Audacy flips WROQ-FM to country, ending the classic rock format’s 38-year run
644. IN TIME FOR NEWS TO GO, WE HAVE A LOOK AT TODAY’S TOP NEWS STORIES. YOUR TRAFFIC AND WEATHER ALL BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT THE DOOR. WE BEGIN WITH BREAKING NEWS. SEVEN PEOPLE ARE DEAD AFTER A PLANE CRASH IN NORTH CAROLINA. THAT CRASH HAPPENED YESTERDAY MORNING AT STATESVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT. AUTHORITIES SAY A BUSINESS JET WITH SEVEN PEOPLE ON BOARD CRASHED WHILE TRYING TO LAND LAST NIGHT. FAMILY MEMBERS OF FORMER NASCAR DRIVER GREG BIFFLE CONFIRMED HE WAS ON THE PLANE, ALONG WITH HIS IMMEDIATE FAMILY. IN A STATEMENT, A FAMILY SPOKESPERSON CONFIRMED BIFFLE, HIS WIFE CHRISTINA, THEIR SON RYDER, AND GREG’S DAUGHTER EMMA WERE AMONG THE VICTIMS. BIFFLE’S ASSISTANT, CRAIG WADSWORTH, WAS ALSO KILLED, ALONG WITH DENIS DUTTON AND HIS SON JACK DUTTON. FLIGHT PLANS SHOW THE PLANE WAS BOUND FOR SARASOTA AND HAD THREE ADDITIONAL FLIGHTS PLANNED FOR THURSDAY AND A PLANNED RETURN TO STATESVILLE LAST NIGHT. THAT’S ACCORDING TO THE HURST NATIONAL INVESTIGATIVE UNIT. THE JET REACHED ITS HIGHEST ALTITUDE LESS THAN TWO MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE. THEN IT BEGAN TO DESCEND. THE FINAL RECORDED DATA POINT, WHICH WAS NINE MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF, SHOWS THE PLANE LESS THAN A HALF MILE FROM THE AIRPORT IN LINE WITH THE RUNWAY. NTSB IS EXPECTED TO SPEAK MORE ABOUT THE CRASH TODAY, AND AS WE LEARN MORE ABOUT THAT INVESTIGATION, WE’LL HAVE IT FOR YOU. YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT THE CRASH ON WYFF 4 DOT COM AND ON THE WYFF 4 MOBILE APP. IN NORTH CAROLINA, HEALTH LEADERS SAY SOMEONE WITH MEASLES TRAVELED THROUGH RALEIGH-DURHAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WHILE INFECTED. THEY SAY THAT PERSON WHO LIVES IN ANOTHER STATE GOT TO THE AIRPORT LAST WEEK. HEALTH LEADERS SAY THERE’S NO KNOWN HEALTH RISK, BUT THEY SAY ANY PERSON WHO WAS AT DUE IN TERMINAL TWO BETWEEN 4 A.M. TO 8 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH COULD HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO MEASLES AND SHOULD MONITOR SYMPTOMS UNTIL JANUARY 1ST. OUR DATA TEAM IS TRACKING MEASLES CASES AND OUTBREAKS ACROSS THE U.S. BASED ON NUMBERS FROM THE CDC. SO TAKING A LOOK AT A MAP WHICH SHOWS CONFIRMED CASES BY STATE AS OF DECEMBER 17TH, TEXAS IS REPORTING MORE THAN 800 INFECTIONS, WHILE UTAH, ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO AND SOUTH CAROLINA ARE REPORTING 100 TO 250 CASES. WE’RE ALSO EXPECTED TO GET UPDATED DATA ON THAT OUTBREAK TODAY IN THE UPSTATE. YOU’LL FIND THAT INFORMATION ALONG WITH OUR COVERAGE ON WYFF 4 DOT COM, AND ALSO IN THE WYFF 4 MOBILE APP. PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT WILL EASE RESTRICTIONS ON MARIJUANA. THURSDAY’S MOVE WOULD RESCHEDULE MARIJUANA TO A LOWER CLASSIFICATION. NOW, IT DOES NOT MEAN FULL LEGALIZATION. THE DEA CLASSIFIES MARIJUANA AS A SCHEDULE ONE DRUG, AND IT DESCRIBES IT AS HAVING A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE WITH NO ACCEPTED MEDICAL USE. THE CHANGE WOULD RECLASSIFY MARIJUANA AS A SCHEDULE THREE DRUG, WHICH MEANS IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED LESS ADDICTIVE. THE ORDER ALSO PAVES THE WAY FOR THE FDA TO STUDY MARIJUANA’S MEDICINAL USES. SENATOR TED BUDD OF NORTH CAROLINA SWIFTLY CONDEMNED THE PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE ORDER, SAYING IN A STATEMENT, QUOTE, RESCHEDULING MARIJUANA TO A SCHEDULE THREE SUBSTANCE AND PUTTING MORE MONEY IN THE POCKETS OF MARIJUANA COMPANIES IS SHORTSIGHTED POLICY DECISION THAT WILL HAVE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF AMERICANS, ESPECIALLY OUR NATION’S YOUTH, END QUOTE. TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY. YOU CAN SUGGEST PROJECTS YOU THINK WILL IMPROVE THE CITY OF HENDERSONVILLE, THE CITY SETTING ASIDE $25,000 FOR PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY TO DECIDE HOW THOSE FUNDS SHOULD BE USED. COMMUNITY MEMBERS CAN SUBMIT THEIR IDEAS THROUGH AN APPLICATION, BUT IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOTE IT’S SPECIFICALLY FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS. THOSE THAT CREATE OR IMPROVE A LONG ASSET THINK THINGS LIKE SPEED, RADAR SIGNS, PARK ENHANCEMENTS, OR UPDATES TO SERVICES. AFTER REVIEW AND SCORING, THE TOP RANKED PROJECT OR PROJECTS WILL GET FUNDING. THE APPLICATIONS ARE DUE TODAY, SO BE SURE TO HEAD TO HVL. NC GOV. HENDERSONVILLE TO SUBMIT YOUR IDEA. VICTORIA. ALL RIGHT, CLEARED OUT. YOU MIGHT SEE SOME WET PAVEMENT, BUT THE WIND SHOULD DRY IT OUT QUICKLY FOR TODAY. WIND GUSTS TOPPING 30 TO 35MPH HERE IN THE UPSTATE THIS AFTERNOON. NOW TOWARDS WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. GUSTS WILL TOP 40. ANYTHING OUTSIDE? MAKE SURE TO HUNKER DOWN IF YOU HAVE ANY FURNITURE OR MAYBE CHRISTMAS DECOR. THE EASE FOR THE UPSTATE LATER TONIGHT AND FOR MOST OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, THOUGH, THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS WILL KEEP GUSTS NEAR 30. THERE IS A WIND ADVISORY IN PLACE STRETCHING ALL THE WAY FROM CULLOWHEE UP TOWARDS ASHEVILLE FOR THIS AFTERNOON. AND AGAIN, THAT IS FOR GUSTS NEAR 40 TO 45 MILES AN HOUR UNTIL ABOUT 7 P.M. FOR TONIGHT. REGARDLESS, WE HAVE PLENTY OF SUNSHINE IN THE FORECAST FOR TODAY, WHICH IS THE BEST NEWS, AND TEMPERATURES ARE WARMING UP TOWARDS THE UPPER 50S FOR THE UPSTATE, WHICH IS ABOVE AVERAGE FOR THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. AND THAT’S SIMILAR FOR THE MOUNTAINS. HOWEVER, WE’LL SEE TEMPERATURES IN THE 40S IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, AND THE WIND GUSTS WILL FEEL LIKE WE’RE IN THE 40S, SIMILAR FOR OUR FOUR-DAY PLUS AGAIN, WARMING UP AS WE HEAD TOWARDS CHRISTMAS. AND THAT’S SIMILAR FOR THE MOUNTAINS NEARING ALMOST 70 DEGREES IN SPOTS. AARON VITTORIA, THANK YOU. 648 NOW LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT TRAFFIC AND SEE WHERE IT STANDS. ISABELLE MARAK JOINS US ON THE ROAD RIGHT NOW WITH A PEEK AT HOLIDAY TRAFFIC. HEY, ISABELLE. HEY, ERIN. GOOD MORNING. YEAH, WE’RE GOING TO START TO SEE SOME OF THAT HOLIDAY TRAFFIC STARTING TOMORROW, MAYBE EVEN TODAY AROUND 385 NORTHBOUND HEADED BACK TOWARDS GREENVILLE. IT SEEMS TO BE PRETTY SMOOTH SAILING ON THE ROADS, YOU KNOW, BUT IF YOU’RE TAKING OFF FOR THE HOLIDAY, TRIPLE A SAYS TO LEAVE