About WCPE

WCPE, The Classical Station, is a non-commercial, independent, listener-supported station dedicated to excellence in classical music broadcasting. Located in central North Carolina in Wake Forest, WCPE serves the Piedmont area, including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, with 100,000 watts of power on 89.7 FM. We are heard in the North Carolina Sandhills, coastal areas, and parts of southern Virginia on eleven remote FM transmitters. We serve the rest of the world online, on our apps, on streaming services, on cable systems, and on affiliate radio stations. For listeners seeking Great Classical Music, our selection and presentation make us the radio station of choice, 24 hours per day, every day.

The Classical Station has adhered to one philosophy since 1982: to deliver the finest classical music programming and the highest quality broadcast signal around the clock. With the spread of online listening on our apps and via streaming services, that commitment now embraces a global audience.

We believe that The Classical Station enhances the cultural climate of our listening areas. Studies citing the high quality of life in the area consistently name The Classical Station as a factor.

When one combines the dedication of its committed volunteers and staff, the financial support of its loyal listeners, and grants from caring businesses and foundations, it adds up to a remarkable example of community involvement, partnership, and enrichment that will continue to benefit our listening areas for years to come.

We are Listener-Supported

For more than 40 years, The Classical Station has raised its operating funds by direct mail and two annual on-air fundraising campaigns each year. We get additional support from underwriting by businesses and cultural organizations. Since 2002, sustaining members have played an invaluable role in providing us with a reliable income stream every month. We operate with a small permanent staff and more than 200 volunteers who participate in all aspects of station operation such as administration, announcing, technical work, and publications.

Non-Profit Ownership

WCPE is owned and operated by the Educational Information Corporation, a North Carolina not-for-profit organization. Educational Information Corporation was formed in 1973 and began operating WCPE in July of 1978. The Corporation holds a federal 501(c)(3) Public Charity Exemption Certificate and the corresponding certificate from the State of North Carolina.

Contributions made to the Educational Information Corporation are recognized as donations to be used for said Corporation and its activities and endeavors. The Corporation is exempt from both North Carolina Franchise Tax and Income Tax under sections 105-125 and 105-130.11 paragraph (a)(3) respectively, of the General Statutes of North Carolina. Contributions, donations, gifts, bequests, legacies, devices, or transfers made to the Education Information Corporation will be deductible for North Carolina Income Tax purposes, by individual donors as provided in Section 105-147(15), and by corporate donors as provided in Section 105-130.9(1) of the General Statutes. Moreover, the Educational Information Corporation is exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and any contributions, donations, gifts, bequests, legacies, devices, or transfers made to, or for our use will be deductible for Federal Gift, Estate, or Income Tax purposes as set forth under Sections 170, 2055, 2106, and 2522 of the Code.

Federal Income Tax Exemption Number: XJ56 1061859

North Carolina Income Tax Exemption Number: 92 14083 26

Classical Music Programming You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

The Classical Station believes that classical music is an integral part of the quality of life in our communities and around the world. Our mission is to make Great Classical Music available at all times to people everywhere. We offer a wide variety of music, performers, and composers throughout the day. On weekdays, Sleepers Awake keeps you company from midnight until 6:00 a.m. when Rise and Shine gets your day off to a great start with the Classical Conundrum and lots of short works including spirited overtures. Classical Cafe accompanies you from 10:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. with full-length symphonies and concerti. As You Like It is your companion from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., when Allegro travels with you as you bring your daytime activities to a close. At 7:00 p.m., Concert Hall has longer works and leads into the tranquility of Music in the Night at 10:00 p.m. (All times are eastern.)