September 28, 2005

"We are thrilled that we've been able to improve our service to our Woodstock friends," said Mark Vogelzang, VPR's President and General Manager. "Listeners have written and called VPR, asking if we could help fix the spotty reception in the area. With the addition of 106.9 FM, VPR now offers strong reception for at home, at work and in-car listening."

VPR has been working to improve service in several areas across the region. However, the opportunity didn't exist until the Federal Communications Commission opened an application window for translators to help improve radio reception. These translators are low-power and provide stronger reception in small, concentrated areas. Once VPR received permission from the FCC, VPR was able to install 106.9 FM as a booster service thanks to two long-time VPR donors allowing the translator to be housed on their land. The new signal is considered a "translator" by the FCC because it takes VPR's 88.1 FM signal coming from Mt. Ascutney and rebroadcasts it on the new lower power 106.9 FM frequency.

"We are applying for and installing transmitters and translators as they become available, but the interest in them is intense, with a number of broadcasters applying for each availability," said Vogelzang. "VPR is committed to improving and expanding our service wherever and as soon as we are able."

VPR was founded in 1977 as an independent community radio station with a mission to inform, educate, and entertain. It's now one of the top ranked public radio stations in the country in terms of listeners per capita, serving residents of Vermont, neighboring states and Canada. VPR provides two services: VPR, the only statewide source for NPR news, regional news coverage, commentary and classical, jazz and folk music; and VPR Classical, a 24-hour classical music service, currently heard in the Connecticut River Valley. VPR's long-term goal is to provide two statewide services; VPR Classical and VPR News and Information.

VPR can be heard at 107.9 FM in Burlington, 89.5 FM in Windsor, 88.7 FM in Rutland, 88.5 FM in St. Johnsbury, 94.3 FM in Bennington, 94.5 FM in Brattleboro, and online at vpr.net. VPR Classical can be heard at 88.1 FM in Norwich, 106.9 FM in Woodstock and online at vpr.net.