WUWF celebrates forty years on the air

WUWF+celebrates+40+years+on+the+air

In Jan of 1981, WUWF-FM signed onto the air, becoming the region'southward kickoff National Public Radio station. This year, the station celebrates a milestone of twoscore years on the air.

"When I got here in 1982, the station was relatively new, and nosotros were working on getting the word out to the community," said WUWF Executive Manager. "Public radio was a new concept to most folks, except those who moved here from somewhere else that had experienced public radio."

When WUWF first debuted, it was a typical National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate. The station carried out various radio shows and classical and jazz music programming. On weekends, the station carried out a diverseness of syndicated news, music and amusement programs from various national producers.

Since then, the station has grown exceptionally, both in physical size and number of listeners.

"The station was very small, located in building 77 beyond the street from the current facility,"  WUWF Technical Director, Dale Riegle said. "There was a chief control room, newsroom and production room, with the conference room doubling as an interview studio."

In 1992, the station moved to its current facility, giving it greater capabilities with more than studio space. This allowed the station to stay focused on broadcasting local news and information with a growing presence.

Today, WUWF features over 40 radio programs, ranging from syndicated programming to in-house jazz shows. Pop programs include "Morning time Edition," "All Things Considered," "RadioLive" and "Big Bands and Jazz." NPR syndicated programming forms the cadre of WUWF'south broadcast schedule.

In commemoration of the station's 40 th anniversary, WUWF commenced a virtual commemoration. Due to COVID-19, the station'southward original celebratory plans had to be changed.

"Nosotros had a ton of stuff planned: bringing Ira Glass to town, special concerts and events, but like the balance of the earth, we had to arrange to the reality of COVID-nineteen," said WUWF Managing director of Content & Operations Joe Vincenza. "Nosotros enjoy doing things with and for the people who back up the station, the community at large, so this was a major upset to united states of america."

COVID-19 has also prevented WUWF from sponsoring and attending community events. The station strives to make a lasting impression on the community.

"Once we become past COVID-19, I'thou certain we'll once again be spreading out into the community, bringing back 'RadioLive,' bringing back other events and helping out with customs organizations," Vincenza said. "Programming wise, we want to continue to raise the bar on our local efforts and continue to pick the best national offerings so nosotros can create that 'perfect balance' of programming which volition go on listeners coming back, and hopefully attract new folks who practice not know we exist."

Despite the hardships that have persisted over the last year, WUWF and the local community continue to gloat the station'south many accomplishments. This includes the station'southward chief goal of infrequent public service to the community.

"I think the biggest and all-time matter we have achieved and continue to reach is our service to the community," Vincenza said. "Whether it is during times like hurricanes, or providing news about local events, or the support nosotros give to organizations, we do what we can to make the Gulf Coast a better identify to live. Nosotros provide the region with unbiased news, music they can't hear anywhere else and intelligent conversation, not to mention serving our very supportive license holder UWF. I am really quite proud of all that we've done."

Riegle also spoke nigh the station's accomplishments.

"I think our biggest achievement is the connected focus on local programming, especially with the increase in the size of our news staff and digital content producers," he said . "Likewise, the musical focus brought by our 'RadioLive' program."

Much of the staff believes that local programming, including news and feature stories, has left a great impact on the customs. WUWF is also a major station in the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, ofttimes being the only one on the air during hurricanes and other regional disasters. Virtually notably, the station stayed on the air during Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Sally in 2020.

In looking to the time to come, WUWF hopes to expand digital platforms for its audition. This includes a continued branching out on the cyberspace and social media.

"I expect to come across a greater emphasis on digital platforms," said Crawford. "Our over-the-air broadcast will e'er be important, especially in emergency situations where in that location is no power, cell, or internet service, but it is essential for usa to fully develop a programme service that is readily accessible on all platforms currently in being and those that accept yet to be developed."

Despite WUWF'due south many changes over the years, the station continues to create a more informed public, "one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures." This includes providing fact-based information from both sides of an issue.

WUWF employees are thankful for the community's support of local radio programming, equally well as the station'south growth over the last 40 years.

"I've but been hither for 20 of the xl years at WUWF, but I experience like I truly lucked out in finding this place at this fourth dimension," said Vincenza. "The staff is slap-up, the customs is generous and supportive, and we've been able to continue to grow and change with the times. Thanks to our listeners, supporters, and UWF, I know nosotros're going to do more than great things."

To check out WUWF's 40 th anniversary virtual celebration, go to https://www.wuwf.org/jubilant-40-years-service#stream/0 .

For more than data about WUWF or to donate, go to https://www.wuwf.org/ .