November 21, 2006

Vermont Public Radio is now broadcasting its mix of regional and NPR News, and classical music and jazz on 95.1 FM WJAN in Manchester/Sunderland.  VPR purchased the station from Pamal Broadcasting in a deal that was finalized November 15, 2006.  The station previously was broadcasting the “Cat Country” format out of Rutland, Vermont.

“We are thrilled to serve the Manchester area with a full-power signal,” says Mark Vogelzang, VPR President and General Manager. “We have been working for a number of years to improve the problem of reception in the area. With the addition of 95.1, VPR now offers strong reception for at home, at work and in-car listening throughout the area.”

WJAN 95.1 FM broadcasts from a transmitter and antenna at the old Equinox Inn on the top of Mt. Equinox, above the village of Manchester on property owned by the Carthusian Foundation of America. The signal serves the Manchester area and the Rt. 7 corridor towns in Bennington County.  The signal reaches as far southwest as Albany and Saratoga Springs.

VPR continues to broadcast on a low-power translator, 92.5 FM in Manchester. WJAN 95.1 FM helps further the VPR Board of Directors’  goal to improve reception and cover the state, linking together all parts of our community. In addition, VPR Classical, VPR’s 24-hour classical music service is heard via a low power translator (booster) at 106.9 in the area. VPR’s long-term goal is to provide two discrete state-wide services; VPR Classical and VPR News and Information.

“We are actively building out 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.”