Lightning silences WCPI radio

RONE

A pre-dawn lightning strike Tuesday caused extensive damage to electronic equipment at Warren County’s public radio station WCPI, forcing the non-profit broadcaster off the air until mid-morning Wednesday.

“We apparently took a direct hit,” said WCPI program director Gloria Grissom. The electrical surge destroyed more than $5,000 worth of essential equipment, including the main broadcast control console and a production console, she said.

Replacement apparatus was sent by overnight express, and the station’s founding engineer, I.D. Byars, directed the installation and repairs, which were expected to be completed today. In the meantime, the station has operated on a limited basis with spare equipment.

“While we regret the inconvenience to our listeners, we were greatly encouraged by the flood of telephone calls we got from people wanting to know what happened,” Mrs. Grissom commented. “We answered calls all day long, and we expect some of the earliest callers couldn’t get through because the telephones were out of service until later Tuesday morning.”

“We think this incident, as unfortunate as it was, proves the value of community-based public radio,” said Dr. Norman Rone, president and one of the founders of WCPI in 1997. “We’re sorry we had to be off the air for a short time, but we’re extremely pleased to know our silence was noticed by so many people.”

With a 1,000-watt signal at 91.3 on the FM band, WCPI covers Warren County and reaches several miles into neighboring counties. The broadcast format includes a variety of musical styles, along with Associated Press radio news, educational and public service features, local commentary on public affairs, major community events, religious programing, sports features produced by Warren County students and even a locally produced opera show.

“By offering an alternative to the typical commercial fare, we’ve attracted a broad spectrum of listeners,” Rone said. “And we always welcome suggestions as to how we might improve our service and strengthen our value to the community.”

Special thanks and compliments go to Communications Evolutions and Ben Lomand Communications for helping expedite the return of WCPI to the airwaves.

“Richard Myers at Communications Evolutions and his assistants, Bob Hicks and Gary George, were tremendously helpful in getting us back on the air as quickly as possible,” Grissom said.