the station began broadcasting in 1947, and originally held the call sign wjvb. the station was originally owned by jacksonville beach broadcasting company and ran 250 watts during daytime hours only. in 1953, the station's power was increased to 1,000 watts. in 1957, the station was sold to andrew b. letson for $60,000, and the station's call sign was changed to wzro. in 1963, the station's call sign was changed to wbix. the station was silent for a period in 1963, and the station's power was increased to 10,000 watts late that year. in 1966, the station was sold to twin-ten radio for $250,000.