The past 13 months have been an exceptionally difficult time for WPRB, but they’ve also been a fairly incredible span for the station I’ve called home since 1988.

In March 2020, the station staff was suddenly pushed out of the physical studios due to the pandemic and we haven’t been back since.

But you would never know it.

While other radio stations remained stuck on automation, plans immediately went into place behind the scenes.

Equipment was purchased to be installed at the transmitter. Investments were made in hardware.

Microphones and headphones were shipped around the country. Software to broadcast remotely was acquired for dozens of DJs. 

A new playlist system was installed, with a robust Live Listener Chat to further a distanced community of broadcasters and listeners.

One year+ later, new programming debuts on 103.3 fm seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day.

WPRB’s air sound is as good as it has ever been, with DJs broadcasting to you from California, North Carolina, England and of course New Jersey. 

An incredible effort with countless heroes behind the scenes. All on a shoestring. 

HECK, I DID A LIVE 25-HOUR CHRISTMAS MARATHON FROM MY DINING ROOM TABLE! REMEMBER THAT? I CRIED AT THE END!

This takes us to the 2021 Membership Drive (the station’s first in two years) and specifically this Wednesday night at 5:00 pm ET.

To celebrate 80 years of WPRB…

I’ll be broadcasting fully vaxxxxxxxx’d and LIVE from Mike Lupica’s Starlight Lounge, joined safely in-person by the wonderful Factorial. Then we all switch seats for ML’s show The Freeform Pathogen from 8-11 pm ET.

The three of us will be building an ongoing financial foundation throughout taking your tax deductible donations between catchy songs and belly laffs.

The station is nearing in on the goal of 800 donors for this year’s drive. We have an outside chance of getting there while we’re on the air through your contribution.

So, on Wednesday, April 14th starting at 5:00 pm ET please head to pledge.wprb.com (or use the embedded form below) to make a recurring or one-time donation to support an independent institution that has consistently given you so much in return against overwhelming odds.

Yrs,

Jon Solomon
103.3 fm WPRB