In 1980, Mr. Lamar Simmons of Lillington sold WXKL to Dr. Samuel David and Betty Ciliberto. The format was changed to Southern Gospel Music and the studios moved to their home, vacating the 1819 Lee Avenue location. In November 1994, Dr. Ciliberto sold the station to Rev. James Thomas of Raleigh. The station played Black American Gospel Music, both live and recorded.
Today, WXKL 1290 AM, studios are located at 601 Hawkins Avenue in Sanford, NC. Reverend James Thomas lived well into his eighth decade of life and will be remembered as a prominent African American broadcaster in not only Lee County but in the great state of North Carolina. Rev. Thomas died in February 2011.
On January 30, 2013, Rev. Thomas' estate sold the station to Johnson Broadcast Ventures, Ltd. The transaction was consummated on March 1, 2013. Later in 2013, Johnson sold WXKL to Macadell & Associates, Inc. That transaction was consummated on August 15, 2013.
Mary Matthews, CEO of MacAdell & Associates Inc. to live and uphold God's plan for the station through the good times and the difficult times.
