WCQS gets new frequency restores service to Brevard-area listeners

PRESS RELEASE
A new frequency for WCQS restores service to listeners in Transylvania County! WCQS can now be heard on 105.1 FM. This replaces WCQS’ old frequency at 91.9, which has experienced significant interference from a transmitter out of Cokesbury, SC since last fall. Since translators do not have the same protected status as primary transmitters, WCQS was forced to find a new frequency for its service in Brevard.

The approval of the new frequency couldn’t have better timing. WCQS will be broadcasting concerts from Brevard Music Center during its summer festival, which opens this weekend. WCQS is partnering once again with WDAV, Davidson to bring great musical performances from the Brevard Music Center to its listeners. WCQS Music Director Dick Kowal will be co-hosting concerts from Brevard. WCQS will air the broadcasts Sundays at three beginning July 1st. For more information about the broadcasts, go to WCQS.org.

The response in recent months from listeners in Transylvania County has been tremendous. WCQS Executive Director, Jody Evans, is elated with the FCC’s approval, “Our listener base in Transylvania County is tremendously loyal and supportive [of WCQS]. We know how much they value the NPR news, classical music and entertainment programming we broadcast. This has been a top priority for the staff at WCQS. We received notification at 11:23am today that the FCC approved the new frequency, and by 12:52 WCQS was on the air strong and clear at 105.1 FM. We are thrilled to be able to restore service to a most enthusiastic audience in Transylvania County, and thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”

The WCQS translator has been located on Rich Mountain, southeast of Brevard, for several years. The new operation will remain at that location, and will have the same power directed at the Brevard area, but will have increased power to residents who live along US 276, east of Brevard.

WCQS broadcasts NPR news and information programs and classical music during the day, with the BBC World Service overnight. The station serves listeners throughout Western North Carolina with three primary stations and eight translators located in mountain communities.

For any additional information please contact WCQS Executive Director Jody Evans.

Western North Carolina Public Radio is listener supported public radio that serves 94,000 listeners in 12 counties across the region each week. Through WCQS-FM and its associated broadcast services, Western North Carolina Public Radio is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Western North Carolina by expanding listeners’ horizons through new perspectives and listening experiences; promoting the free and independent interchange of ideas and information; and enriching and reflecting the cultural climate, heritage and traditions of the region and society through classical and other music, and the arts.

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About Margaret Williams
Editor Margaret Williams first wrote for Xpress in 1994. An Alabama native, she has lived in Western North Carolina since 1987 and completed her Masters of Liberal Arts & Sciences from UNC-Asheville in 2016. Follow me @mvwilliams

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