Knox, WIU Announce Radio Partnership

It will make for some interesting transitions: freeform, alternative music to National Public Radio and back again -- but starting September 24, 2007, radio listeners in Knox County will be able to pick up National Public Radio's (NPR) Morning Edition on Tri States Public Radio from Western Illinois University courtesy of Knox College's student operated WVKC 90.7 FM.

Morning Edition is public radio's most listened-to program, with multi-faceted stories and commentaries that inform, challenge and occasionally amuse. A cooperative agreement between Knox College and Western Illinois University will bring broadcasts of NPR's signature morning news magazine to area listeners weekday mornings from 5:00 to 9:00.

Knox College President Roger Taylor and Western Illinois University President Al Goldfarb signed the cooperative agreement on Monday, September 17.

Tri States Public Radio at Western has been looking for a way to serve the Galesburg area since 2003. After two separate engineering studies found building a repeater or translator station wasn't feasible, General Manager Dorie Vallillo entered into discussions with Knox College about the possibility of having WVKC simulcast Tri States Public Radio for a portion of the broadcast day. "Our proposal to partner with Knox College and WVKC was met enthusiastically by WVKC students and President Roger Taylor. It's been a real pleasure to work with Knox's students and staff in the development of this cooperative venture," Vallillo explains.

WVKC's Station Manager Mark Imielski adds, "I've been impressed with WIUM's eagerness to pursue this project and their professional help with the technical aspects. I hope this agreement will bring more exposure to Galesburg and Knox's great student radio station."

The arrangement is a real "win-win-win" situation. WVKC will attract new listeners, Tri States Public Radio will improve its service to the Knox County region, and together, they'll be easing the frustration of listeners in the region who have sought access to NPR programming but have had difficulty receiving a clear signal from a member station.

While Western's NPR news and classical service and Knox's student-operated freeform station may seem like strange bedfellows, the simulcast programming fits perfectly with the educational missions of both parent institutions. NPR's mission is to create a more informed public -- one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures. With national and international coverage, in-depth analysis, colorful features and insightful commentary, NPR reports not only what's happening, but also why it's happening and what it means. With more bureaus worldwide than the Washington Post and 26 million listeners a week, NPR is virtually alone in the media landscape and devoted to reporting on foreign affairs and public policy.

WVKC at 90.7 FM broadcasts at 1,000 watts, serving Galesburg and the surrounding areas with a noncommercial, free-form format. The station is entirely student-staffed and was recently ranked 10th in the nation in popularity among students in the 2007 edition of the Princeton Review publication, "The Best 361 Colleges."

Founded in 1837, Knox is a national liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, with students from 45 states and 44 nations. Knox's "Old Main" is a National Historic Landmark and the only building remaining from the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Western Illinois University President Al Goldfarb and Knox College President Roger Taylor, front, sign a cooperative agreement covering the two schools' radio stations. Looking on are, from left, Ryan Cash, one of the music directors for the Knox station, WVKC; Lori Montgomery, WVKC faculty advisor; Xavier Romano, Knox Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students; Dorie Vallillo, WIUM general manager, and Mark Imielski, WVKC general manager.