WLFM
Encyclopedia
WLFM is currently only an internet radio
station, previously having been the first FM college radio station in Northeastern Wisconsin. It is owned and operated by Lawrence University
in Appleton, Wisconsin
. The station is dedicated to independent music of all genres, and is entirely student run.
WLFM had its inaugural broadcast on March 10, 1956. Since then the station has moved locations, been struck by lightning, and developed a relationship with Wisconsin Public Radio
. During summer of 2005, Lawrence University
sold the station's FM license and broadcasting equipment to Relevant Radio
, opting for an Internet-only formant. The FM station's calls became WOVM
and it aired Relevant Radio's Catholic religious
radio format
until January 2008, when the station adopted a new Adult Hits
radio format called "Oasis." It now airs a hybrid of Jazz
and Adult Standards
branded as "The Avenue."
WLFM's departure from the terrestrial radio dials caused some concern among students and alumni because the university administration did not consult students beforehand; however, WLFM's Internet format allows for listeners from all over the globe to easily access the station's unique blend of programming. Currently, WLFM broadcasts 24 hours a day, with live programming from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Central United States time each day and automated programming at all other times.
WLFM is home to the Great Midwest Trivia Contest
, which might be the United States's longest running trivia contest.
Internet radio
Internet radio is an audio service transmitted via the Internet...
station, previously having been the first FM college radio station in Northeastern Wisconsin. It is owned and operated by Lawrence University
Lawrence University
Lawrence University is a selective, private liberal arts college with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, in Appleton, Wisconsin. Lawrence University is known for its rigorous academic environment. Founded in 1847, the first classes were held on November 12, 1849...
in Appleton, Wisconsin
Appleton, Wisconsin
Appleton is a city in Outagamie, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is situated on the Fox River, 30 miles southwest of Green Bay and 100 miles north of Milwaukee. Appleton is the county seat of Outagamie County. The population was 78,086 at the 2010 census...
. The station is dedicated to independent music of all genres, and is entirely student run.
WLFM had its inaugural broadcast on March 10, 1956. Since then the station has moved locations, been struck by lightning, and developed a relationship with Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin Public Radio is a network of 32 radio stations in the state of Wisconsin. WPR's network is divided into two distinct analog services, the Ideas Network and the NPR News and Classical Network, as well as the "HD2 Classical Service," a digital-only, full-time classical music service.-Ideas...
. During summer of 2005, Lawrence University
Lawrence University
Lawrence University is a selective, private liberal arts college with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, in Appleton, Wisconsin. Lawrence University is known for its rigorous academic environment. Founded in 1847, the first classes were held on November 12, 1849...
sold the station's FM license and broadcasting equipment to Relevant Radio
Relevant Radio
Relevant Radio is a trademark of Starboard Media Foundation, and is the largest Catholic talk radio network in the United States, with 20 stations and 18 affiliates in 15 states...
, opting for an Internet-only formant. The FM station's calls became WOVM
WOVM
WOVM is an American radio station licensed to Appleton, Wisconsin. The station is owned by Music That Matters, Inc and serves as the flagship station for the national Timeless Cool format....
and it aired Relevant Radio's Catholic religious
Christian radio
Christian radio is a category of radio formats that focus on transmitting programming with a Christian message. In the United States, where it is more established, many such broadcasters play popular music of Christian influence, though many programs have talk or news programming covering...
radio format
Radio format
A radio format or programming format not to be confused with broadcast programming describes the overall content broadcast on a radio station. Radio formats are frequently employed as a marketing tool, and constantly evolve...
until January 2008, when the station adopted a new Adult Hits
Adult hits
Adult hits is a radio format, popular in the early 2000s, that does not adhere to a specific music genre, but instead draws from a wider playlist...
radio format called "Oasis." It now airs a hybrid of Jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
and Adult Standards
Adult standards
Adult standards is a North American radio format heard primarily on AM or class A FM stations.Adult standards is aimed at "mature" adults, meaning mainly those persons over 50 years of age, but it is mostly targeted for senior citizens...
branded as "The Avenue."
WLFM's departure from the terrestrial radio dials caused some concern among students and alumni because the university administration did not consult students beforehand; however, WLFM's Internet format allows for listeners from all over the globe to easily access the station's unique blend of programming. Currently, WLFM broadcasts 24 hours a day, with live programming from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Central United States time each day and automated programming at all other times.
WLFM is home to the Great Midwest Trivia Contest
Great Midwest Trivia Contest
The Great Midwest Trivia Contest, or Midwest Trivia Contest, is held each year in Appleton, Wisconsin, broadcast over Lawrence University's radio station, WLFM. It has a claim as the longest-running college bowl trivia contest. Beginning with Trivia XLI in 2006, the contest went to a webcast-only...
, which might be the United States's longest running trivia contest.