WKYU, 88.9 FM, the public radio service of Western Kentucky University, has become the first station in Bowling Green to broadcast in the digital HD Radio format.  The HD Radio format allows stations to broadcast in CD-like sound, without static, or hiss. 

“This is an exciting development for WKU Public Radio” said Jack Hanes, Director of Educational Telecommunications at WKU.  “This is the future of radio broadcasting in America, and will offer better sound quality and a wider range of services” he said.  

Station Manager Peter Bryant said that multicasting is one innovative feature of digital radio.  “This enables stations to "multicast" additional channels on a single frequency.  As consumer use of digital radio expands, this will enable us to explore new and innovative content in the future” he said. 

Although listeners can still hear WKYU-FM on their current radios, they will need to purchase HD Radio receivers in order to hear the digital signal.  Information and digital radio products are available from many retailers around the country, and online from National Public Radio.

WKYU-FM broadcasts non-commercial news and music programs.  WKU Public Radio is also heard on three other stations:  WDCL, 89.7 FM, Somerset; WKPB, 89.5 FM, Henderson/Owensboro; and WKUE, 90.9 FM, Elizabethtown, which will also be converted to the digital HD Radio format.

For more information, contact Jack Hanes at 800-599-9598.