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Ways to Listen

How to Hear WVPE

WHAT are HD Broadcasts?

WVPE is broadcasting three HD channels. Listening to HD or digital radio requires a radio that decodes digital audio. A 'normal' radio listens for the signal embedded in a certain frequency -- in our case 88.1 FM. A digital radio decodes bits of information laid out over the range of frequencies around our primary signal -- in our case between 87.9 and 88.3 FM. Analog radios perceive this data as 'noise' and ignore it. We could fit more than 4 digital channels into our frequency before the 'noise floor' would significantly affect the analog signal. If you are interested in listening to our channels over an HD Radio, then check out this website for HDRadio.

Smart Speaker

Another option if you have a strong wi-fi service with plenty of bandwidth is to get an Amazon Echo or Tap and then say, "Alexa, play NPR." Using geolocation, Alexa will pull up WVPE or WVPE-HD2. Skip the geolocation step and just ask Alexa to play 'WVPE' or 'WVPE-HD2.' [Same goes for Google Home.]

Smartphone App

Listen to WVPE through the WVPE app now available for iPhones in the iTunes app store, and Android in the Google Play Store.

Listening Online

If you have trouble receiving our signal any other way, try listening to the online streams. The first way would be to click on the "Listen Live!" button at the top of this page. Three options should appear. Choose the station stream you want to listen to.

If listening at WVPE.org doesn't work, there are several other websites to try. Search for WVPE at: NPR.org, Tune-In Radio or iTunes online radio streams. We can also be found in the NPR One App too.

Difficulty Hearing FM

In 2009, WVPE switched to a directional antenna as part of a power increase. If not redirected, our signal would have interfered with stations in Chicago and Grand Rapids. So while the station’s signal is weaker in some directions, like in Berrien County, it ‘booms’ in other directions, like when listeners can hear the station all the way to Kokomo.

To help those now receiving a fainter signal, WVPE broadcasts in mono, or one channel, to minimize a radio receiver’s confusion when ‘unpacking’ two signals (left channel and right channel) from one stereo channel.

If you have had trouble with reception, consider where your radio is located. Antenna height matters, especially when further away from our transmitter, which is near the intersection of the 20 Bypass and Ironwood in St. Joseph County. An FM signal works best as line-of-sight connection between the 950’ transmitting antenna to a receiving antenna. Things that get in the way of a straight connection include trees, buildings, other parts of one’s home, and hills that quickly block a signal.

For further troubleshooting, if you feel you have a straight line, but the signal still is broken or weak, several public radio engineers around the country recommend trying a Terk Antenna.