The center of your FM dial
has now become
center stage for classical music!
WBNI
Launches Classical 94.1 FM!
NIPR is now raising $2.53 million through its
Campaign for the Classics to pay for 94.1 FM's
acquisition; new station will bring classical music
to Bluffton, Huntington, Decatur, Columbia City, and
Wabash, and enhance reception throughout Fort Wayne
Read
the Latest Press Release on Launch of Classical 94.1
FM!
View
The Campaign for
the Classics (pdf)
Read
FAQ on 94.1 FM Acquisition (pdf)
View
coverage map for 94.1 FM (pdf)
View
coverage map for WBNI "Family of
Stations" (94.1 FM, 88.7 FM, 91.3 FM) (pdf)
May 1,
2007 (Fort Wayne, Ind.) Beethoven, Bach and
the full spectrum of classical composers can now be
heard by more than 450,000 northeast Indiana
residents as public radio station WBNI begins
broadcasting today on 94.1 FM.
Northeast Indiana Public Radio (NIPR) acquired the
former WCKZ-FM 94.1 from Summit City Radio Group
last month.
“The center of the FM dial is now center stage for
classical music,” said NIPR General Manager Bruce
Haines. “By reaching a much larger geographic area
with the joys of classical music, we’re further
fulfilling our mission to engage our community with
content that enriches the human experience.” WBNI’s
programming includes In the Spotlight, which
features local concert performances, plus music and
conversation with international artists on Saint
Paul Sunday, and From the Top, a weekly radio
showcase of America's top young classical musicians.
Since 2004, WBNI’s classical music had been heard
within parts of Fort Wayne on 88.7 FM, a 10 watt
station. The addition of 94.1 FM’s 6,000 watt signal
means thousands of Fort Wayne residents can enjoy
classical music on the radio. The new station will
also provide classical music to listeners in
Bluffton, Huntington, Decatur, Columbia City and
Wabash.
View coverage map for WCKZ-FM 94.1 (pdf).
As its programming expands to 94.1 FM, WBNI will
retain its dial positions on 88.7 FM in Fort Wayne
and 91.3 FM in Steuben County.
Financial support is now being raised through NIPR’s
Campaign for the Classics (pdf)
.
Funds from the $2.53 million capital campaign are
needed to meet the $1.75 million purchase price for
the station, as well as upgrade the station’s
transmission equipment for digital broadcasting
(HD Radio), and create an
endowment for maintenance. “This transaction poses
an opportunity for donors who want to make a real
impact right now, with a gift that will also create
a longer-term legacy,” said Bruce Haines.
NIPR’s commitment to provide classical music 24
hours a day moves Fort Wayne ahead of several major
US cities that no longer have classical music on the
radio. “A corporation would call this an acquisition
in order to grow and achieve economies of scale,”
Haines said. “It’s a vital part of our plan to
assure financial sustainability so we can continue
to deliver unique programming for decades to come.”
Northeast Indiana Public Radio, Inc. is the
community licensee for WBNI and WBOI (NPR News and
Jazz, 89.1 FM). NIPR, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3)
organization governed by a 21-member board of
trustees. Additional guidance is provided by a
21-member community advisory board. NIPR, Inc.
employs a staff of 11, complemented by more than 50
area volunteers who assist with on-air operations
and off air support.
For more information, call NIPR General Manager
Bruce Haines: (260) 452-1189.
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