Jazz in Pittsburgh

The jazz format is a step closer to returning to the air in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Public Media(PPM) has been approved by the FCC to purchase WVBC in Bethany West Virginia. WVBC is currently owned by Bethany College.

The signal area does not quite reach Pittsburgh. Plans are to upgrade the signal, or buy other signals to better cover the Pittsburgh area. PPM currently programs jazz on-line but, an over the air signal is still the best way to reach a larger audience.

WVBC was fined by the FCC in June, 2012 for being off the air more than 30 days without notice to the FCC and for failure to file for renewal in a timely manner.  WVBC Forfeiture.

You can read more about the purchase in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

PPM still needs to raise at least $100,000 to build a new studio and to cover other costs. If you interested you can help.  http://www.pittsburghpublicmedia.org

PPM may bring jazz back

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette is reporting that Pittsburgh Public Media (PPM) is moving ahead with plans to acquire WVBC-FM. WVBC-FM is currently owned by Bethany College. If PPM can raise the funds   necessary by February First and, the FCC approves the sale, the station will carry Jazz full time.

PPM acknowledges that WVBC-FM does not cover Pittsburgh. PPM Board President Chuck Leavens says they will try to boost the signal so it will reach Pittsburgh.

The programming will be provided by PubMusic. Among the hosts is Scott Hanley the former GM of WDUQ.

Fundraising is a challenge for WDUQ

Pittsburgh Public Media, a group of station staffers and community volunteers wants to keep WDUQ pretty much the way it is now with a mix of NPR news and Jazz. Raising money toward the purchase of the station is problematic. Money raised during the pledge drives cannot be used toward the purchase of the station. The group does not have access to the current donor lists. PPM is trying reach out to the current members through social media and a website. The article does not mention how much PPM has raised toward the purchase price. Duquesne University says it wants full value for the station. It is estimated to be worth $10 million.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10151/1061679-67.stm#ixzz0pXMBDaKi


To find out more about Pittsburgh Public Media go to: http://www.pittsburghpublicmedia.org/