WY Public Radio goes High Def
Wyoming Public Radio for Pinedale and Rock Springs
by University of Wyoming
September 1, 2006
Wyoming Public Radio stations KUWZ, 90.5 in Rock Springs, and KUWX, 90.9 in Pinedale, are the latest sites converted to a digital High Definition (HD) transmitter that will provide clearer signals and create a new statewide radio network with the capability of broadcasting digital radio.
Funding for the HD network is provided by $828,124 from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), plus a $244,781 match by the Wyoming State Legislature. The state appropriation includes $37,750 for electrical and mechanical work that was not eligible for the federal matching funds. The CPB grant funds are part of nearly $150 million Congress has provided over the last four years to assist public radio and public television stations to convert from analog transmission to digital.
"With the legislature's support, we are able to bring 21st century broadcasting capabilities and services to Wyoming," says Jon Schwartz, WPR general manager.
He says the WPR network plans to continue its regular programming after the conversion is completed, while adding a 24-hour a day classical service including BBC newscasts at the top of the hour.
To hear the classical music channel, people must purchase HD radios with multichannel capabilities. Schwartz says all new models will have that capability and adds that pricing for the radios has dramatically dropped.
WPR, a service of the University of Wyoming, serves the state with award-winning local and national news and entertainment.
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