7 Secrets Behind WCTK Cat Country 98.1 FM’s Dominance In New England Country Radio

WCTK Cat Country 98.1 FM is more than just a radio station; it is a powerhouse of contemporary country music that has successfully captured the hearts of listeners across Southern New England. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the station continues its reign by blending the biggest hits from artists like Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson with deep-rooted local engagement, making it a critical source for both music and community news.

Broadcasting with a massive 50,000-watt signal from its licensed city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Cat Country 98.1 serves a sprawling region that includes all of Rhode Island, Cape Cod, and major parts of Bristol and Plymouth Counties. Its commitment to the "Today's Country" format, combined with a highly recognizable lineup of on-air personalities, solidifies its status as a premier destination for country music fans across the region.

The Star-Studded Lineup: WCTK Cat Country 98.1 FM's On-Air Personalities and Schedule

A major factor in WCTK’s sustained success is its stable and engaging roster of on-air hosts. These personalities are the voice of the station, connecting with the audience through music, humor, and local updates. The station, owned by the family-run Hall Communications, maintains a clear, Hot AC-structured format, ensuring listeners always hear the biggest hits in a tight rotation. Here is a look at the key figures and the station’s current weekday schedule:

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• Courtney Kelley: Co-hosts the morning show and is a key figure in the station’s community outreach.
• Kevin Lawrence: Serves as the station’s Program Director (PD) and hosts the crucial afternoon drive time slot.
• Greg Bedard: The popular Midday Host who keeps the workday moving with hits and entertainment.
• Brendan Sharp: A co-host on the morning show, often paired with Courtney Kelley, and handles other shifts.
• Zach Wilder: A regular on-air voice, often covering evenings and weekends.
• Scott Seseske: A dedicated DJ who contributes to the weekend programming mix.

WCTK Cat Country 98.1 FM Weekday On-Air Schedule (Current)

The daily schedule is structured to keep listeners engaged from their morning commute through the evening drive, featuring a blend of music and personality-driven content:

• 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Cat Country Mornings with Courtney Kelley and Brendan Sharp. This show is the station's flagship, focusing on local news, fun segments, and the biggest country hits to start the day.
• 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Midday with Greg Bedard. Greg’s segment provides a perfect soundtrack for the workday, mixing music with his unique personality.
• 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Afternoon Drive with Kevin Lawrence. As Program Director, Kevin guides listeners through the busy evening commute, delivering high-energy music and timely traffic and weather updates.
• Evenings/Overnights: Featuring the station’s other personalities, including Zach Wilder and Brendan Sharp, ensuring 24/7 country music coverage.

The Music and Programming Philosophy: Today's Country Superstars

WCTK’s programming is laser-focused on the "Today's Country" format, which means listeners are constantly exposed to the genre's hottest and most relevant artists. This strategy ensures the station remains competitive with national trends while still catering to the local New England audience. The station's music news and concert coverage are consistently updated, reflecting the dynamic nature of the country music scene.

The station regularly features chart-topping artists who dominate the Billboard Country charts. Entities frequently heard on the WCTK airwaves include:

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• Morgan Wallen (whose chart success often dictates the genre's direction)
• Luke Combs
• Lainey Wilson (a major female voice in modern country)
• Blake Shelton
• Carrie Underwood
• Kane Brown
• Post Malone (as his collaborations, like "Pour Me A Drink" with Blake Shelton, cross into the country space)
• Megan Moroney (the 2024 CMA New Artist of the Year)

Beyond the daily rotation, WCTK hosts the Weekly Country Top 40 Countdown, typically airing on Saturday mornings, which provides a deep dive into the genre's overall performance and gives fans a structured way to track their favorite songs.

Cat Country 98.1 FM’s Deep Local Roots and Community Impact

Despite its broad coverage across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, WCTK maintains a powerful local presence, which is a hallmark of the Hall Communications ownership philosophy. The station's studio is located in Providence, RI (75 Oxford Street), allowing for direct engagement with the community it serves. This local focus is evident in several key initiatives:

1. Community Event Platform

WCTK actively encourages local organizations to submit information about their events via its Community Event Submission form. This ensures the station acts as a hub for local happenings, from charity drives to town fairs across Southeastern New England.

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2. Athlete of the Week

The station runs a consistent "Athlete of the Week" contest/promotion. This initiative celebrates local high school sports achievements, giving recognition to young athletes in Bristol County, Plymouth County, and other parts of the coverage area. This focus on local heroes builds a strong, positive connection with families and schools.

3. The "Morning Show on a Mission"

The morning team often spearheads community efforts under the banner of the "Morning Show on a Mission." While specific recent radiothon names may vary, this recurring thematic focus highlights their commitment to using their powerful 50K watt platform for charitable causes and local fundraising. The station’s involvement in promoting major regional concerts and events also brings significant economic and entertainment value to the Providence and New Bedford areas.

The Technical Reach: Why WCTK Dominates Southern New England

WCTK’s ability to dominate the market is largely due to its technical specifications and strategic licensing. Licensed to New Bedford, Massachusetts, the 98.1 MHz frequency is a Class B station, broadcasting with 50,000 watts of effective radiated power (ERP). This powerful signal ensures clear reception across a vast, densely populated region.

The coverage area is expansive, encompassing major population centers like Providence, Rhode Island, and extending deep into Massachusetts, covering major geographic entities such as:

• Providence County, RI
• Kent County, RI
• Newport County, RI
• Bristol County, MA
• Plymouth County, MA
• Barnstable County (Cape Cod), MA

This wide reach makes WCTK a primary source of country music for millions of listeners and a highly valuable advertising platform for businesses targeting the entire Southern New England market. From the coastal towns of Cape Cod to the urban centers of Providence, the station is a constant presence.

In conclusion, WCTK Cat Country 98.1 FM remains a vital and dominant force in regional radio. Its success is not accidental but a result of a carefully executed strategy: a commitment to the freshest "Today's Country" music, a dynamic and accessible lineup of on-air personalities like Kevin Lawrence and Courtney Kelley, and an unwavering dedication to the local communities of New Bedford, Providence, and all of Southern New England. The station’s consistent programming and community focus ensure it will continue to be the go-to source for country music for years to come.