Static No More: WXKI Returning to the Airwaves

Something special is brewing, and it’s got a familiar sound.

WXKI FM is making a comeback, reviving the spirit of classic country radio with a unique mix of southern rock and Muscle Shoals soul—right from the heart of North Alabama.

Travis Allred, founder of North Alabama Community Broadcasting and owner of WXKI, has been working tirelessly to build the station from the ground up. The FCC granted the construction permit for the Low Power FM station in November, and since then, Allred has been hands-on with the process—literally. The studio, affectionately referred to as "The Radio Shack," is being built on his family's 90-acre farm, with a 16x16 addition currently being framed by hand.

Radio enthusiasts may recognize the WXKI call letters from the 1990s when "America’s Best Country" X-103 WXKI first launched as Moulton’s first FM station. That station was sold in 2000 and became 103.1 WEUP, but Allred is determined to bring back the spirit of local radio with this new project. Many of the station’s audio equipment pieces—consoles, CD decks, and turntables—were sourced from the original WXKI/WHIY studio in Moulton. Additional equipment has been donated by Fun 92.7 in Arab, and the station has been granted free use of a tower on Battleground Mountain’s W4CFI ham radio repeater.

WXKI X-101 FM will primarily feature classic and traditional country music, but listeners can also expect southern rock from legendary artists like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Pure Prairie League, and The Marshall Tucker Band. The Muscle Shoals influence will also be present, with tracks from Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, and other regional icons adding to the mix.

One of the highlights of the station’s lineup will be "Party Time with TV & Moody," a live request show airing on Friday nights. Hosted by Allred and his co-host, the show will take listener requests, feature guest appearances, and showcase a mix of classic country, southern rock, and modern artists such as Cody Jinks, Charley Crockett, and Sturgill Simpson.

Additionally, former WHIY/WXKI personality Rice Towry will return to the airwaves with a weekly conservative talk show. Local news will air twice daily on weekdays, along with agricultural news in the mornings. Fans of classic radio will also appreciate the addition of archived episodes of Paul Harvey’s iconic segment, "The Rest of the Story," which will play on weekdays.

While the station is still under construction, Allred hopes to have WXKI X-101 FM on the air within the next six months. There are still major expenses ahead, including the purchase of a transmitter, an Emergency Alert System, and an antenna—an investment of approximately $7,000, which he is funding out of pocket.

Once operational, the station’s coverage area will include portions of Cullman, Morgan, Winston, and Lawrence Counties. With the support of sponsors and underwriting partners, Allred plans to apply for an FM translator in the future, which would rebroadcast the signal and provide even greater coverage for Lawrence County and beyond.

For Allred, this is more than just a business venture—it’s a lifelong dream. "Radio is a labor of love for me," he said. "Owning a station is something I have dreamed of since I was 15."

WXKI X-101 FM is poised to bring a fresh yet nostalgic sound to the region, and with community support, it will become a staple for country music lovers across North Alabama. Stay tuned—big things are on the way!

See a gallery of photos of construction on the new station below!