| WBEK | |
| Frequency: | 91.1 FM (MHz) |
| City: | Kankakee, Illinois |
| Format: | Public Radio |
| Owner: | Chicago Public Media |
| Erp: | 2,600 watts |
| Haat: | 77.3m (253.6feet) |
| Facility Id: | 33327 |
| Class: | A |
| Licensing Authority: | FCC |
| Webcast: | Listen Live |
| Website: | wbez.org |
| Affiliations: | NPR American Public Media Public Radio International |
| Former Callsigns: | WTKC (1990–2003) WKCC (2003–2016) |
WBEK (91.1 FM) is a public radio station licensed to Kankakee, Illinois, and owned by Chicago Public Media.[1]
Formerly known as WKCC and owned by Kankakee Community College, the station aired a format consisting of classical music and public radio programs from NPR, American Public Media, and Public Radio International.[2] WKCC also aired a variety of jazz and blues programs on weekends, some of which were locally produced.[3] [4]
WKCC ceased local broadcast operations on Friday evening, December 18, 2015, at the conclusion of a special, final episode of In a Mellow Tone, hosted by Willie Dixon, Jr. – on the occasion of his 400th show.[5] Chicago Public Media announced that it would purchase ownership rights for the WKCC 91.1 FM broadcast license.[6] WBEZ's programming is now simulcast on WKCC, extending WBEZ's reach to an additional audience of more than 200,000 potential listeners in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.[7]
Chicago Public Media's purchase of the station from Kankakee Community College was consummated on April 28, 2016, at a price of $250,000. On May 6, 2016, the station changed its call sign to WBEK.