Tennessee’s most state-of-the art radio facility, expanded news, sports and digital operations, and a new community meeting space highlight the new Stonecom Radio studio headquarters set to open this winter.
The facility is currently under construction on Cookeville’s Highway 111 at the corner of Old Sparta Rd. The facility sits just two miles from Interstate 40 and less than one mile from Cookeville’s Jefferson Avenue.
With more than 10,000 square feet available, the new facility will allow the Stonecom team to take its service to the community to an even higher level.
“The hard work of our staff in reaching out to every part of the Upper Cumberland from Spencer to Jamestown, Red Boiling Springs to Crossville, has made this possible,” Stonecom President Larry Stone said. “We believe in this region, its people, its character and its future.
“That’s why we’re making this investment into better serving the community.”
Community has been the top focus for Stone since he purchased Lite Rock 95.9, Rock 93-7, 106-9 Kicks Country and News Talk 94.1 in 2011. The stations made more than 250 appearances last year on behalf of charity events. In addition, Stonecom has created new signature events like the annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Dream Sweep Yard Sale, and the Football Friday Tailgate Party.
“And that’s why I’m most excited about one of the centerpieces of our new facility, a large community conference room,” Stone said. “Local non-profits can use this for meetings, town hall events, forums and training free of charge. We see a need for a room that can hold roughly 50 people comfortably and we created it as part of our building project.”
Contractors from Byrdstown to Sparta to Crossville are involved in the building of the project on Highway 111.
“Great partners and small businesses just like ours are helping us make this dream come true,” Stone said.
The facility will house new studios for each of the Stonecom stations and personalities like Jason and Tony, Shelia Scruggs, Gator, Greg Thomas, Marcia Lee and Styckman. The building includes room for potential growth as well. The complex will also more than triple in size the newsroom for one of the state’s largest radio news teams. In addition, new digital facilities will allow the company space to grow in that realm.
“My team works incredibly hard and their reaction to the facility is the best part of the project,” Stone said. “A few tears have been shed over what we are building together. Not just the brick and drywall, but what we are building as a team. Every small business owner knows that feeling of a team that loves its work and the people we serve. It’s humbling.”
The facility’s roof was completed by the end of August. Interior work will begin in September as will the construction of the facility’s broadcast tower. A move-in date should be set around Christmas.
“And what a gift this community has given me and my family….to serve this region with great radio, great content, and total coverage of the community,” Stone added.
Stonecom Radio operates 106-9 Kicks Country, Lite Rock 95.9, Rock 93-7 and News Talk 94.1/AM 1600. The stations serve the entire Upper Cumberland with local news, sports and weather, as well as community-centered programming and events.
