| Frequency | 91.1 FM (MHz) |
|---|---|
| Programming | |
| Format | Public Radio |
| Affiliations | NPR American Public Media Public Radio International |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Chicago Public Media |
| History | |
Former call signs | WTKC (1990–2003) WKCC (2003–2016) |
| Technical information[1] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| Facility ID | 33327 |
| Class | A |
| ERP | 2,600 watts |
| HAAT | 77.3 meters (254 ft) |
| Links | |
Public license information | |
| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | wbez.org |
WBEK (91.1 FM) is a public radio station licensed to Kankakee, Illinois, and owned by Chicago Public Media.[2]
Formerly known as WKCC and owned by Kankakee Community College, the station aired a format consisting of classical music and public radio programs from NPR, American Public Media, and Public Radio International.[3] WKCC also aired a variety of jazz and blues programs on weekends, some of which were locally produced.[4][5]
WKCC ceased local broadcast operations on Friday evening, December 18, 2015, at the conclusion of a special, final episode of In a Mellow Tone, hosted by Willie Dixon, Jr. – on the occasion of his 400th show.[6] Chicago Public Media announced that it would purchase ownership rights for the WKCC 91.1 FM broadcast license.[7] WBEZ's programming is now simulcast on WKCC, extending WBEZ's reach to an additional audience of more than 200,000 potential listeners in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.[8]
Chicago Public Media's purchase of the station from Kankakee Community College was consummated on April 28, 2016, at a price of $250,000. On May 6, 2016, the station changed its call sign to WBEK.