Loud and Clear, an Outlet for Churches, Immigrants

[SOURCE: Boston Globe, AUTHOR: Robert Preer]
Connecticut-based Principle Broadcasting Network has signed a $4.5 million deal with the Asher family of Quincy to acquire 1300-AM WJDA of Quincy and 1230-AM WESX of Salem. Principle Broadcasting's president, Otto Miller, said nearly all of the air time on the stations will be leased to religious organizations, most of them Hispanic churches, but also some Brazilian and African-American groups. The churches will produce their own shows and sell advertising, according to Miller. He said he plans to keep the WJDA and WESX transmitters but close the stations' separate studios, instead opening a studio for both stations in Chelsea. Miller plans improvements to the transmitters that will boost the signals of the 1,000-watt stations and allow them to be heard loud and clear in Boston. Minority communities in the region will benefit from the programming, according to Miller. The new shows will enable immigrants to stay connected to their culture while also helping them to integrate into US society, he said. WJDA was founded in 1947 by James D. Asher whose initials became the call letters. It has long been known for its local focus, from coverage of mayoral press conferences and City Council meetings to high school sports and the chatty ''Party Line" call-in show. Music is mostly pop classics. Many in Quincy are lamenting its impending change.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/02/26/loud_and_clear_an_outlet_for_churches_immigrants/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+City...