Thanks to a brand-new frequency, even more listeners in Jackson County and the Town of Sylva now have access to BPR News and BPR Classic.
For the past 45 years, BPR has delivered news and music to 14 counties across Western North Carolina via a network of trusted frequencies. Now, that family is growing.
On Friday, May 23, BPR will launch WNQS 89.7 FM, a new transmitter designed to significantly expand our coverage area for both BPR News and BPR Classic.
WNQS joins BPR’s family of frequencies and helps bring our programming to approximately 22,000 listeners in the region (that’s about 8,000 more listeners than we currently reach).
To make this possible, BPR’s tech team is upgrading transmitters in and around Jackson County. This means some changes are coming for listeners in and around Sylva, Clyde, Canton and Cullowhee.
What this means for you
If you live in Sylva
Your BPR News frequency is changing from 91.5 FM to 89.7 FM. This stronger signal will improve reception for more people in and around Sylva.
You’ll soon be able to enjoy BPR Classic as well, coming to 91.5 FM in the near future. We’ll share the exact date as soon as the transition is finalized.
If you live in Canton or Clyde
Your BPR News frequency is changing from 89.7 FM to 89.1 FM.
If you live in Cullowhee
You’ll most likely be able to keep listening to BPR News on 89.7 FM. However, some listeners may need to move to 88.3 FM to continue tuning into BPR News starting Friday, May 23.
If you can currently listen to BPR News on 91.5 FM, you’ll also be able to access the new BPR Classic from Sylva when it launches.
This expansion means more people than ever will be able to stay informed with BPR News and enjoy the music they love on BPR Classic. In fact, 15,000 listeners in the Sylva area alone will now gain access to BPR Classic for the first time.
We’re excited to grow with our community and bring high-quality public radio to more listeners across Western North Carolina.
