HUNTSVILLE — Local radio listeners were soured recently by the news that, due to federal funding cuts, WLRH 89.3FM would no longer air nationally syndicated programming content from National Public Radio (NPR), effective Oct. 1.
However, in the broadcast version of turning lemons into lemonade, the local public radio station said it will be adding more locally produced news and programming content.
“WLRH staff will be working together to get back to the station’s roots of focusing more on our long-standing existing local programs, as well as developing new programming to better reflect our community,” said Program Director Katy Ganaway. “The WLRH audience will hear more local news, arts, culture, classical music and music of all genres, and original storytelling.
“The majority of WLRH programming will remain in place.”
With recent federal funding cuts to public media and costs associated with subscribing to NPR content, WLRH had to make the difficult decision to stop airing “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered,” and other NPR distributed shows. NPR programming currently accounts for about 32% of WLRH’s schedule.
“At a time when many public radio stations are making tough decisions to eliminate staff, WLRH is hiring new positions to better serve our listening audience with more community-focused programming, such as a local, original, community-focused morning show, featuring news, voices and stories about the Tennessee Valley,” the station said in a news release.
WLRH Public Radio 89.3 FM has served North Alabama and Southern Middle Tennessee since 1976.
As a non-commercial, listener-supported station, WLRH provides in-depth news, engaging cultural programming, and a commitment to enriching the community.
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