The College Voice

Issue date: 9/22/08 Section: Features

Digital signal is transmitted with analog signal but suffers none of the drop-out or static problems commonly associated with regular FM radio. Image used under GNU Free Documentation License from original article on www.howstuffworks.com by Ed Grabianowski.

For 26 years, WWFM, the radio station located on Mercer's West Windsor Campus, has been a mainstay for classical music fans in this area, a small but loyal niche audience. WWFM should not be confused with WMCC, now known as Viking 107.7, which is also located on the Mercer Campus and is a much smaller station, where the radio majors put into practice what they learn. The stations are different, but both are soon to expand their parameters through HD (high definition) radio.

On September 1st, WWFM officially launched their new HD channel, Jazz On 2, Trenton's Jazz Station, which will be located on the James Kearny Campus. WWFM's General Manager, Peter Fretwell, says, "Trenton has a heritage of jazz that's just incredible. Putting [the station] there just makes sense."

There will be 12 hours of daily programming, with a focus on education and the local jazz scene. The shows are being hosted by volunteers using music from their own personal collections. They will feature New Jersey jazz musicians, teachers and jazz fans.

Mercer Communications professor Alvyn Haywood, who is hosting Jazz School HD on the station says, "I think the original art form known as jazz could be one way of campaigning music to retain students in public schools" Program Director Winifred Howard underscores the connection between music and education saying, "We want to help students to appreciate music and to take it beyond high school and college."

Jazz On 2 is now broadcasting the syndicated jazz feed of WDUQ of Pittsburgh on 89.1 HD2. It can also be heard on Mercer County channel 26. The station plans to start broadcasting the new local shows at the end of this month.

Meanwhile, the student-run station, Viking 107, is not currently broadcasting on HD, but soon will be. Professor Mitch Canter, faculty advisor for Viking 107 says, "We plan to test the needed equipment by the end of November with the goal of going live with the HD3 broadcasting at the beginning of the spring semester." It will be on 89.1 HD 3.

Digital (High Definition) radio allows a single radio station to split its signal into 3 channels, which are like 3 separate stations. You need an HD radio or tuner to receive them. In a survey of student listenership at Mercer, representing a diverse cross section of the student body, many respondents confused HD radio with satellite radio. The two are not the same. WWFM General Manager Peter Fretwell said he's not too concerned about the confusion. "Satellite was a flash in the pan; it was transitional radio," he said.
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Student Survey:
Do you own or plan on getting an HD radio? 19% said yes
Have you heard of HD radio, Do you know what it is? 42% know what it is but don't have one and don't plan on getting one. 39% never heard of it/don't know what it is.

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