During the 1970s, WTBN  was acquired by an American mass media and entertainment conglomerate and its new owners lowered the power minuscule amount all year round.
In 1978, it was acquired by International Broadcasters, Inc. and became Tampa Bay's first full-time news/talk station as WPLP. The new owners, in addition to changing the format and call sign, also boosted the power to 1,000 watts, around the clock. 
