WZEP is a radio station

Radio station

Radio broadcasting is a one-way wireless transmission over radio waves intended to reach a wide audience. Stations can be linked in radio networks to broadcast a common radio format, either in broadcast syndication or simulcast or both...

 broadcasting a Variety

Variety (radio)

The term variety as a radio format is loosely defined as a format that plays music across numerous genera.Freeform variety is associated with a wide range of programming including talk, sports, and music from a wide spectrum. This format is usually found on smaller, non-commercial...

 format. Licensed to De Funiak Springs, Florida

De Funiak Springs, Florida

DeFuniak Springs is a city in Walton County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,089 in the 2000 census and 5,141 in 2004. It is the county seat of Walton County.-Geography:DeFuniak Springs is located at ....

, USA, the station serves the Ft. Walton Beach area. The station is currently owned by Walton County Broadcasting, Inc. and features programing from Florida Network News and CBS Radio

CBS Radio

CBS Radio, Inc., formerly known as Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, is one of the largest owners and operators of radio stations in the United States, third behind main rival Clear Channel Communications and Cumulus Media. CBS Radio owns around 130 radio stations across the country...

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History

According to a recorded interview with H. Byrd Mapoles on the WZEP website, the station was built in 1955 by Mapoles' father, Milton newspaperman and broadcaster Clayton Mapoles (who after selling WZEP, built a station in Milton, FL using the same basic building specs). The original call letters, WFNM, signified the initials of Clayton Mapoles' daughter, Frances Nelda Mapoles. As noted in the 1960 Broadcasting Yearbook, the change to the current WZEP coincided with the 1959 purchase of the station by Dr. Leonard S. Zepp. For a period of about 11 months, beginning in March, 1984, the station's call-sign was changed to WPAF, reverting back to WZEP in February, 1985, as referenced in the station's FCC call-letter file. WZEP was the first radio station licensed in DeFuniak Springs, Walton County. Prior to 1955, a radio station from Crestview, FL held remote broadcasts near Lake DeFuniak. In 2003 WZEP increased its power from 5,000 watts to 10,000 watts daytime.