WCIF

WCIF
Melbourne, Florida;
Broadcast area	Space Coast
Frequency	106.3 FM MHz
Branding	Hope 106.3
Programming
Format	Christian Radio
Ownership
Owner	First Baptist Church of Melbourne; (First Baptist Church, Inc.);
History
First air date	January 1, 1980
Call sign meaning	Where Christ Is First
Technical information
Licensing authority	FCC
Facility ID	175256
Class	C3
ERP	13,500 watts
HAAT	136 meters (446 ft)
Links
Public license information	Public file; LMS;
Webcast	Listen Now
Website	www.wcif.com

WCIF (106.3 MHz) was a non-commercial FM radio station in Melbourne, Florida. It is owned by the First Baptist Church of Melbourne. WCIF's programming includes Christian music as well as Christian talk and teaching programs.^[3] The station began broadcasting January 1, 1980.^[1]^[4] National religious leaders heard on WCIF include Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, John MacArthur, Jim Daly, Joni Eareckson Tada and David Jeremiah.

History

As far back as 1971, the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Melbourne had suggested the region needed a Christian radio. A church committee began the process to apply for a construction permit from the Federal Communications Commission.^[5] The FCC had given the region a new FM allotment at 107.1. Other broadcasters supported the idea, especially when it was announced the station would be non-commercial.

On January 1, 1980, the station first signed on the air.^[1] Initially the station was on the air for limited hours but after a few years, it began 24 hour operations.