|
|
WVTF Public Radio faced many unexpected challenges during the past year. The terrorist attacks on September 11 tested the station's ability to alter programming on a moment's notice; the collapse of the 200-foot tower and antenna on Poor Mountain created temporary hardships along with new opportunities; construction finally began on WVTF's new broadcast center; the station had another record year in fundraising; and WVTF's ratings indicated its largest audience ever.
Within moments of last September's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, WVTF began over a week of continuous 24-hour news and information programming. The station's around-the-clock news coverage included programming from National Public Radio, the British Broadcasting Corporation, and WVTF's news department. Throughout this period, WVTF offered the region news and information with the qua lity, depth, perspective, and context needed for an informed and involved citizenry to analyze and understand this catastrophic attack on the nation's democratic society.
WVTF's transmission tower on Poor Mountain overlooking Roanoke unexpectedly collapsed during a windstorm in December 2001. The back-up tower and antenna handled the transmission duties until a new tower and antenna were erected and completed in April. A silver lining from the newly installed antenna for 89.1 is much better signal quality. Insurance and a federal grant helped defray the costs o f this nearly $150,000 rebuilding project.
J.M. Turner Construction Company won the bid to build WVTF's new broadcast center, and after many minor delays and procedural hurdles, construction finally began on the new studio/office complex this past spring. Completion is scheduled for early 2003. Listeners have been enthusiastic in supporting the project, with most of the station's $2.5 million debt service funding coming from donations during semi-annual fund drives. During the fiscal year, the New Building fund received over $200,000 from donors, 20 percent above projections.
Despite September 11 and an uncertain economy, FY 2001-02 was a milestone year for the station in fundraising. For the first time ever, listeners donated more than $1 million in support of programming and public service operations. Underwriting set new records also, with over $500,000 in support coming from corporations and businesses in exchange for short on-air messages of recognition.
Despite increased media competition and declining listening levels in commercial radio, WVTF's Arbitron ratings showed the station with approximately 140,000-150,000 weekly listeners, its largest figures ever. Both the Roanoke-Lynchburg and Charlottesville markets had impressive audience gains.