About 90.3 WCPN ideastream

* Broadcasts on 90.3 FM, 24/7 in northeast Ohio
* Non-commercial public radio
* National Public Radio® (NPR) member-station
* Community-licensed, governed by a board of trustees
* 50,000 watts
* News, jazz, intelligent talk

90.3 WCPN is known for its coverage of important local issues through an innovative program schedule that includes news, jazz and intelligent talk. Each year increasing numbers of “curious” listeners turn to 90.3 WCPN for in-depth information that they can use to improve their personal lives and their communities.

In summer 2001, WCPN joined with WVIZ/PBS to become a new multiple media organization - ideastream® - that combines the vision of a multiple media future with the legacy of a rich public service past.

As a community-based public media organization, ideastream has a strong commitment to provide in-depth news, arts and cultural programming, jazz, and intelligent talk, and strives to inspire people to reflect upon events in their community and around the world. ideastream operates in concert with a mission statement that reflects this commitment.

Today, 90.3 WCPN is a strong presence on the radio dial, reaching more than 180,000 listeners each week. Signature programs from NPR and other national producers – Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Car Talk, A Prairie Home Companion - are complemented by locally produced programs that profile the region’s assets and challenges, all the while encouraging public participation in the discussion of practices and solutions. Each weekday, for example, The Sound of Ideas presents the opportunity to discuss major issues on the minds of Northeast Ohioans. Monday-Friday Around Noon highlights the rich arts and cultural assets of the region through interviews and live studio performance.

90.3 WCPN continues to garner accolades from peers, nationally and locally. In 2005, the station was once again named “Best Radio News Operation (large market)” by the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists, an honor received in three of the last four years.

Mission

To strengthen our communities by providing distinctive, thought-provoking programs and services that enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain.

Vision

ideastream® will be recognized as an indispensable resource critical to the future success of the region and deserving of philanthropic and public support.

Timeline

1938: 90.3 FM WBOE becomes the first licensed educational, non-commercial radio station in the country.
1978: WBOE off the air due to lack of funds.
1984: September 8 - 90.3 WCPN makes debut with a format of NPR news and locally produced jazz. Morning Edition’s Bob Edwards turned on the power; an opening night celebration included a performance by Mel Torme.
1987: New general manager Kathryn “Kit” Jensen hires first Programming Director David Kanzeg. 90.3 WCPN airs Iran-Contra hearings–live.
1989: 90.3 WCPN adds Marketplace to its news coverage. After Nine hits the airwaves.
1990: The Cleveland Foundation gives 90.3 WCPN a grant to build arts programming and urban issue coverage.
1994: 90.3 WCPN marks 10th Anniversary with the celebrated event “Face to Face.” Morning Edition’s Bob Edwards, Marketplace’s David Brancaccio, and many other national personalities attend.
1995: 90.3 WCPN’s Reinberger Remote Broadcast Unit debut with broadcast of Mayor Michael White’s State of the City Address. INFOHIO is added to expand statewide coverage.
1996: 90.3 WCPN expands its signal to the southwest and in the Akron/Summit County area
1997: 90.3 WCPN-produced cultural programs Around Noon and Jazz Tracks hit the airwaves along with The Diane Rehm Show. 90.3 WCPN adds digital editing and a new studio. 90.3 FM co-presents A Prairie Home Companion at Blossom Music Center with the largest attendance in the history of Garrison Keillor’s show outside of the Minnesota State Fair.
1998: Entrepreneur and philanthropist Peter B. Lewis donates a $750,000 challenge grant to support 90.3 WCPN’s strategic plan. 90.3 WCPN wins over 40 awards including a tie for Best News Operation in Ohio.
1999: 90.3 WCPN expands local news coverage and initiates major awareness campaign.
2001: 90.3 WCPN and WVIZ/PBS merge to form ideastream, a new multi-media company.
2004: 90.3 WCPN wins Best News Operation in Ohio from the Society of Professional Journalists.
2005: 90.3 WCPN wins Best News Operation in Ohio from the Society of Professional Journalists for second year in a row. WCPN completes move to the Idea Center at Playhouse Sqaure.
2006: The Sound of Ideas, the local morning call-in program, premieres.