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Cynthia Akey, WUWM
414-270-1137
cynthiaa@uwm.edu
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Revolutionary technology enables WUWM to offer southeastern Wisconsin static-free, digital sound along with a second channel of new programming
Milwaukee , WI – 89.7 FM WUWM – Milwaukee Public Radio, is set to drastically improve its listeners radio experience. On September 12, 2006 at 7:00 pm, WUWM will enter the age of digital broadcasting with the use of HD Radio™ technology.
Listeners with HD Radio compatible receivers will enjoy the improved sound of WUWM’s main channel (89.7 FM HD-1) and an additional multicast channel (89.7 FM HD-2) that will offer a unique music-intensive format of today’s singer/songwriters, emerging artists, and bands. It will be similar to the station’s current program, Café Tonight. Both stations are available to listeners for free and broadcast in crystal-clear, CD-quality sound.
Listeners with HD Radio compatible receivers can now enjoy the sound clarity of WUWM’s digital HD Radio signal. HD Radio broadcasting provides dramatically higher quality audio and “multicasting” opportunities over the existing spectrum. HD Radio’s digital signal provides greater clarity with no static, pops, distortion or fades that can sometimes occur with analog radio. With today’s landmark announcement, WUWM now joins FM and AM stations across the country that have deployed this next generation broadcast technology.
“HD Radio is the most revolutionary change in our industry since the introduction of stereo,” said WUWM’s Station Manager, Dave Edwards .
As with all HD Radio stations, WUWM will remain at the same location on the radio dial. HD Radio receivers will automatically be able to detect WUWM’s digital signal and tune it in. HD Radio receivers can also tune in analog-only stations. HD Radio is free, local, over the air broadcasting with no subscription fees and no monthly fees. Consumers can purchase HD Radio receivers at a growing number of retailers.
WUWM 89.7 FM HD-2: The Deuce, Today’s music… all grown up.
HD Radio technology allows FM stations to divide their signals into separate channels of unique programming, called multicasts. Multicasting allows WUWM to provide multiple channels on the same frequency.
WUWM HD-1 will continue to bring southeastern Wisconsin National Public Radio programming and locally-produced programs.
WUWM’s second audio channel, WUWM HD-2: The Deuce, is programmed by the WUWM staff offering a unique music-intensive format 24/7. The Deuce will appeal to a wide audience of music fans by featuring the next generation of singer/songwriters, emerging artists and bands including Shawn Colvin, Elvis Costello, Death Cab for Cutie, Ani DiFranco, Jackie Greene, Ben Harper, the Jayhawks, Jack Johnson, Ray Lamontagne, My Morning Jacket, Son Volt, Umphrey’s McGee, Wilco, Lucinda Williams, Zero 7 and more.
“With the addition of WUWM HD-2, we will now be able to offer our listeners a greater diversity of music and other content that was simply not possible with just one channel,” said WUWM’s Program Director, Bruce Winter . “WUWM HD-2 also gives us more freedom to experiment with different programming ideas that will push radio in new directions – all to the benefit of our listeners.”
“Over the years, listeners have asked us to air more of the music we air at night. We also think we are among the few public radio stations who will use their second HD stream to air programming that is locally produced.” said Edwards.
Join the stream.
For those without HD Radios, you can hear WUWM’s new programming on-line. Access both digital channels at http://www.wuwm.com.
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ABOUT WUWM 89.7 FM HD-1 and WUWM 89.7 FM HD-2: The Deuce
WUWM 89.7 FM – Milwaukee Public Radio is southeastern Wisconsin ’s premier public radio station. Founded as a college station in 1964, WUWM began as a charter member of National Public Radio in 1967. WUWM broadcasts locally-produced in-depth news, quality entertainment, and cutting-edge music, as well as programming from National Public Radio, including Morning Edition® and All Things Considered. WUWMs award-winning producers regularly contribute local and regional reports, interviews, and documentaries to NPR’s national programs. WUWM is funded by private listener donations, contributions from local businesses, professions, and foundations as well as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee . Approximately 79% of WUWM’s budget is raised from the community. WUWM is licensed to the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and operated by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Letters and Science. On-air and on-line. For more information, visit http://www.wuwm.com.
