 Channel 7 kept the WDBJ call letters while AM 960 became WFIR, standing for First in Roanoke, a reminder that it was the first broadcasting operation in the Roanoke Valley.In 1979, the station was purchased by Jim Gibbons, who was the play-by-play announcer for the Washington Redskins football team.Gibbons added more news and sports into the program schedule.