WHLC

Vistors to these mountains look forward to the relaxing sounds of waterfalls, katydids, and of course, WHLC Radio. The station has become part of the fabric of Highlands and Cashiers.  The year 2003 marked WHLC’s 10th anniversary on July 8th.

When Chuck and Wanda Cooper began broadcasting in 1993, they dedicated themselves to making a special contribution to Cashiers and Highlands. They applied for the call letters – WHLC – that would identify them with both communities; HL for Highlands and C for Cashiers.

The arrival of WHLC brought a new avenue for marketing to local businesses and a new choice for listeners. Soft and easy listening, according to the Coopers, is a mix of music geared to people 35 and older, a listening audience that is often overlooked.  At WHLC, it includes songs from the ’50s through today. movie tunes and popular easy rock tunes interpreted as instrumentals.

Since Chuck’s beginnings in a small radio station in the early 60s, he has put his heart and soul into working with people. His connection to Highlands resulted from driving his aunts to one of the area’s favorite pastimes: the auctions. His expertise in radio was his key to being able to return to these mountains.

Chuck and Wanda eat and breathe radio. In the process, they indulge their love for Highlands, Cashiers and the people of this area. They enjoy providing the sound-track for so much of the living and playing that takes place in these mountains, as well as helping people keep up with the weather, shops and services of local businesses. Their goal is to be a touchstone for the people of Cashiers and Highlands. You hear this in the reports of lost and found animals, public service announcements for community events and the sounds of WHLC playing in the local shops.
-published in the Laurel Magazine, 2003