Comparison

The Southern vs WBEC AM

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

The Southern

Access local news, sports, and community stories from Southern Illinois. Personalize your feed, receive breaking news alerts, and enjoy exclusive commentary, photography, and podcasts. Read articles in a news feed or e-edition format.

Highlights
  • Personalized news topics
  • Breaking news notifications
  • Easy swipe navigation
  • News Feed and E-edition reading
  • Video and podcast content
  • Reading history
Read full description

Your story lives in The Southern Illinoisan. From reporting on all of your favorite teams to the news that matters most in your community, we cover it all. Get in-depth stories from Carbondale and beyond – including news, sports, opinion, obituaries, entertainment, and politics. Easily access the very latest news in an app built for you. Read, see, and hear exclusive commentary, stunning photography, video updates, and binge-worthy podcasts. Our app features: * Your Stories – personalize your experience by selecting the news topics that matter most to you * Get notified – stay in the loop by selecting alerts for breaking news, sports, weather, and more * Easy navigation – See all the latest local stories by simply swiping up/down, and left/right. * Read stories your way – either in the News Feed or via the E-edition * Breaking news updates – top banners let you know what’s happening right now * Continue watching – Pause a video and pick up where you left off across devices * See your history – Easily view stories you’ve read Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. https://thesouthern.com/terms

About

WBEC AM

Features
Read full description

Get the latest news and information, weather coverage and traffic updates in the Berkshire area with the WBEC AM app! Listen to the station live and interact with the hosts – you can direct message and call the show directly from the app. Receive alerts about breaking news, contests, and more before anyone else. Save articles and viral stories for reading later, and share on Facebook and Twitter. Key Features: • Listen to our shows, plus receive weather and traffic updates live from WBEC AM Radio • Read the latest news, watch videos, view photo galleries & listen to audio content • Submit Photos/Videos directly from the app • Participate in contests and giveaways, plus get exclusive access to station scavenger hunts • Apple CarPlay lets you to stay focused on the road while listening • Get the latest weather for your area plus a 5-day forecast • Do not disturb modes for alerts (weekend and after hours) • Save articles for reading later (supports offline viewing) • Instant Alerts for breaking news, weather, contests, shows and more • Featured full multi-tasking with background audio and controls • Share the latest news on Facebook & Twitter • Supports AirPlay for wireless streaming to your compatible devices • 3D Touch for iOS Devices This is the latest version of the WBEC AM app, and many more features are already planned. Please share your feedback from within the WBEC AM app by clicking the “Send App Feedback” link in the menu.

Screenshots

The Southern4 screens
WBEC AM3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: WBEC AM at none against The Southern's 1. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. The Southern sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $25.99 per month. WBEC AM asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
The Southern versus WBEC AM: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe SouthernWBEC AM
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.5 (13 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews25.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings13 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size101 MB77 MB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperPaxton Media Group LLCTownsquare Media, LLC

In-app purchases

1 purchases

The Southern

Subscriptions1
  • Subscriptions$25.991 Month
None

WBEC AM

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is The Southern free?
The Southern is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is WBEC AM free?
WBEC AM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do The Southern or WBEC AM have ads?
Both The Southern and WBEC AM show ads.
Which is updated more often, The Southern or WBEC AM?
The Southern ships an update every 3 months, and WBEC AM every 3 months. Most recently, The Southern was updated on November 6, 2026 and WBEC AM on October 29, 2026.

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