WAMU’s Bluegrass Country, and the Bluegrass Country Foundation who plan to take over management of the station next year, have announced a five week extension in their December 31 deadline to transfer ownership. The Foundation was created for the express purpose of assuming the role WAMU has played in keeping the bluegrass signal going online and over the air in the DC Metro market.
Bluegrass fans all over the world have developed the habit of listening to Bluegrass Country online or through their smart phone app, as have drivers in busy DC traffic on their FM dial.
With the date bearing down on them, both sides agreed in a teleconference on December 8 to give themselves a bit more time to ensure that all of the technical, legal, and financial challenges can be dealt with successfully ahead of time. The new date for the transfer is now projected for February 7, 2017.
The Foundation will use this time to raise additional funds they will need to continue operation of the 24/7 bluegrass signal going forward, and to complete negotiations with the owner of the FM translator they use to broadcast at 105.5 FM. That agreement is separate from the one with WAMU.
JJ Yore, General Manager of WAMU, tells us that it also gives them some breathing room as they face a busy time bringing the popular Diane Rehm Show to a close, and deal with other year end issues.
“We remain hopeful for a smooth transfer, and are delighted to give each other a little more time. Both for the Foundation and for us, we can make this work better with another month.”
Jeffrey Ludin, President of the Bluegrass Country Foundation, has posted a letter to supporters on their web site explaining some of the issues that remain. In it he mentions that they need to raise another $50,000 before the end of the year, and asks that regular listeners please email him with this information about how you access Bluegrass Country.
- List all the methods you listen to Bluegrass Country in order of preference (e.g., 105.5 FM, 88.5 FM HD, Internet Streaming – include web app or page used for access.
- List the places you listen to Bluegrass Country (e.g., car, home, work). Please include the amount of listening time (in hours per week).
- Let me know if your are or if you would be willing to be a sustaining member of Bluegrass Country.
Donations to the Foundation can be made online.