EARLY BEFORE TEN IN THE MORNING, OR YOU WANT TO LEAVE A LITTLE BIT LATER, MAYBE AFTER RUSH HOUR, WE’LL HAVE ANOTHER CHECK COMING UP. BUT FOR NOW, I’M GOING TO SEND IT BACK TO YOU GUYS. ISABELLE. THANK YOU. IT’S NOT JUST TRAVELING VIA CAR EITHER. MILLIONS OF AMERICANS ARE EXPECTED TO FLY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, WITH MANY TAKING GIFTS FOR LOVED ONES. BUT WHAT FESTIVE GOODS ARE ACTUALLY TSA APPROVED? AMY LU SHARING THE BEST TIPS ON WHAT CAN AND CAN’T FLY. FLYING WITH GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS. HERE ARE THE DO’S AND DON’TS TO HELP MAKE JET SETTING A BREEZE. FIRST, MAKE SURE YOUR ITEMS ARE ON TSA. NICE LIST. YOU CAN CHECK WHICH ITEMS ARE ALLOWED ON TSA WEBSITE OR APP. FOR EXAMPLE, SQUIRT GUNS, TOY SWORDS, OR OTHER ITEMS THAT RESEMBLE REALISTIC FIREARMS OR WEAPONS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CARRY ON BAGS, BUT CAN BE IN CHECKED BAGS. NEXT, AVOID WRAPPING GIFTS. TSA WILL OPEN THEM IF THE ITEM TRIGGERS AN ALARM. INSTEAD, PACK PRESENTS AND GIFT BAGS OR BOXES FOR FRAGILE GIFTS. KEEP THEM CLOSE IN YOUR CARRY ON OR PERSONAL ITEM. CUSHION THEM WITH SOFT CLOTHES OR BUBBLE WRAP TO REDUCE DAMAGE. IF YOU WANT TO BRING YOUR FAVORITE FESTIVE DISHES HOME, SOLID FOODS LIKE MEATS, PIES AND CHOCOLATES CAN GO IN A CARRY ON BAG. HOWEVER, LIQUIDS AND SPREADABLE FOODS LIKE EGGNOG, GRAVY AND PRESERVES NEED TO GO IN CHECKED BAGS. AND OF COURSE, ANY LIQUID OVER 3.4OZ NEEDS TO BE IN A CHECKED BAG. AND FOR EXTRA PEACE OF MIND, POP IN A TRACKING DEVICE LIKE AN AIRTAG IN YOUR LUGGAGE. REPORTING IN WASHINGTON, I’M AMY LU. MEANWHILE, NOW IS THE TIME TO GET YOUR HOLIDAY CARDS AND GIFTS READY TO SEND WITH PLANS THEY’LL GET TO THEIR RECIPIENT BY CHRISTMAS DAY. USPS TOMORROW IS THE FINAL DAY FOR PRIORITY MAIL EXPRESS, WHILE UPS RECOMMENDS SHIPPING PACKAGES BY TODAY FOR THREE DAY SELECT OR DECEMBER 20TH SECOND OR 23RD FOR SECOND OR NEXT DAY AIR, FEDEX RECOMMENDS SHIPPING BY DECEMBER 23RD FOR DELIVERY BY CHRISTMAS EVE. THE CLOCK IS TICKING DOWN UNTIL CHRISTMAS DAY, AND IF YOU’RE STRESSING ABOUT WHAT TO GIVE, THE PERSON THAT HAS EVERYTHING, OR IF YOU JUST NEED A LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT, CASH IS ALWAYS AN OPTION. LOVE THAT MONEY. A NEW AP POLL REVEALS MOST ADULTS ARE OKAY WITH GIVING MONEY AS A PRESENT. IN FACT, ABOUT 6 IN 10 AMERICANS DEEM CASH AS A VERY ACCEPTABLE HOLIDAY GIFT. TWO THIRDS OF RESPONDENTS UNDER 45 SAY CASH IS THE WAY TO GO. YOU CAN ENJOY SOME HOLIDAY LIGHTS, ALL WHILE HELPING A GOOD CAUSE AS A FLAT ROCK CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FUNDRAISER IS UNDERWAY. YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE LIGHTS, SIP SOME HOT COCOA, AND ENJOY A CHRISTMAS COOKIE. FUNDRAISER. BENEFITS CELL A SANCTUARY, WHICH IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT RESCUES AND REHOMES DOGS IN NEED. YOU CAN FIND THE EVENT AT THREE EAST BOXWOOD LOOP FROM NOW THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT FROM 6 TO 9:00. AND TONIGHT’S THE FIRST PERFORMANCE OF THE NUTCRACKER. ONCE UPON A TIME IN GREENVILLE. THERE ARE FOUR SHOWS THIS WEEKEND AT THE PEACE CENTER AND NEARLY SOLD OUT AS WELL. IT’S BEING PUT ON BY CAROLINA