Ashland Translators

Wisconsin Public Radio's Ashland translators signed on in February 1999. KUWS, an Ideas Network station, is rebroadcast by W275AF at 102.9. WHSA, which broadcasts WPR's "NPR News and Classical Music" format, is rebroadcast by W284AN at 104.7. Both stations transmit with about 25 Watts from a tower located on Industrial Park Road in Ashland. Below are some questions and answers about the translators.

Why doesn't the 102.9 translator carry all Ideas Network programming?
102.9's signal comes from KUWS, which is a joint effort between Wisconsin Public Radio and UW-Superior. UWS has reserved the right to 25% local programming in the operating agreement. This local programming airs during the evening and late night hours, and consists of Jazz, Alternative, Rap/Hip-Hop/R&B, and Dance music shows.

Why can't 102.9 carry the Ideas Network while KUWS is doing local programming?
Translators are a special class of station that are only allowed to rebroadcast other stations. This is why 102.9 must carry all of KUWS' programming.

Can the translators broadcast local programming?
No. Translators are only allowed to rebroadcast other stations.

Can the power be increased to better serve the Bayfield area?
Not in the near future. As translators, WPR's Ashland facility is at the maximum power allowed. However, WPR's long-term plan is to upgrade the translators to class A stations. There will be several advantages to this: First, the stations will broadcast with 6,000 Watts. Second, they will operate independently of KUWS and WHSA and will not carry student programming from KUWS. Third, they will be able to originate local programming. There are no plans for local programming at this time, but it will be at least a few years before these changes will be made. There is no guarantee that the FCC will give approval to the plan.

For more information on how you can help Wisconsin Public Radio in Chequamegon Bay, e-mail John Munson at jmunson@uwsuper.edu or call WPR in Madison at (800) 747-7444.