PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Ocean State Media, Rhode Island’s home for NPR and PBS, announced today that the public media station is now broadcasting from a new signal at 103.7 FM. The transfer of this radio frequency and transmitter was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and will allow Ocean State Media to transition from using a network approach to broadcasting from a single, strong, clear signal across the region.
“Broadcasting from a single radio signal has been a goal of public radio in Rhode Island for a long time, so our team is very excited to be able to point audiences to one destination for all of Ocean State Media’s compelling journalism and storytelling,” said Pam Johnston, President and CEO of Ocean State Media. “Thanks to the leadership of our board, the commitment of our team, and the generosity of our supporters, we are making a transformative investment in the future of public media in Rhode Island.”
Ocean State Media first announced plans to acquire the stronger frequency in January and filed for approval from the FCC.
Historically, the organization has relied on a network of five frequencies to serve Rhode Island and parts of southeastern Massachusetts. As a result, listeners needed to change the dial while traveling through the area – moving among 89.3 FM, 89.5 FM, 90.7 FM, 102.7 FM and 1290 AM. Over the course of the next eight weeks, Ocean State Media will point listeners exclusively to 103.7 FM, no matter where they’re tuning in from, in preparation to take those other frequencies offline.
Radio broadcasts also continue to be available for livestreaming on the Ocean State Media website.
