Before I tell you all about WPAZ and their really cool vision for what community radio is going to be in Pottstown, I have to make a confession: I am a total radio geek. I love radio. Don’t ever ask me who is on Dancing with the Stars or American Idol because I actually have no idea when or where to find those shows. But, if you want to know what’s on NPR at 2pm weekdays or who the guests are this week on Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, well, you’ve come to the right person.
So, when I got the chance to visit the WPAZ studios last week and see what’s going on, I was pretty excited. Actually, everyone in Pottstown should be pretty excited about what the new WPAZ radio (1370 on you AM radio dial) is doing here in town.
Station Manager, Ross Landy, who worked hard and long with General Manager, Rick Rodgers, to get WPAZ back on the air as a local station, is absolutely passionate about what radio can do for Pottstown. “We are Pottstown people,” he says. And the station is going to be about local issues, organizations, businesses, musicians. It has the power to raise awareness and cover topics with a local focus and be entertaining at the same time.
While I am not old enough to have sat around the radio at night instead of the television, I do have a real appreciation for radio shows. I remember fondly listening to Rock and Roll Roots, an old WMMR show that was hosted by Earle Bailey. It kept me company for many Saturday mornings when I had to be at work.
For me, good radio is conversation. It’s not about someone pushing the shuffle button on an enormous playlist and then jumping in every now and then with a commercial break. It’s the idea that the person playing the music has something to share with the audience. WPAZ gets it.
WPAZ is offering plenty of good radio and tons of conversation. I took some time during this, their inaugural week, to listen to the station and you should, too. It’s not like a regular broadcast station where you know exactly what you are in for when you choose country music or Top 40 or even Oldies. Instead, you will be part of a conversation which might include music or talk or a little bit of both.
Here’s a look at some of what’s lined up at WPAZ so far:
6-9 AM The morning show with Randi Ellis and Betsy Chapman
9-Noon Brian James –an eclectic mix of music with a little extra
1-3 PM Ken’s Koffee Shop-music and call in conversation
You can also tune in Wednesday nights for Notes from Home with Mike Holliday, a live music show featuring local musicians. And, look for much more in the future. The Hip Places to be Scene in Pottstown girls, Janet Flack and Gina Stango will have a show soon.
Landy and his crew of radio aficionados have big plans to make WPAZ both a voice for the community and part of its ongoing revitalization. You can look forward to live appearances in the spring at events and a real presence on the local music scene. The station is broadcasting 24/7 right now and will offer live internet streaming in the near future.
So, even if you aren’t a self-professed radio geek like me, it’s worth tuning in to see what’s happening over at WPAZ.
WPAZ Radio 1370 AM
find them on facebook: www.facebook.com/wpazradio
Call the station at 610-326-4000
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