Racine Sun

Burlington Area School District recently issued the following announcement.

Starting June 7, Burlington Area School District’s radio station, WBSD 89.1 FM, will be available online only while the transmitting tower is relocated from Karcher Middle School to Burlington High School (BHS). WBSD anticipates resuming terrestrial radio at 89.1 FM in July.

The station will continue to broadcast online at www.89wbsdfm.com. The station broadcasts a community-oriented adult alternative format 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is one of only two terrestrial radio stations in the state-operated by high school students. The station started to supplement the local broadcast with online streaming in 2009.

To accommodate the weight of the new 80-foot tower, the roof at the high school needs a 24-inch I-Beam added, which involves cutting into the roof. New steel roof decking will also be added as well as structural modifications inside the school. BHS was scheduled to have that section of the roof replaced this summer, which coordinates well with the work needed for the tower.Work on modifying the roof began on May 24, after the school year ended. It is anticipated to take up to seven weeks from start to finish pending the weather. With the demolition of the Karcher Middle School building beginning on June 14, there will be a gap in broadcasting over the radio while the transmitter is relocated.

WBSD’s studio has been at BHS since 2000, however the tower stayed at the 225 Robert St. location. Back in 2000 when the high school was built and recently during the Karcher Middle School construction, several other locations were considered, but cost and convenience made BHS’s roof the best option. At their May 10 board meeting, the school board unanimously approved the $92,844 cost to relocate the tower as a referendum expense. WBSD has also purchased $17,000 in equipment to support its broadcasting. Before beginning the project, the district received approval from the Federal Communications Commission and aviation officials.

In addition to Gilding, WBSD’s staff includes between 20-30 students and several volunteers. BHS offers two broadcasting classes. Over the years, several BHS alumni have gone on to a career in broadcasting after getting their start on the airwaves in Burlington. As a local radio station, the station broadcasts athletic events and provides advertising for more than 45 sponsors and Burlington businesses.

“Not only is WBSD an amazing instructional experience for our students in the station and for our broadcasting students, WBSD is a unique asset to our community and for local businesses and for public service announcements,” WBSD’s General Manager, Tom Gilding emphasized.

Original source can be found here.