WERU-FM

WERU-FM (89.9 MHz) is a noncommercial, listener-sponsored community radio station licensed to the town of Blue Hill, Maine. It is owned by the Salt Pond Community Broadcasting Company. WERU-FM has studios in East Orland and its transmitter is on Blue Hill Mountain off Mountain Road.[1]

WERU-FM
CityBlue Hill, Maine
Broadcast areaMid Coast, Down East, Bar Harbor and Bangor, Maine
Frequency89.9 MHz
BrandingCommunity Radio
Programming
FormatVariety
AffiliationsPacifica, PRX, National Federation of Community Broadcasters
Ownership
OwnerSalt Pond Community Broadcasting Company
Sister stationsRadio Sumpul in El Salvador
History
First air dateMay 1, 1988
Call sign meaningWE aRe yoU.
Technical information
Facility ID58726
ClassB
ERP12,000 watts
HAAT261 meters (856 ft)
Transmitter coordinates44°26′4″N 68°35′25″W
Links
WebcastListen Live
Websiteweru.org

The station has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 12,000 watts, using a tower at 261 meters (856 feet) in height above average terrain (HAAT). The primary signal stretches from Bangor to Rockland to Bar Harbor in Down East Maine. In July 2004, the station began streaming online, and in April 2006, started providing podcasts of its spoken word programming. It holds periodic on-air fundraisers to support the station.

History

WERU-FM signed on the air on May 1, 1988.[2] The original studios and offices were known as "The Henhouse" in Blue Hill Falls. From its inception, WERU-FM has been a grassroots, nonprofit organization, volunteer-powered and listener-supported community radio service. Paul Stookey, of the pop group Peter, Paul and Mary, was the station's first benefactor. A woman, Molly Stauffer, was the first administrative director.

In 1997, the station moved its studios to the current location on U.S. Route 1 in East Orland. In 2005, WERU-FM formed a partnership with Radio Sumpul in Chalatenango, El Salvador, a community radio station started after the Salvadoran Civil War.

Station Goals

Striving to be "a voice of many voices," WERU-FM trains members of the community to be volunteer on-air programmers and producers. It provides access to the airwaves for individuals, musicians (local and beyond), nonprofit community organizations, and many others in the station's signal area. Its website says WERU-FM is dedicated to inclusivity and diversity, civility and respect, social justice and environmental stewardship.

Music programming is diverse and includes genres such as folk, Americana, blues, rock, jazz, and reggae.

WERU-FM is a member of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters,[3] World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters,[4] Maine Association of Broadcasters, and Maine Association of Nonprofits. The station is also a founding member of the Grassroots Radio Coalition.[5]

See also

References
  1. Radio-Locator.com/WERU-FM
  2. Broadcasting Yearbook 1990 page B-140
  3. "Online Membership Directory". National Federation of Community Broadcasters official website. Retrieved 2009-03-26.
  4. "AMARC Home Page". World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters official website. Archived from the original on 2005-11-09. Retrieved 2009-03-26.
  5. "Member Stations". Grassroots Radio Coalition official website. Retrieved 2009-03-26.


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