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Currently Viewing: Summer 2007
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Three Wisconsin Public Radio stations now offer 24-hour high-definition classical music programming
Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) stations 88.7 WERN-FM/Madison, 90.7 WHAD-FM/ Milwaukee and 89.3 WPNE-FM/Green Bay inaugurated a new full-time classical music service on April 2.
Available 24/7
The new service, dubbed WPR HD2 Classical, is now available to listeners in those three areas who have high-definition radio receivers and to those who have Web access.
WPR HD2 Classical presents recorded performances by world-class artists 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with digital quality sound. It is the first multicast offering since WPR implemented high-definition digital radio broadcasting in 2005.
Doubled service
According to Steve Johnston, director of engineering at WPR, high definition is a new technology that allows broadcasters to transmit a second audio service. "It is a tremendous technological leap forward," says Johnston. "These three stations will continue to broadcast their full lineups of talk, music and news programs. But now we are able to essentially double our service to listeners by providing this additional classical service."
On weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., WPR HD2 Classical is hosted by WPR favorites Jim Fleming, Norman Gilliland, Vicki Nonn and Lori Skelton. During other hours and on weekends, HD2 Classical is introducing new hosts to Wisconsin listeners.
Available via radio and Web
Phil Corriveau, WPR director of radio, says there are actually two ways for listeners to access the HD2 Classical service. "High-definition receivers for the home, office and car are beginning to be available on store shelves and on the Internet," he explains. "American TV, Radio Shack, Wal-Mart and Best Buy all now carry high-definition radio receivers, as do locally owned electronics stores."
Corriveau says listeners who have not yet purchased high-definition radios can access the new programming through the WPR streaming service on the Web site http://www.wpr.org. "With the click of a mouse, listeners anywhere in the world now have instant access to WPR HD2 Classical programs on their computers."
Further upgrades
WPR is upgrading many of its stations to digital capability with funds contributed by public radio listeners of Wisconsin, the state of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Wisconsin Public Radio operates 29 stations, and offers archive, streaming and downloading services on its Web site.
For more information:
http://www.wpr.org
Steve Johnston
Director of Engineering
Wisconsin Public Radio
(608) 262-5584
johnston@wpr.org