Hatteras Island now has its own community-run radio station, thanks to an idea borne by former Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC) general manager Jim Kinghorn. A dream of locals for decades, Kinghorn revived the idea roughly six years ago. Thanks to volunteers, 101.5 WHDZ FM and 99.9 WHDX FM began airing March 14 to Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras villages with plans for airing soon in Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo.

Hatteras Island experiences storms year-round. Kinghorn envisioned the station as helping the community quickly get emergency information. The idea grew into creating an operation to air news about the island’s schools, politics, culture, current events and music programming as well.

CHEC provided tower space for antennas and other assistance for the non-profit station. “Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative is proud to be a part of this unique local resource and has been happy to help build it,” says Laura Heitsenrether, marketing and communications specialist for CHEC.

Radio Hatteras is guided by its own board of directors. Dare County provided initial funding and may be able to contribute in the future, but the station will be supported by memberships, donors, underwriters and volunteers. For more, visit radiohatteras.org and facebook.com/radiohatteras.