Public Radio WQCS Expands

Programming On New HD Channels

Effective October 1, Public Radio Station WQCS / 88.9 FM started broadcasting an array of new programming on a new digital radio channel (HD2), while continuing to air its existing line-up of programming on the analog signal.The new digital channel features many popular programs not heard on the station's main analog channel or on HD1.

WQCS Manager Madison Hodges said the move puts the public radio station into the digital radio business and allows the station to offer its listeners a broader variety of programs and to develop more local programming. The station started broadcasting its original channel programming in digital format (HD1) in April 2008, as well as continuing its analog broadcasts for all current FM radio receivers.

In effect, WQCS is providing its original channel programming on 88.9 FM through an analog signal and on an HD1 digital channel at the same time.New programming will only be available on the 88.9 FM HD2 channel.

Well-known public radio programs to be included on the HD2 channel are: NPR's Talk of the Nation, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, The Diane Rehm Show, This American Life, The Splendid Table, Thistle and Shamrock and Performance Today.In addition, the channel includes a variety of music shows, including Doc Grober's Sounds of Jazz and The American Songbook with Dick Golden.

"We have doubled the number of hours of programming we air each week, designing a schedule to meet the demand for news and information programming requested by our listeners," Hodges said."We also want to serve a variety of musical tastes and allow classical listeners an opportunity to enjoy their favorite music at times when we currently broadcast news and talk programs on the first channel."

To receive the new HD channels, listeners will need to purchase an HD Radio digital receiver, available at electronics retail outlets and online shopping.The new radios are also available in some new automobiles.

Hodges explained that WQCS will continue to broadcast its analog signal for many years, but listeners will not be able to hear the new schedule of programs without the HD receivers.

The station manager added, "The installation of HD Radio transmission means the station is able to utilize digital audio throughout the station to provide the highest quality audio to listeners, as well as transmit information data."

Other programs to be broadcast on the HD2 channel are:Science Friday, BBC World News overnight, Friday night jazz, world and current music and special local programs.

For additional information and a schedule of programs, check out WQCS's website at www.wqcs.org.To learn more about digital radio, go to the website at www.hdradio.com.

WQCS serves a listening audience from northern Palm Beach County to Melbourne.At 100,000 watts, the station presents a format of news and information, plus classical music and many popular NPR programs.