Why are you changing formats?

We are maintaining both formats and expanding program offerings by giving each format a dedicated “frequency.” This change enables WCBU to meet a growing demand for news, information and entertainment programming to serve a more diverse audience. Moving classical music to HD allows us to better serve all audiences — we will offer listeners more classical music as well as expand our news, information and entertainment programming.

When will the change take place?

On March 7, 2011, news and information programming will begin airing on WCBU 89.9 and classical music will play on WCBU 89.9 HD2. Visit our website, wcbufm.org, for complete program schedules.

What will I need to do if I want to listen to news and information?

Tune into WCBU 89.9 FM or listen online at wcbufm.org.

What will I need to do if I want to listen to classical music?

You will need a digital radio to tune into WCBU 89.9 HD2. You can also listen online at wcbufm.org.

What is digital radio?

Digital, or HD, radio is an upgrading of the way FM radio signals are transmitted, from analog to digital signals. It allows radio stations to increase the number of frequencies they can use to broadcast programming and allows them to transmit to a high-quality digital receiver. WCBU was awarded a grant to increase the digital power of our transmitter so that we can expand the WCBU HD2 listening area and improve reception in parts of the existing coverage area. For listeners who have an HD radio receiver, the benefits are:

FM radio with near CD-quality sound

No more static, pops, crackles or fades

Transmission of additional information, such as song titles and artists

Increased listening options with multicasting and the eventual addition of a third digital program stream

Where do I buy a digital radio?

Local retailers, including Best Buy and Radio Shack have digital radios. You can also find them on line at Amazon.com, Crutchfield.com, Target.com or Wal-mart.com.

We are giving away digital radios for a $200 contribution. Call Betty Beard at 309-677-3868 for more information.

How much do they cost?

A good quality stereo digital clock radio or table radio starts around $100 (price varies by retailer). A digital HD converter for car radios is available at Amazon.com for about $30.

Will I still be able to listen to WCBU 89.9 HD2 in my car?

If your vehicle already has a digital radio, you can tune in immediately. If not, you will need to purchase a converter to listen using your current radio or have a digital radio installed.

Is there an alternative?

You can listen to WCBU 89.9 HD2 online at wcbu.org.

Does the format change mean WCBU will carry less local news and programs?

No. All of the local news and information programs you enjoy now will remain. You will hear all of the familiar voices on your favorite programs.

What will happen to my favorite programs that I already enjoy on WCBU?

The majority of the NPR news and information programs that you enjoy will remain on WCBU 89.9 in the same time slots. Classical musical programming will move to WCBU 89.9 HD2. Program schedules for both formats will be available online and in the March issue of FANFARE magazine.

Where can I learn more about the new program line-up?

Visit www.wcbufm.org or look in the March/April issue of FANFARE magazine for the latest program schedule.

Where do you get the programming that is aired on WCBU?

In addition to locally produced shows, our programs come from a variety of sources, including NPR and other news and information services like American Public Media, Public Radio International, BBC, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and independent producers. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear different viewpoints, and to learn and discover new things. It is up to the listener to interpret how he/she thinks or feels about the viewpoints expressed.

Make a $200 contribution to WCBU and receive a free digital radio. Call 309-677-3868 for details.