Well, it must be karma. Just as in the last couple of weeks we have been celebrating out new AudioVault control software, another problem reared its head. A couple of weeks ago we started noticing and receiving reports of poor performance on our Classical HQR signal (92.7 in Wilmington, 102.3 in Myrtle Beach). People heard distortion in loud music and overall weak signal resulting from our attempting to solve the problem by lowering the music volume. For example, Joanne Purnell wrote: "Makes me sad not to be able to listen to my classical music in the car. That is what helps me get through all of the horrible traffic." I hope Joanne is now getting a better signal. Once again, wonder-working engineer Jobie Sprinkle (Jobie-Wan) was able to fix the problem, and balance has once more been restored to the Force.
Elisa Sperduto wrote:
I enjoy listening to WHQR! I live in the Shore Drive area of Myrtle Beach near the NMB border and experience poor reception and oftentimes a complete drop of the station. Anything I can do to receive a better signal? I can stream the station; however, prefer to listen on my radio and can't stream the station during the overnight hours... Would an HD Radio improve reception?
I’m not sure if Elisa is referring to HQR News at 98.9 in Myrtle Beach, or Classical HQR at 102.3, whose signal is a bit stronger. The answer in either case is yes. When last checked, BestBuy.com had an Insignia model, and Amazon.com had several SPARC models. I use Amazon’s table model in my office. Please note that an HD radio will not pick up 92.7 better. The HD1 and HD2 channels are part of the digital signal of 91.3. Listening online at whqr.org is also a possibility for many people.
Listener Vicki reported:
Just retired moved to NC (from Shenandoah valley of VA) - former NPR station was WAMU.
Listener Gary wrote:
Very talented staff. Really enjoy the national and local programs. Thanks
Listener Susan wrote on our Facebook page:
I listen to WHQR each day, I tire of the liberal attitude when it comes to politics. You try to come off as not biased and yet, it comes out screaming we dislike anything conservative, we especially dislike Donald Trump. I have been starting to feel like I need to not listen to your station.
One more item: you may have heard us announce that we have an opening for a News Director. You can find out further details at whqr.org. A number of listeners contacted us asking about Rachel Lewis Hilburn. Rachel has decided to step away from the News Director position, but she’s still around even more on the air. She’s continuing as host of Coastline, and is now the new voice for weekday All Things Considered. Thanks for the inquiries.
We’d love to hear from you on Friday Feedback. You can always leave a message via email to feedback@WHQR.org. Our Feedback Phone is 910-292-9477. And thanks for your feedback.