Support - WUIS Digital Conversion

What digital means for WUIS' future. . .

A digital signal allows WUIS to split its bandwidth and offer more than one channel on its digital signal.

Our hope is to ultimately provide three channels - at least two channels dedicated to local, national and international public radio programs - meaning you'll have even more choice for news or music programs when we can double what we provide. On the third channel, we hope to educate the next generation of public radio journalists and originators through a channel targeting a younger audience.

It'll also sound great. Clearer than anything you've heard before.

This is a transition period, just like when FM came along. . .

As FM radio technology was developed and introduced to the market, it took years for FM-AM receivers to be standard in vehicles. It also took some people many years to purchase their own FM radios for their homes - and many naysayers thought that FM would never change the way AM was used. But now we can't imagine life without FM.

Digital is just beginning to happen. Public radio stations have been at the forefront of this new technology, realizing how our listeners will benefit. It's so new that digital radios have only been on the market for about one year. We envision in the near future that digital radios will become standard in cars (probably foreign cars first since Europe already went digital) and people will transition them into their homes, just like DVD players have replaced many VHS (or Beta!) players.

A new way to listen. . .

Yes, you'll have to purchase new digital receivers to hear WUIS' multiple channels. Unlike satellite radio, it'll be a one-time expense. You're buying a new radio, not a package or service deal. And then, you'll be able to flip to WUIS1, WUIS2, and WUIS3. We hope that you'll continue to choose to support this expanded, independent, life-enriching source of music and information here at 91.9/89.3. But even if you're a luddite, we'll be here for you, continuing to broadcast our "primary" channel on our analog signal as well.

Please support a digital future. . .

WUIS' digital conversion was made possible because of listeners' contributions. Nearly 250 people made additional gifts beyond their annual membership contribution. You too can support a future with more public radio programs, whether you’ll choose to turn to our eventual news/talk channel or our music channel, or toggle between both. A future with crystal clear sound from your digital receiver. Your gift today can help pay the remaining $40,000 costs of the installation and can start us on our way for the funding needed to purchase or create additional programs.

	On March 20, technicians began the installation of technical components necessary for WUIS' conversion to a digital signal. Here Al and Rich put the (new circular) antennae on the 50 foot tower outside our building on the UIS campus and remove an outdated (the square-shaped) antennae. They're also climbing the more-than-450-feet tower near Mechanicsburg.

Please consider giving at least $25 for programs on our digital channels. You can make a gift today -

We hope you consider it a gift to yourself as well as the station – and maybe a gift to those that will follow you. Thanks so much!