The Federal Communications Commission forced the station to give up its frequency to Radio One Inc., which filed an application in 2007 to move its Urbana country-music radio station, WKSW-FM 101.7, to Enon and take over the 101.5 FM radio frequency in the Dayton area. That threatened to knock Centerville off the air, because it hadn’t found any other available frequencies.
Radio One said back in 2007 it would work with Centerville to find a new frequency, and, in the end, got them a new antenna, a new transmitter and receiver and equipment resources, Smiga said.
The transition was quick, Smiga said. The old station station went off the air Monday, July 27, and was back operating on its new frequency three hours later, he said.
The station first went on the air in the fall of 1971 and is one of the oldest student-operated radio systems, Smiga said. The student-run station was started at Magsig at a frequency of 91.9 and was later moved to the high school. “We’re going to just get better,” Smiga said.
The public can receive emergency notifications by tuning to WCWT 107.3 FM during a storm or other emergency. Smiga said the station can remain on the air with generator capability and give out information on where people can seek shelter and help.
Tricia Rapoch, who teaches broadcast management at the high school, said students have received tremendous support from an advisory board of local adults who volunteer their time to help students with on-air work. A rebuilt master control, the switch of frequencies and the supportive advisory board will all help make better broadcasting, she said.
Besides emergency broadcast possibilities for the Centerville and Washington Twp. area, the student-run radio station is part of a career-education class. It broadcasts Centerville Elks football, soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball and other student activities.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2341 or kullmer@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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