FACTS ABOUT WNNZ: The NPR News Station

On April 2nd of 2007, WFCR took over programming on 640AM WNNZ. In doing so, WFCR moved its all-news and entertainment programming from WPNI (a smaller wattage frequency) to the 50,000 watt WNNZ. WPNI has also been for sale by its owner, Pamal Broadcasting, for some time now (currently WUMB Boston's folk programming airs on that station).

The move was prompted by years of planning in which WFCR sought to increase its reach with the news and entertainment format.

"While we're committed to classical, jazz, and world music programming," said Helen Barrington, Program Director for the station, "many people wanted an alternative of 24-hour news for western New England. That's what WNNZ does."

Questions have arisen, however, about the nature of WFCR's relationship with the frequency owner, Clear Channel Communications. To ensure that the facts dispell the speculation, following are some details of the transaction:

WFCR rents the 640AM WNNZ frequency from Clear Channel Communications for an annual fee because it was (a) possible and (b) provided the best opportunity for reaching a large audience with with a comprehensive program schedule of news, talk, entertainment, and information
WFCR has sole authority over programming on 640AM WNNZ
WFCR receives no funding from Clear Channel Communications for programming or renting the frequency
WFCR's motivation for leasing 640AM was driven by listener input and a unique opportunity to provide western New England with a comprehensive program schedule

For questions about reception of WNNZ, please see Improving Your AM Reception below.

As always, we appreciate any opportunity to provide listeners in western New England the best possible public radio on radio. 640AM WNNZ is yet another aspect of our commitment.

Tips to Improve Your AM Reception

If you are having trouble receiving a good signal from 640AM WNNZ we can suggest the following options. However, it is important to remember that the station, which broadcasts at 50,000 watts of power during sunlight hours, is only allowed to broadcast at 1,000 watts from sundown to sunrise. These are rules set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (F.C.C.) and unfortunately there is nothing WFCR can do about that. Therefore, in most of Hampshire County and all of Franklin County there really is nothing you can do to improve reception at night. You can however always stream 640AM at wfcr.org or listen to it through a WiFi radio at home.

At C. Crane you will find a whole line of antennae for improving AM reception. You may be able to find something similar at a Radio Shack. C.Crane also sells the GE Superadio III which offers superior AM performance.

If you have a WiFi network set up in your home, try the WiFi Radio selections available at the NPR Shop.

WiFi radio is the most revolutionary thing to happen in radio this decade. You can pick up over 6,000 radio stations world wide. No crackles, pops, boundaries or fees. WiFi radios can be set up in a few minutes.

Of course you can listen to 640AM WNNZ and WFCR's other program streams right at WFCR.org.