First air date 1969 | Format Public radio | |
Slogan "Jazz + for New England" Frequency 90.5 (MHz) (also on HD Radio) | ||
WICN (90.5 FM), is a National Public Radio member station in Worcester, Massachusetts. They broadcast commercial-free, 24 hours a day to an audience of over 40,000. Their programming is mostly jazz, with daily evening shows dedicated to soul, bluegrass, Americana, folk and blues, world music, and Sunday night public affairs programming. They are known for their engaging, original live programs and dedication to the preservation of jazz music. WICN's mission statement is as follows:
Contents
"Arts and culture contribute to a quality of life that keeps a community vibrant and economically alive. WICN Public Radio is committed to this ideal through the presentation of authentic, independent music, on the radio and in the concert halls, preserving America's living art forms of Jazz and Folk music for generations to enjoy."
History
WICN has had a vibrant presence in Central Massachusetts for over 40 years. They began in 1969 as Worcester's Inter-Collegiate Network, joining with The College of the Holy Cross and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In 1980, they became a member of National Public Radio. They were accredited by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in 1987. Through 2000, their studios were located at 6 Chatham Street. This location was formerly a YMCA and the swimming pool, now drained, housed the station's record collection. At this time the station's transmitter was 8,000 watts (directiona) and co-located at the WUNI TV tower on Styles hill in Boylston. In March, 2010, WICN completed another change making their signal less directional. It is now located on Asnebumskit Hills in Paxton, Massachusetts along with the antenna for WAAF
Audience
WICN broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 90.5 FM in the heart of New England in Worcester, Massachusetts to an audience of approximately 40,000. Additionally, they offer a live radio stream online at WICN.org. A new iPhone/iPod app also allows listeners to tune in from anywhere using an Apple device.
Programming
With WICN Hosts
WICN Public Affairs Programming
National
Other