Jump to content
 







Main menu
   


Navigation  



Main page
Contents
Current events
Random article
About Wikipedia
Contact us
Donate
 




Contribute  



Help
Learn to edit
Community portal
Recent changes
Upload file
 








Search  

































Create account

Log in
 









Create account
 Log in
 




Pages for logged out editors learn more  



Contributions
Talk
 



















Contents

   



(Top)
 


1 Translators  





2 NEPR News Network  



2.1  WNNZ  





2.2  WNNZ-FM (formerly WGAJ)  





2.3  WNNI  





2.4  WNNU  





2.5  Other stations  







3 See also  





4 References  





5 External links  














WFCR







Add links
 









Article
Talk
 

















Read
Edit
View history
 








Tools
   


Actions  



Read
Edit
View history
 




General  



What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Cite this page
Get shortened URL
Download QR code
Wikidata item
 




Print/export  



Download as PDF
Printable version
 
















Appearance
   

 





Coordinates: 42°2150N 72°2523W / 42.364°N 72.423°W / 42.364; -72.423
 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 


WFCR
  • United States
  • Broadcast areaPioneer Valley including Springfield, Massachusetts
    Frequency88.5 MHz (HD Radio)
    BrandingNew England Public Media
    Programming
    FormatPublic radio
    SubchannelsHD2: Classical music
    Ownership
    Owner
  • (University of Massachusetts)
  • OperatorNew England Public Media (under program service agreement)

    Sister stations

    TV: WGBY-TV
    History

    First air date

    May 6, 1961 (63 years ago) (1961-05-06)

    Call sign meaning

    "Five College Radio"
    Technical information[1]

    Licensing authority

    FCC
    Facility ID69304
    ClassB
    ERP13,000 watts
    HAAT295 meters (968 ft)

    Transmitter coordinates

    42°21′50N 72°25′23W / 42.364°N 72.423°W / 42.364; -72.423
    Translator(s)See § Translators
    Links

    Public license information

  • LMS
  • WebcastListen live
    Websitewww.nepm.org

    WFCR (88.5 FM) is a non-commercial radio station licensedtoAmherst, Massachusetts. It serves as the National Public Radio (NPR) member station for Western Massachusetts, including Springfield. The station operates at 13,000 watts ERP from a transmitteronMount LincolninPelham, Massachusetts, 968 feet (295 meters) above average terrain. The University of Massachusetts Amherst holds the license. The station airs NPR news programs during the morning and afternoon drive times and in the early evening. Middays and overnights are devoted to classical music and jazz is heard during the later evening hours.

    WFCR's broadcasting range extends to Western and Central Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut (including Hartford) as well as parts of Southern Vermont and Southern New Hampshire. WFCR's studios for most of its history were located at Hampshire House on the UMass campus. However, in 2013, the station moved most of its operations to the Fuller Building in downtown Springfield.[2]

    The station signed on May 6, 1961, as a simulcastofWGBH-FMinBoston. By 1962, it had severed the electronic umbilical cord with WGBH-FM, and by 1964 it had expanded its local programming to 17 hours per day. The call letters originally represented "Four College Radio", becoming "Five College Radio" in 1966. It is a charter member of NPR, and was one of the stations that carried the initial broadcast of NPR's All Things Considered.[3]

    While UMass has held the license since 1967, when it was acquired from the WGBH Educational Foundation,[4] WFCR has always received funding from the Five Colleges (UMass Amherst, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College and Hampshire College) as well as from fund drives conducted periodically over the air. Since 2011, WFCR and sister station 640 AM WNNZ have called themselves New England Public Radio.[5]

    WFCR claims the distinction of being the first radio station in Western Massachusetts to transmit a signal using iBiquity's HD Radio system.[6] It airs two digital streams. The first is a simulcast of the analog signal, the second is a 24-hour classical music station.[7]

    On April 11, 2019, WFCR announced that it would consolidate operations with WGBH-owned PBS station WGBY-TV (channel 57) under the New England Public Media banner, effective in July. UMass will retain the WFCR license, and the New England Public Radio Foundation will retain the licenses to WNNZ and its satellites; NEPM will operate the stations under program service operating agreements.[8][9]

    Translators

    [edit]

    In addition to the main FM station, WFCR is relayed by five translators (FM), to increase its broadcast area.

