn’t care how many times we play Johnny Cash,” Bell says.

“They care about how we serve our community.” That commitment includes everything from morning birthday announcements and funeral notices to their “Classified” call-in show and interviews with charity organizers. In fact, on-air conversations have helped promote initiatives like the local Dragon Boat Races and school supply drives.

WWIC may have a classic country format, but the work ethic behind the mic is very much so “roll up the sleeves and get to work.” When asked about standout hosts, Bell replied, “Other than my wife and a couple part-timers, we run it ourselves.”

Despite their biggest challenges being staffing and an evolving media landscape, Bell keeps the signal strong, even branching into podcasting by archiving interviews with the local mayor and public figures. While he’s realistic—and worried—about the future of local radio, Bell sees opportunity in streaming and smartphone access.

“We probably have more listeners on the phone now than on the radio,” he said. “That’s good and bad.”

Though WWIC may not have the resources of a larger news team, its strength lies in connection. “People remember listening to us with their grandparents. That means something,” Bell added.

In a world increasingly reliant on clicks and metrics, WWIC’s heartbeat remains its community—one call-in, one conversation, and one country song at a time.