Saga Communications (which bought the locally-owned Eure Communications in 2004) has launched a new radio station in town: 106.1 FM “The Corner”. Their website refuses to divulge what sort of music that they play, describing it only as “different.” A quick listen in the car revealed that “boring” might be a better term, but YMMV.
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
-
Archive for Sideblog »
The only radio I listen to these days is The Grateful Dead & Friends on WNRN on Saturday mornings. Outside of those three hours, I find the music radio in this town to be an excellent advertisement for Sirius Satellite Radio.
The survey looks like they are aiming to compete against WNRN’s format, which isn’t dumb because NRN has a pretty wide audience and keeps expanding to new markets. Not to mention, NRN doesn’t generate ad revenue… But are they trying to maquerade as a college radio station?
Personally, I’ll continue to support WNRN, because I like the character and the fact that being a community radio station allows them to play music that isn’t necessarilly lucrative (yet). If anything, I’d look to WNRN to continue to be creative in their programming, something commercial stations can’t do.
looks like it’s going to be an “alternative” version of 3WV. so instead of hearing the same three lynyrd skynyrd, 38 special and journey songs repeated over and over, you’ll get to hear the same nirvana, fallout boy and RHCP songs played over and over.
of course, i haven’t listened to local radio in 5 years since i got XM, so i couldn’t care less what they play.
I saw the bumper sticker and I thought it menat we were getting a new Corner, as in new stores & restaurants. Anyone know of a good WiFi hotspot down there that’s open late? How about the Mall? I heard the whole Mall was covered, but I haven’t tried. I think Atomic Burrito would be difficult around 11pm! Or does Mudhouse stay hooked up when it’s closed?
The mudhouse WiFi does stay on while it’s closed. You should be able to access it anytime. It doesn’t go too far, but it reaches the patio and possibly the other side of the street.
And WNRN does generate ad revenue. I’ve been told that it’s around 300K a year. Sure they call it ‘underwriting’ but it’s revenue that can either go back into the station, or to the owner/head operator. In this case, it would appear that the vast majority of it is going back into the station — i.e. expanding into new markets.
To Jeannine –
If you like the Dead show on WNRN, you might also want to check out the Dead show, “Sunshine Daydream” on WTJU (91.1) that runs from noon until 2 on Saturday afternoons.
And to leo_clinton, I may be wrong but I’m pretty sure that since it’s a community station any revenues have to be put back into the station or into the community – the “owner” can’t just give himself a big ol’ raise. But as I said, I may be wrong.
Thanks, Al! I have to admit that I’m biased towards the NRN guys. The times I’ve listened to Sunshine Daydream, it’s been a little more chatter than I like.
On top of that, Marc & Pat give away tickets to a lot of local shows and meet & greets. I got to meet the Widespread Panic guys because of them. :)