    Broadcast translators for WFCR
    Call sign Frequency City of license FID ERP (W) HAAT Class Transmitter coordinates FCC info
    W242AT 96.3 FM Williamstown, Massachusetts 142211 250 −220.1 m (−722 ft) D 42°42′36.2″N 73°12′10.3″W / 42.710056°N 73.202861°W / 42.710056; -73.202861 (W242AT) LMS
    W252BG 98.3 FM Lee, Massachusetts 142208 13 9.3 m (31 ft) D 42°17′39.3″N 73°13′1.3″W / 42.294250°N 73.217028°W / 42.294250; -73.217028 (W252BG) LMS
    W254AU 98.7 FM Great Barrington, Massachusetts 142841 250 −53.7 m (−176 ft) D 42°12′50.3″N 73°20′41.3″W / 42.213972°N 73.344806°W / 42.213972; -73.344806 (W254AU) LMS
    W266AW 101.1 FM North Adams, Massachusetts 142212 10 135 m (443 ft) D 42°41′54.2″N 73°3′52.3″W / 42.698389°N 73.064528°W / 42.698389; -73.064528 (W266AW) LMS
    W291CH 106.1 FM Pittsfield, Massachusetts 141373 10 204.4 m (671 ft) D 42°24′44.3″N 73°17′5.4″W / 42.412306°N 73.284833°W / 42.412306; -73.284833 (W291CH) LMS

    NEPR News Network

    [edit]

    WFCR provides a full-time NPR news and information service on the NEPR News Network, which consists of four radio stations in Western Massachusetts owned by its nonprofit fundraising arm, the New England Public Radio Foundation, along with two additional stations owned by area colleges. The network carries programming from NPR, Public Radio Exchange, the BBC and CBC Radio. Programs include Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Fresh Air, The Takeaway, Here and Now, Q and BBC World Service.

    Call sign Frequency City of license First air date Facility ID Power
    (W)
    ERP
    (W)
    Height
    (m (ft))
    Class Transmitter coordinates Former call signs Licensee
    WNNZ 640 AM Westfield, Massachusetts December 1957 (1957-12) (on 1570 AM)
    July 8, 1987 (1987-07-08) (on 640 AM)
    9736 50,000 day
    1,000 night
    B 42°10′46.33″N 72°45′3.34″W / 42.1795361°N 72.7509278°W / 42.1795361; -72.7509278 (WNNZ) WDEW (1957–1978)
    WLDM (1978–1987)
    New England Public Radio Foundation, Inc.
    WNNZ-FM 91.7 FM Deerfield, Massachusetts May 1982 (1982-05) 68194 100 95 m (312 ft) A 42°32′3.3″N 72°35′30.3″W / 42.534250°N 72.591750°W / 42.534250; -72.591750 (WNNZ-FM) WGAJ (1982–2010) New England Public Radio Foundation, Inc.
    WNNI 98.9 FM Adams, Massachusetts July 2014 (2014-07) 189578 630 116.6 m (383 ft) A 42°41′54.2″N 73°3′52.3″W / 42.698389°N 73.064528°W / 42.698389; -73.064528 (WNNI) New England Public Radio Foundation, Inc.
    WNNU 89.5 FM Great Barrington, Massachusetts April 19, 2013 (2013-04-19) 174491 270 196.2 m (644 ft) A 42°14′34.3″N 73°29′11.4″W / 42.242861°N 73.486500°W / 42.242861; -73.486500 (WNNU) New England Public Radio Foundation, Inc.
    WAMH 89.3 FM Amherst, Massachusetts 1955 (1955) 68222 130 233 m (764 ft) A 42°21′49.3″N 72°25′22.3″W / 42.363694°N 72.422861°W / 42.363694; -72.422861 (WAMH) WAMF (1955–1971) Amherst College
    WAIC 91.9 FM Springfield, Massachusetts February 1967 (1967-02) 1749 200 22.1 m (73 ft) A 42°6′45.3″N 72°33′22.3″W / 42.112583°N 72.556194°W / 42.112583; -72.556194 (WAIC) American International College

    WNNZ

    [edit]

    The flagship station of the NEPR News Network is WNNZ, 640 kHz AM, licensed to Westfield, Massachusetts, which was once owned by Clear Channel Communications (now iHeartMedia). WNNZ's power output is 50,000 watts in the daytime, the maximum permitted for AM stations by the Federal Communications Commission. But because 640 kHz is a clear channel frequency for CBNinSt. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, WNNZ must reduce power to 1,000 watts at night. The antenna is a three-tower array, using differing directional patterns day and night. During the day, it provides at least secondary coverage to all of western Massachusetts, as well as New York's Capital District and the Hartford area. At night, the signal is cut back to concentrate the signal northward around the Springfield and Hartford areas.

    Until 2010, WFCR provided WNNZ's programming, while Clear Channel sold underwriting advertisements.[10][11] However, in July 2010, WFCR purchased WNNZ from Clear Channel for $525,000. The sale does not include the transmission towers, but rather has a lease clause in the sale agreement in which Clear Channel will own them and lease them to WFCR.[12] WFCR purchased the license from Clear Channel under the name of "WFCR Foundation Inc." The FCC approved the sale August 25, 2010.[13][14] Prior to 2007, the programming heard on WNNZ was heard on WPNI, 1430 kHz, in Amherst, which was owned by Pamal Broadcasting.

