WVLP is Running Smoothly on a New Frequency

WVLP is Running Smoothly on a New Frequency

WVLP, a local radio station, has recently made a large transition. They changed frequencies from 98.3 to 103.1 after they had been drowned out by another commercial radio station.

“We were at 98.3 for 12 years,” Gregg Kovach, Executive Director for WVLP said. “But we could no longer be heard so we took the steps needed to get a new frequency. We found 103.1 to be open, got the okay to move there, and then we started the transition.”

WVLP got a permit to construct (a permit needed prior to doing modifications on buildings), bought a new antenna which they had programmed to the new frequency, and they had their transmitter retuned.

“It’s not a simple task to do these things. We had Bartronics, LLC out of Chesterton do our antenna switch-out," Kovach said. "Bruce [Resteau] and his guys were great. They do the technological work that I can’t do. They got us all set up and we’re all over Valpo now. The signal is much better; very clear."

On October 23, 2015 at 3:48pm, WVLP began broadcasting on 103.1.

"We gave notice six weeks in advance that we would be moving to a new frequency. The response from our listeners has been great. Good boost to moral for our people who do shows here, and our underwriters are happy, too," Kovach continued. "During our transition we had a lot of help. My confidant, John Kowlaski helped me out quite a bit. There were all kinds of things and info that we needed to have that John found. It was quite a task for one guy and without him I don’t know what I would have done."

Kovach said that in the beginning they had three choices: do nothing, close the station, or make a change. He and the rest of the people that make WVLP what it is weren’t about to give up.

“We thought that what we did was important and that it was worth pursuing,” Kovach said.

"WVLP is one of the only real local medias left. It is 'owned' by local people and operated by local people and dedicated to local news and culture," Paul Schreiner, Founder of WVLP said. "Just in the last few weeks we have agreed to even more local shows with the VU athletic director, with a local artist, with P.A.C.T. and several others. Our line-up of locally produced shows is better than ever."

Schreiner ended with positive thoughts on the future by stating, ‘I am optimistic that with our renewed and strong signal, we will become more appreciated as the voice of Valpo.”