Local radio listeners who tuned in to The Bubble 101.5 FM radio station in late November expecting to hear classic funk and soul songs got a surprise: The station, which had been on the air for about a year, had switched formats and was now devoted to contemporary Christian music. The station officially switched formats on Nov. 21 and adopted a new name — The Branch — though its call letters, WBUB, remain the same.
“We felt like the new format would find and serve the community better, and with only a short time on the air, we have found an overwhelming support for The Branch,” said Jim Morris, president of Cultural Media Connection, the New Hampshire-based business that owns the radio station.
Morris said that as the station finds its footing, it will use pre-programmed playlists and won’t have on-air DJs, a format similar to The Bubble. He hopes the station will eventually have a live morning show. He also plans to have local children record a “Bible verse of the day” segment. The station will also host and promote Christian music events throughout the Seacoast and help local churches advertise events.
“I’m getting all the local churches to use this as a platform to advertise or promote their outreach program,” he said. “We’re mostly geared toward Christian avenues.”
Morris took over Cultural Media Connection from Robert Connelly, who was president of the company while The Bubble was on the air.
“We’ve gotten a couple phone calls from people upset (about the switch),” Morris said, adding that Connelly is planning to bring The Bubble back as an online streaming station. — Larry Clow