Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) public radio station, WEKU, will expand with a new transmitter in Maysville, Kentucky. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) awarded the new noncommercial frequency to EKU in 2021 to cover the Maysville area, and EKU’s Board of Regents approved the expansion. After three years of planning and testing, the station 88.1 WEKM is scheduled to go on the air on Dec. 6, 2024.
“We are thrilled to expand WEKU’s reach with the new transmitter in Maysville, ensuring that more Kentuckians have access to high-quality news, public radio programming, and a trusted source for local voices and stories,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “This milestone reflects our commitment to serving the Commonwealth and enriching our communities through education and engagement.”
The NPR news and information format will be broadcast on 88.1 WEKM. The transmission originates from EKU’s main campus in Richmond and is currently simulcast on nine stations in Central and Southeast Kentucky including 88.9 FM in Lexington and Richmond. WEKU also broadcasts online at WEKU.org and through the WEKU mobile app.
WEKU Director and General Manager Mike Savage says the FCC approved WEKU’s application for new service in Maysville because the community is one of the few areas in the Commonwealth that doesn’t receive a broadcast public radio service.
“This expansion of our public radio service to the Maysville community is driven by increased support from WEKU listeners as well as some strategic station budgeting,” Savage said.
88.1 WEKM will have a broadcast power of 2.2 kilowatts and serve a population of approximately 30,000 people in portions of Mason, Bracken and Roberson counties in Northern Kentucky. The station will also serve parts of Southeast Ohio including Ripley and Higginsport.
Listeners in the Maysville area can tune in to WEKM on 88.1 FM beginning Friday, Dec. 6. WEKU will hold its end-of-year, on-air fundraiser the same day the transmitter goes live from Dec. 6 through Dec. 12. Donations to support the radio station can be made at www.weku.org/give or by calling 800-621-8890.