Recent WREK News

I haven't posted here much recently since the various proposals to alter WREK's operation appear to have been dropped. However, here's some recent WREK-related news gleaned from WREK's web page and the Technique:

• Last September, WREK received a construction permit from the FCC to increase its operating power from 40,000 to 100,000 Watts. Next step: replacing the 30-year old antenna (I have mixed feelings about his, considering I was there when it was new).
• Last November, WREK began broadcasting on its HD2 subchannel.
• In January, a steam pipe broke in WREK's storage room back at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum. The resulting mold has made it difficult to recover old recordings and equipment.
• Also in January, WREK learned that the Tech Athlectic Association renegotiated its broadcasting deal with International Sports Properties (ISP) to drop WREK's broadcasting of evening football and men's basketball games. WREK will lose around $30K in revenue. It's not surprising that ISP would prefer to broadcast on a commercial station and get the ad revenue, but the way it was handled (notifying Student Affairs with an email rather than contacting WREK directly) is classic AA.
  
• Finally, this year's WREK 41st Birthday WREKtacular concert will be held tonight at 8PM at the Drunken Unicorn. Happy Birthday, WREK!
  

In Memoriaum: Dean James E. Dull 1928-2009

Former Dean of Students James Dull passed away last Sunday at age 80. News article in the Technique here. I remember Dean Dull as a good friend of WREK during my time there in the late 1970's. Condolences to his family.

Update: Georgia Tech posted a News Release with additional information here.

New Transmitter Online and Broadcasting HD

WREK's new transmitter is now online and began broadcasting in HD on March 25th at 12:12PM. This story in the Technique has the details. Oh, and Happy 40th Birthday, WREK!

WREK 40th Anniversary Bash

As part of WREK's 40th Anniversary Celebration, the "40th Anniversary WREKtacular" will be held at The Drunken Unicorn, 736 Ponce de Leon, NE on Saturday, March 29. See the poster above, or visit the WREK website for more details.

An "Alumni/Student Get-Together" is also being planned for the evening of Friday, March 28. More details as they become available.

New Transmitter Arrives!

WREK took delivery of its new HD-capable transmitter last Tuesday morning. It will be assembled and installed during Spring Break next week. For more details, see the WREK website. Congrats to WREK on the new arrival!

New WREK Transmitter Funded

According to "Council Clippings" section of the Nov. 30 Technique, Georgia Tech Student Government just passed a bill allocating $180K for a new HD-capable transmitter. The current plan is to use the subchannel for a time-delay broadcast of the regular signal and also for broadcasting of additional Tech sporting events.

Update: According to GM Brad Petrick, WREK would welcome donations to help them raise the remaining funds needed for the new transmitter. The total cost is estimated to be about $187K, so they are currently $7K short. To make a contribution, visit the WREK web page and click on the "Donate" link.

Congratulations

WREK has been selected by Creative Loafing as the Critic's Pick for Best Overall Radio Station in its Best of Atlanta 2007 awards.