    WNNZ-FM (formerly WGAJ)

    [edit]

    WFCR, again, under the licensee name of "WFCR Foundation Inc.", acquired the license of WGAJ 91.7 MHz in Deerfield, Massachusetts from Deerfield Academy. The license transfer was granted on August 19, 2010.[15] WFCR paid Deerfield Academy $10,000 for the signal.[16][17] The call letters of the station were changed to WNNZ-FM as of September 1, 2010.[18]

    WNNI

    [edit]

    WFCR won the allocation of 98.9 in Adams, Massachusetts, in FCC Auction #91 (under the applicant name, WFCR Foundation Inc.).[19] WFCR won it for $189,750. WFCR filed the application for a new station with the FCC, to transmit the new signal from the top of West Summit, in North Adams, Massachusetts, where the current WUPE-FM transmitter site is located. WFCR already has a translator, W266AW, located there.[20]

    WNNU

    [edit]

    WNNU was launched in 2013; it broadcasts on 89.5 and serves the southern portion of Berkshire County and part of Columbia County in neighboring New York state.[21]

    Other stations

    [edit]

    In addition to WNNZ-AM-FM, WNNI, and WNNU, the NEPR News Network is heard on 89.3 WAMH Amherst, serving Hampshire County, and 91.9 WAIC Springfield, serving Hampden County. WAIC joined the network on July 1, 2016, after switching its programming source from Connecticut Public Radio. It is owned by American International College in Springfield, but programmed by WFCR.[22] WAMH simulcasts WNNZ from 2 a.m. to 4 p.m. with student free form programming the other hours of the day (when Amherst College is in session).

    See also

    [edit]

    References

    [edit]
    1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WFCR". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  • ^ Kinney, Jim (May 13, 2011) [May 12, 2011]. "Public radio station WFCR-FM plans move from Amherst to Springfield". masslive.com. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  • ^ Of Note newsletter from 2001 commemorating WFCR's 40th anniversary
  • ^ "For the Record" (PDF). Broadcasting. May 29, 1967. p. 76. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
  • ^ Clarence Fanto (May 19, 2011). "Public radio station aims to transmit by fall". Bennington Banner. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  • ^ "Local HD Radio Stations".
  • ^ "HD Radio station guide for Amherst, MA". Archived from the original on October 2, 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2015. HD Radio Guide for Amherst, MA
  • ^ Kinney, Jim (April 11, 2019). "New England Public Radio, WGBY-TV in Springfield to merge; boosting local news coverage". masslive.com. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  • ^ Falk, Tyler (April 11, 2019). "New England Public Radio and WGBY to combine operations". Current. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  • ^ Blomberg, Marcia (March 9, 2007). "Public radio station widens coverage". The Springfield Republican. Retrieved August 31, 2008.
  • ^ "WFCR.org". Wfcr.org. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
  • ^ [1] Archived October 21, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  • ^ "Application Search Details". Licensing.fcc.gov. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  • ^ "CDBS Print". Licensing.fcc.gov. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  • ^ "Application Search Details". Licensing.fcc.gov. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  • ^ [2] Archived October 21, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  • ^ "CDBS Print". Licensing.fcc.gov. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  • ^ "Call Sign History". Licensing.fcc.gov. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  • ^ "FCC FM Broadcast Auction : Auction ID:91 - Winning Bids" (PDF). Hraunfoss.fcc.gov. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
  • ^ "FM Query Results - Audio Division (FCC) USA". Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  • ^ "A New Public Radio Station for Great Barrington and Surrounding Area". NEPR.net. Amherst, Mass.: New England Public Radio. April 19, 2013. Archived from the original on April 4, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
  • ^ "NEPR News Network Completed With Full FM Service In Four Counties". New England Public Radio. June 28, 2016.
  • [edit]
    Associated stations
  • WNNIinNielsen Audio's FM station database

  • Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WFCR&oldid=1233096956"

    Categories: 
    HD Radio stations
    1961 establishments in Massachusetts
    Amherst College
    Hampshire College
    Mass media in Hampshire County, Massachusetts
    Mass media in Springfield, Massachusetts
    Mount Holyoke College
    NPR member stations
    Radio stations established in 1961
    Radio stations in Massachusetts
    Smith College
    University of Massachusetts Amherst
    Hidden categories: 
    Pages using gadget WikiMiniAtlas
    Webarchive template wayback links
    Use mdy dates from September 2023
    Articles with short description
    Short description matches Wikidata
    Coordinates on Wikidata
    Articles using infobox radio station
    Articles with VIAF identifiers
    Articles with LCCN identifiers
    Articles with SNAC-ID identifiers
     



    This page was last edited on 7 July 2024, at 07:21 (UTC).

    Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.



    Privacy policy

    About Wikipedia

    Disclaimers

    Contact Wikipedia

    Code of Conduct

    Developers

    Statistics

    Cookie statement

    Mobile view



    Wikimedia Foundation
    Powered by MediaWiki