WELDON — Get set for some changes in your local broadcast media options as two of the Valleys longest-running broadcasting stations will undergo major changes within the next week.

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The stations are changing hands programming will be restructured.

Following lengthy discussions with Al Haskins, general manager of First Media Radio LLC, Rocky Mount native Bronson Williams, president and founder of New Lite Media, will now be renting the broadcasting frequencies of WNVN TV 20 and WCBT 1230 AM in Weldon.

The Rocky Mount-based New Light Media operates The Promise 107.3 and WNCR TV, and owns several stations in Manteo and Buxton. According to Williams, the company plans to do a “180 degree change to the programming,” completely revamping the news and doing away with the ESPN radio sports channel. He said TV viewers can expect to see a mix of hunting shows, national news and black and white westerns, which will run every day from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. “We plan to offer an array of programming which we think will be very successful,” said Williams, during an interview Wednesday afternoon.

Haskins, who has managed the stations since 2003, said he chose to take this step “because of the economy. TV has changed, with digital and the high cost of production for commercials. It’s just a sign of the times.” While New Lite Media will be in control of programming, Haskins said he will still retain management and handle all license and FCC duties.

Haskins added the move will allow him to “focus more on our other radio stations to give our listeners the best programming possible.” He said the change will have no effect on his other properties, which include: WSMY AM 1400, WPTM 102.3 and WTRG 97.9 in Roanoke Rapids; WYTT 99.5 in Emporia; WWDW 107.7 in South Hill; and WDLZ 98.3 and WWDR 1080AM in Murfreesboro. “I will still be general manager of WNVN and WCBT and oversee the person who is renting the stations,” said Haskins, adding only one employee is expected to lose their job as a result of the agreement.

According to Williams, viewers can expect to see the changes around July 10. Some of the programing, he said, will be made available through an interconnected signal with their Rocky Mount networks. “We hope to provide great programming,” he offered. “We have an array of shows that we think will be very successful.” According to Williams, New Lite Media plans to convert the stations from analog to digital in the near future.

Though Haskins admits the changes may cause some concern among long-time viewers and listeners, he believes the move will ultimately be for the good of the community.“ It’s going to be a good deal for everyone,” said Haskins. “It’s a win, win situation.”