We're the Valley's Fresh Alternative
Numerous listeners have expressed concern that, while they can generally receive WVFA fairly well on their car radios, even sometime in their driveways, when they are indoors it is often difficult to received WVFA's signal. Part of this can be traced to the low power level at which WVFA transmits its signal, which often doesn't penetrate buildings well if they are constructed of masonry materials or have metal siding or roofing materials. The type and quality of FM receiver used indoors can also make a difference in the quality of reception. Generally, inexpensive clock radios work well only in our primary reception area. Even some rather costly boom boxes and stereo combination units may not work well in marginal reception areas. If, however, you are able to receive WVFA's signal on your car radio while parked in your driveway, the following information may be helpful:
1. Use a good quality radio with high selectivity and sensitivity, such as a GE SuperRadio. These can often be purchased for less than $40.00 in discount stores. If you rely on the telescoping rod antenna, place the radio near a window that faces Shaker Mtn. in Enfield, NH and try several orientations of the antenna until reception is optimized.
2. Several component quality radios and high quality portables have screw-type antenna terminals (300 Ω) on the rear panel. If yours does, several possibilities open up for improving FM reception. You may wish to use the technique that works best for you:
a) Flexible FM dipole wires are often supplied with component receivers, or may be purchased very inexpensively. Connect the spade lugs to your antenna terminals and route the T-shape dipole wires in such a way as to obtain best FM reception.
b) Traditional TV/FM "rabbit ears" may also be connected to the antenna terminals, and the twin telescoping rods positioned so as to obtain optimum FM reception. You may wish to experiment with several indoor locations and antenna positions.
c) If your home has a rooftop all-channel TV or FM antenna (with or without rotor), try connecting the antenna downlead to the 300 Ω terminals on the receiver. If the downlead is a 75 Ω coaxial cable, it will be necessary to use an inexpensive 75 to 300 Ω matching transformer at the antenna terminals of the receiver. If you have a rotor, rotate the antenna for best reception (Hint: the narrow end should be pointed toward the desired source). WARNING: Be sure your rooftop antenna is properly protected from lightning (consult a qualified installer or safety precautions provided by the manufacturer.)
d) If your home is connected to cable service, many cable companies provide broadband FM service either free or for a slight additional monthly fee (before subscribing, make sure it is true broadband FM and not just a few pre-selected cannels).If your FM receiver is in the same room as your TV, the cable company will often allow you to install your own splitter to connect the two; inquire as to their policy. Broadband FM reception generally gives improved reception of all stations, if the location of the receiving antenna at the cable head-end is in a good reception area.
Contact WVFA at any time for technical advice about improving your FM reception.
WVFA's mostly-music format is programmed locally, allowing us to be more responsive to listener needs and tastes. WVFA's music is a "middle-of-the-road" format, leaning toward light contemporary Christian. During certain segments of the week you will also hear Southern Gospel music and Praise and Worship music, either interspersed with the general format or in specialty music blocks. Though the primary audience is ages 25 - 49, WVFA's music appeals to people of all ages.
AP Network News, established by the venerable Associated Press organization, airs every hour on the hour, giving a balanced perspective on world events and contemporary trends. It is a way to know how we can pray for world and national leaders as news is breaking.
Religion Desk is aired at one minute past the hour. Don Rupp, Pam Lindell, and other anchors share the latest trends in the Church and how believers are impacted by what's going on in the secular world. Bob Ditmer of Family News in Focus is a contributing correspondent.
Songtime with John Debrine is aired each weekday morning from 7:02:30 to 7:59:30, and there are various "short form" ministry programs (ranging in length from 1 to 5 minutes) at the half-hour. In addition there are a variety of short form ministry programs scheduled to run at approximately the half hour.
The WVFA Community Calendar airs at 2:00 minutes past the hour, keeping listeners informed about events and activities sponsored by area churches and non-profit organizations. Listings are free and given on a space-available basis; frequency of airing varies with number of announcements submitted. All announcements submitted are subject to review by WVFA's Editorial Board, and WVFA reserves the right to edit announcements for content, length, and compliance with editorial standards. Submission two weeks in advance is requested.
CrossTalk Live!, WVFA's discussion and interview program, is running on a bi-weekly basis, but expands to weekly when necessitated by the volume of guests. Guests may be interviewed live in the studio or over the telephone, or taped in advance on location. We can also handle "remotes" over the phone line from other locations, or produce talk-format programs where in-studio guests interact with local or distant phone callers.
Our goal is to make various ministries aware of what others are doing - examples would be MVCS, Young Life, CareNet Pregnancy Center, churches, campus and prison groups. We can not only encourage, but can also promote coordination and shared resources, not the least of which is WVFA's potential to uplift and edify the "community of faith"