PRESS RELEASE

June 14, 2022

The Pittsburgh Jazz Channel returns to full power for the Ohio Valley

WZUM 88.1 FM from Bethany, West Virginia has had its signal restored to full power after the replacement of an aging transmitter antenna and transmission line. This brings the maximum licensed signal back to the Ohio Valley, including Weirton, Steubenville, Wheeling, Washington, and parts of the South Hills, Robinson, Moon and some of the North Hills.

WZUM 88.1 FM was the first station acquired by Pittsburgh Public Media in bringing jazz radio back to the region. In November 2021, the antenna and transmission system for 88.1 FM experienced a major failure that dramatically reduced the power for that signal.

According to Pittsburgh Public Media President and CEO, Chuck Leavens, “this new antenna and transmission line is a significant improvement over the system that was first installed in 1985. We hope listeners will enjoy these improvements for many years to come.”

The equipment and repairs to restore WZUM 88.1 FM have cost about $20,000, drawing deeply on the cash reserves of Pittsburgh Public Media, the 501c3 owner of the station. Donations to help with the effort can be made at www.wzum.org

Pittsburgh Public Media is the 501c3 non-profit that has brought jazz programming back to the Pittsburgh region through the Pittsburgh Jazz Channel, reaching more than 1.2 million people over the air with WZUM 88.1 FM from Bethany, WV; WZUM AM 1550 and 101.1 FM in Braddock/Pittsburgh; and online via www.wzum.org and via smartphones and smart speakers, everywhere.

WZUM partners with the community of jazz performers, presenters and listeners, including curating the comprehensive live jazz calendar, Jazz Central. Live Jazz in the Pittsburgh Region is showing a great resurgence, with Jazz Central showing more than 200 events each month.

https://www.wzum.org/press-releases

Contact: Scott Hanley (412) 370-3368

info@wzum.org