89.5 WMFV IS ON THE AIR
VILLAGES STATION HAS SOFT LAUNCH AS MORE FEEDBACK IS SOLICITED TO CONSTRUCT PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE
March 16, 2018 – The new station 89.5 WMFV, sister station to 90.7 WMFE, went on the air for the first time on Saturday, March 3.
The station, which covers The Villages, Leesburg and The Golden Triangle (Eustis, Mount Dora and Tavares), was officially born in March but is not yet operating at full power. WMFV’s engineer is still working to resolve some transmission issues.
Meanwhile, WMFV President and General Manager LaFontaine Oliver is continuing to solicit feedback to build a programming schedule for the station by spending time in the community and through an online survey.
“There is such a variety of news, music and entertainment programming out there that is available to serve the needs of public radio audiences,” Oliver said. “Taking a bit more time allows us to pound the pavement to survey the folks in our listening area in order to truly understand their needs and tastes.
“Our goal is to create a station that will resonate with the community and so we have to be very intentional.”
Oliver said they began broadcasting with a soft launch format that includes NPR’s two newsmagazines, Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and classical music. The programming schedule will continue to evolve with feedback that is received.
Listeners may submit feedback and suggestions by taking the survey at www.wmfv.org. A specific schedule of programming will be announced in the near future. WMFE’s current program lineup is available at www.wmfe.org/programs.
In January, Community Communications Inc. (DBA 90.7 WMFE) closed on the purchase of the radio station license for WKSG-FM 89.5 (The Boulevard) in Cedar Creek, just north of The Villages. More information about the purchase is here. The new call letters – WMFV – align with the WMFE brand, with the “V” as a nod to the new station’s focus on The Villages, Leesburg and The Golden Triangle.
About Community Communications Inc.:
Community Communications Inc. is a non-profit, member-supported, community-based public broadcasting company that operates 90.7 WMFE-FM, metro Orlando’s primary provider of NPR programming; 90.7-2 Classical; and since March 2018, 89.5 WMFV, public radio for The Villages, Leesburg and The Golden Triangle. Part of the community since 1980, Community Communications focuses on providing quality national and local news and programming. Visit wmfe.org and wmfv.org for more information.
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MEDIA INQUIRIES: Please contact Communications & Marketing Specialist Jenny Babcock at jbabcock@wmfe.org or 407-273-2300 ext. 112.