Wisconsin Pubic Radio's management was notified by the Federal Communications Commission this week that a construction permit has been granted for a new FM station in Ashland.
"WPR's goal is to reach all Wisconsin citizens. We're thrilled we'll soon be able to offer Ashland and surrounding communities the in-depth discussion heard every day on our Ideas Network," said Mike Crane, acting Director and Chief Operating Officer of Wisconsin Public Radio.
"This is the piece of paper we've been waiting for," said John Munson, WPR's Northern Regional Manager. "We knew we were getting it, but it's great to finally have it in hand."
"Wisconsin Public Radio is proud the FCC decided to grant this new FM station Construction Permit, opportunities for completely new stations are becoming quite rare," said Steve Johnston, WPR's Director of Engineering and Operations. "WPR's Engineering will be beginning the design of the new station shortly, with bidding to follow, and we hope to be building the transmitter site next summer. The FCC permit expires on December 30, 2011, providing some wiggle-room room for unexpected contingencies."
The new station will broadcast on a frequency of 90.9 MHz at 23,000 watts and will provide full Ideas Network coverage to the entire Chequamegon Bay area. After the new station is on the aid, WPR will shut down its Ideas Network translator station at 102.9 FM. The NPR News and Classical Music translator at 104.7 FM will remain in operation.
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"When this new station goes on the air, it will be the culmination of 15 years of effort to bring a clear signal to our listeners in Ashland, Washburn, Bayfield and the Apostle Islands," Munson said.
