The Walburg Radio Network is a low power radio station geared to deliver news and entertainment at a micro-level in Walburg, TX. The station's transmitter is permitted without license under Part 15 of the FCC CFR 47. Part 15 limits this particular transmitter to a total of 100 mW or 1/10 of 1 watt. Here is the press release from our launch:
The Walburg Radio Network announced today that it will ta
ke to the air this Saturday on 1690 AM! The station is planning its official launch at 12pm (noon) on Saturday with a countdown just prior to the start of its music programming. The Walburg Radio Network (or WRN) will feature music programming as well as local news, updates and announcements. The music selections will be of Classic Country, Modern Country, Oldies and some Classic Rock. Artists you will hear on the station will be the likes of Merle Haggard, Bob Wills, Faron Young, George Strait, Randy Travis, Kacey Musgraves, Dierks Bentley, Bill Haley and his Comets, The Drifters, Styx and Boston…just to name a few. Additionally, WRN will provide community announcements and news of Walburg as well as greater Williamson County. The station will also feature, from time to time, special shows from days gone by as well as modern day interviews and features. The Walburg Radio Network will operate on a micro‐power transmitter allowed by FCC CFR 47 under Part 15. This micro‐power broadcast is limited in range however; WRN is taking steps to broaden the signal range. For now, the Eastern end of Walburg will have the greatest reception. While the signal will come in strong in the streets, it will be hard to pick it up within buildings without an external antenna. It is recommended to listen via outdoor radios, car radios, or move an indoor antenna close to a window or outdoors. WRN has made every effort possible to increase the quality of the signal but building penetration is simply not achievable with this type of transmitter. In addition to broadcasting on 1690 AM, WRN will feature an online audio stream. The address for the stream will be released on Friday. The station is operated by radio veteran Chuck Garrett. Chuck explains that the station will operate a combination of “auto‐pilot” and live radio. Due to Chuck’s busy schedule, he can’t spend as much time as he’d like at the station so he relies on a computer to take up the slack while he’s not there. Chuck says he’s excited about getting the station on the air and mentions there are not very many stations like it. “WRN is built with almost all vintage radio equipment…and we’re still shopping for more!”, says Chuck. He outlined the equipment to consist of analog pieces including cart machines, open reel machines, turntables from the late 50’s and an analog, solid state console. Chuck went on to say, “we’re hoping to get a hold of a Gates Dualux from the 1960’s which is powered with tubes. You just can’t find things like that anymore…and the same goes for the way they sound. Chuck invites the community to send announcements of all types to the station. “We like to announce birthdays, anniversaries, graduations as well as community events such as bake sales, club gatherings, etc.”, states Mr. Garrett. Not only does WRN look forward to providing the community with information and quality entertainment, but Chuck mentions that they’ve teamed up with NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) to track Santa’s progress this Christmas. NORAD will send hourly updates outlining where Santa is located as he makes his trip around the world bringing joy to kids big and small. The station would also like to keep the community informed of church events with announcements from Zion, St. Peter and Holy Trinity. All community input is welcomed. You can send your info to:
WRN Radio
P.O. Box 110
Walburg, TX 78673
or via email to:
[email protected]
The station currently does not have a dedicated website but they do have a page. You do not have to sign up to view it but if you want to catch up on station announcements, visit www.facebook.com/walburgradionetwork. Don’t forget to tune in to 1690 AM this Saturday between 11:50am and 12pm to hear the station officially launch. The launch will also be carried live on the WRN web stream. Check the page above for the address for the stream.
