Reviving a dream as new Cape Fear Radio station will stream region’s sound

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — A new way to listen to all the music the Cape Fear has to offer is coming soon.

Cape Fear Radio, based in Southport, will soon start operating, not over the air, but on the internet.

According to founder Russ Yarrow, the idea for the station first started years ago, and will complete the dream of one man who enjoyed bringing news to the people of Southport.

“The idea for a radio station here has been gestating for a long time,” Yarrow said. “It originally came from a man named Ed Harper who was publisher of the State Port Pilot and he had a dream of building a radio station. He was going to put an antenna on the top of the building here in downtown Southport. And then the idea went away with Ed’s passing, but it was rekindled.”

Located in the State Port Pilot building, the radio station will stream all of its content online, rather than use an FM or AM frequency.

Former disk jockey Mary Galligan will host just one of several specialized shows that will focus on a variety of genres.

“So we have during the day, we’ll have sports, news, music,” Galligan said. “And then at night, we’ll have various specialty shows. So we have one around country, one around reggae, the independent one and just all types of music that people in the area will be interested in.”

Galligan’s show will specifically highlight local musicians trying go get their voices heard.

Another host, who goes by the name of Rev, said the station won’t just help musicians.

“The impact I think is going to be felt as to, just awareness of things that are going on in the community,” Rev said. “We’ll see a lot more of non-profit groups can have a voice in the community as far as their events and what their mission is and things like that, where a lot of times, I mean, they have a hard time being heard.”

The station is a non-profit organization and is expected to start operations by the end of June.