WVAS

WVAS. WVAS (90.7 FM) is a public radio station licensed to Montgomery, Alabama, and owned by Alabama State University. Broadcasting with 100,000 watts of effective radiated power, it serves the Montgomery metropolitan area and much of central Alabama with a format centered on jazz, blues, and NPR news and talk programming. As a key service of the university's College of Visual and Performing Arts, the station functions as a professional training ground for students in broadcasting and media-related fields.

History

The station signed on the air in 1979, established by Alabama State University as an educational resource for its students and a cultural service for the broader community. Its founding was part of a broader movement of historically black colleges and universities developing media outlets to provide diverse voices and professional opportunities. Over the decades, WVAS has maintained a consistent commitment to its core musical genres, becoming a vital source for jazz and blues in a region rich with musical heritage, including the nearby Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. The station has weathered changes in the media landscape, including the rise of satellite radio and internet radio, by strengthening its local identity and expanding its digital presence.

Programming

WVAS's schedule is a blend of music and spoken-word content, heavily featuring jazz from legends like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, as well as contemporary artists. Daily programming includes blocks dedicated to smooth jazz, classic blues, and gospel music, alongside nationally syndicated shows from NPR such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered. The station produces several local public affairs programs that address issues relevant to the River Region and often features interviews with local politicians, educators, and artists. Special weekly features might include "The Blues Show" or programs highlighting the work of Southern musicians, cementing its role as a community-focused institution alongside other Alabama cultural entities like the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Technical details

The station broadcasts from a transmitter site near Montgomery on the frequency 90.7 MHz with an effective radiated power of 100,000 watts, classified by the FCC as a Class C1 station. This powerful signal allows its coverage to extend across a significant portion of central Alabama, reaching listeners in areas such as Selma and Tuskegee. The station utilizes modern broadcasting equipment and maintains a robust online streaming presence through its website, ensuring accessibility beyond its terrestrial signal. Its antenna height above average terrain is approximately 300 meters, a key factor in its wide coverage area across the Alabama River basin.

Notable alumni

Many media professionals began their careers at WVAS, gaining hands-on experience in radio production, journalism, and station management. Alumni have gone on to work at major networks like CNN, CBS News, and ABC, as well as at prominent NPR member stations across the country. Others have found success in related fields such as music production, public relations, and audio engineering, with some contributing to events like the Montgomery Jazz Festival. The station's legacy of training is celebrated within the halls of Alabama State University and by organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists.

Category:Radio stations in Alabama Category:Alabama State University Category:Jazz radio stations in the United States Category:Radio stations established in 1979 Category:1979 establishments in Alabama