 The FCC granted the permit on February 5, 1980, followed by a new license with the upgraded facilities on January 27, 1981.From the early 1980s to 1985, WXRC was "X-Rock", an adult contemporary format using the automated TM Stereo Rock programming service.On March 28, 1984, Foothills Broadcasting applied for a construction permit to relocate the station's transmitter to "SMITH MOUNTAIN, 3.7 KILOMETERS SOUTH-SW OF CONNELLYS SPRINGS" with an accompanying increase in the station's height above average terrain (HAAT) to .