BALLET, AND YOU CAN EXPECT SOME NODS TO THE UPSTATE. WE CALL OUR OUR PERFORMANCE THE NUTCRACKER. ONCE UPON A TIME IN GREENVILLE BECAUSE WHILE IT’S A TRADITIONAL NUTCRACKER, WE LIKE TO GIVE IT SOME LOCAL FLAIR AND SOME LITTLE TWISTS AND TURNS. FOR EXAMPLE, THE MICE ON MAIN MAKE AN APPEARANCE. THE LIBERTY BRIDGE MAKES AN APPEARANCE. AND SOME OF THOSE THINGS WE WANT TO DO SO THAT PEOPLE FEEL LIKE IT’S REALLY TAILORED TO LIFE IN GREENVILLE. ORGANIZERS SAY IF YOU’RE ATTENDING IT, PLAN TO ARRIVE ABOUT 30 MINUTES AHEAD OF TIME, AND THAT SHOULD GIVE YOU ENOUGH TIME TO FIND PARKING, GRAB A DRINK AND FIND YOUR SEATS. WYFF 4 IS PARTNERING WITH THE GREENVILLE NEWS FOR THE HOLIDAY SUNSHINE FUND, AND EVERY DOLLAR STAYS RIGHT HERE TO HELP PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY. TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR SCREEN. SO FAR, YOU’VE GENEROUSLY DONATED MORE THAN $47,000. BUT IF YOU HAVEN’T YET, YOU’D LIKE TO GIVE. THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS YOU CAN DO SO. THOSE AR
Audacy flips WROQ-FM to country, ending the classic rock format’s 38-year run
Updated: 4:52 PM EST Dec 19, 2025
An Upstate classic is no more after changing format for the first time in decades. At 3 p.m. Friday, Audacy launched Big Buck Country to replace the long-standing Classic Rock 101.1.Big Buck Country (WROQ-FM) aims to deliver a mix of today’s biggest country hits and all-time country classics.Fans of Rock 101 can still tune in to 93.3 The Planet (WTPT-FM) to listen to classic rock.We are told The Planet will include even more classic rock from iconic artists such as Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Queen and Tom Petty, mixed with active rock favorites including Metallica, AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Foo Fighters and Green Day.Former Rock 101 host Jay “Stoneman” Stone has transitioned from middays to afternoons and can be heard weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on 93.3 The Planet.Listeners can tune in to Big Buck Country on the Audacy app and at bigbuckcountry.com.Classic Rock 101.1 has held the classic rock format since December 1987.
GREENVILLE, S.C. —
An Upstate classic is no more after changing format for the first time in decades.
At 3 p.m. Friday, Audacy launched Big Buck Country to replace the long-standing Classic Rock 101.1.
Big Buck Country (WROQ-FM) aims to deliver a mix of today’s biggest country hits and all-time country classics.
Fans of Rock 101 can still tune in to 93.3 The Planet (WTPT-FM) to listen to classic rock.
We are told The Planet will include even more classic rock from iconic artists such as Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Queen and Tom Petty, mixed with active rock favorites including Metallica, AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Foo Fighters and Green Day.
Former Rock 101 host Jay “Stoneman” Stone has transitioned from middays to afternoons and can be heard weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on 93.3 The Planet.
Listeners can tune in to Big Buck Country on the Audacy app and at bigbuckcountry.com.
Classic Rock 101.1 has held the classic rock format since December 1987.