La Pantera Roars In Eastern NC

• It’s the end of an era — and the beginning of a new one — for what had been billed as one of the region’s oldest Rock radio stations — Dick Broadcasting this week flipped WXQR (Rock 105.5)/New Bern-Jacksonville, NC to Regional Mexican, rebranded as La Pantera 105.5 (“The Panther”), which is appropriate, given that La Pantera will become a Spanish-language affiliate of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. The station’s programming will start with Univision’s El Bueno, La Mala, y El Feo in morning drive, syndicated personality Chiquibaby in middays and local talent from 2pm until midnight.

So, why the flip? According to the release, “We did extensive research about the Hispanic population in eastern North Carolina, and found that Jacksonville and Onslow county have 63% more Hispanics than the North Carolina average. The Hispanic population in Jacksonville has grown 41% since 2010.  We recognized that the Hispanic/Latino community was underserved.”

Market Manager Tony Denton remarked, “We are so excited about this radio station and the platform it provides for entertaining and informing the Hispanic/Latino community in eastern NC. It will also be a wonderful opportunity for our clients throughout eastern NC!” Jason Goodman, VP of Programming for Dick Broadcasting, added, “105.5 La Pantera is in a perfect position to serve the Hispanic community that has been underserved for years. This is an exciting time for DBC as we evolve with our first Hispanic station for the company.”

Operations Manager Crystal Legends commented, “North Carolina is home to almost one million Latinos.  They are a driving force in our economy and we found there was a lack of stations embracing this part of our community! DBC is happy to introduce La Pantera, and we look forward to it becoming a staple in ENC.” The best news: no existing staffers were adversely affected by this flip.