WUGA 91.7/97.9 FM, an affiliate of National Public Radio (NPR), Public Radio International, and Peach State Public Radio (PSPR), operated by the Georgia Center, recently completed a power upgrade which increased its coverage area by 64 percent. Completion of this two-phase project resulted in a "cleaner" signal that provides enhanced service to listeners. The first phase of the upgrade was completed in April 1994. "We are extremely happy to have this work completed so that we can provide improved service to our listeners," said station manager Gene Craven. "This upgrade was possible due to generous support from our listeners during the mini-fund drive last March."
Craven added, "We are hopeful that the stronger signal will reach listeners in the eastern metro Atlanta area." This would include parts of Gwinnett, Rockdale, and Newton counties, he said.
In August 1987, WUGA-FM 91.7 signed on the airwaves as the first and only NPR station in the Athens area. In May 1995, the translator frequency at 97.9 FM went on the air to provide additional coverage to the listening area.
"This extension of our coverage area will provide the opportunity for access to quality educational and informational programming to those in the ten-county, metropolitan Athens, Georgia, area," said Edward G. Simpson, University of Georgia associate vice president for services and director of the Georgia Center.
WUGA-FM broadcasts 24 hours a day and offers local programming as well as the services of its affiliations. For more information, contact Gene Craven, WUGA-FM, Georgia Center for Continuing Education, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-3603, 706-542-9842, e-mail: craveng@gactr.uga.edu.