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WLAB
WLAB (88.3 FM) is a non-commercial radio station licensed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States. It is owned by the Star Educational Media Network and broadcasts a contemporary Christian format.
In addition to its main transmitter at 88.3, it is simulcast over WCKZ (91.3 FM) in Orland, Indiana, which expands the station's coverage area to include Angola and LaGrange, Indiana, and into Coldwater and Sturgis, Michigan. The station is also relayed over low-power translators W209BA (89.7 FM) in Kendallville, W260BR (99.9 FM) in Auburn, W215BB (90.9 FM) in Warsaw, and W247DN (97.3 FM) Richmond all in Indiana.
WLAB began in 1976 as WLHI-FM as an educational tool for students at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne. In 1979, the FCC placed new requirements upon educational stations such that the high school could not continue operating the station. The Lutheran Association for Broadcasting was organized for the purpose of continuing the radio station. The call letters were changed to WLAB and a statement of purpose was outlined.
Concordia Theological Seminary, a seminary of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Fort Wayne, provided space for the studio and the Indiana District of the LCMS provided a loan so that basic FCC-required equipment could be purchased. But that, along with the lack of part-time help and programming, was not enough to attract a large audience or financial support.
In April 1987, the Indiana District assumed responsibility for the station. At its direction, the leadership at the station was asked to raise all of its own support to cover normal operating expenses. This was done through changes in programming, staffing, and fund-raising efforts. By 2001, WLAB's listeners and other partners were providing the entire operating budget of the station, and the long-term debt to the district was completely retired.
The station was also able to expand coverage into other communities and by 1998 could be heard in the communities of Kendallville and Warsaw.
In March 2000, Jim Zix submitted his resignation as general manager. The board later appointed Melissa Montana as the new general manager. She immediately appointed Don Buettner as Program Director. In November 2002, consultant John Frost was brought in to help the station identify opportunities for further growth. Through changes in staffing, programming, and a branding change, WLAB became STAR 88-3 and within three years, the station's audience size nearly doubled.
While the Indiana District knew the potential for the station's growth, it also recognized the opportunity to increase support for its missions programs, so after 25 years, it decided to sell the station. The STAR 88-3 leadership team formed a new company and began the work of buying the station.
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WLAB
WLAB (88.3 FM) is a non-commercial radio station licensed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States. It is owned by the Star Educational Media Network and broadcasts a contemporary Christian format.
In addition to its main transmitter at 88.3, it is simulcast over WCKZ (91.3 FM) in Orland, Indiana, which expands the station's coverage area to include Angola and LaGrange, Indiana, and into Coldwater and Sturgis, Michigan. The station is also relayed over low-power translators W209BA (89.7 FM) in Kendallville, W260BR (99.9 FM) in Auburn, W215BB (90.9 FM) in Warsaw, and W247DN (97.3 FM) Richmond all in Indiana.
WLAB began in 1976 as WLHI-FM as an educational tool for students at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne. In 1979, the FCC placed new requirements upon educational stations such that the high school could not continue operating the station. The Lutheran Association for Broadcasting was organized for the purpose of continuing the radio station. The call letters were changed to WLAB and a statement of purpose was outlined.
Concordia Theological Seminary, a seminary of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Fort Wayne, provided space for the studio and the Indiana District of the LCMS provided a loan so that basic FCC-required equipment could be purchased. But that, along with the lack of part-time help and programming, was not enough to attract a large audience or financial support.
In April 1987, the Indiana District assumed responsibility for the station. At its direction, the leadership at the station was asked to raise all of its own support to cover normal operating expenses. This was done through changes in programming, staffing, and fund-raising efforts. By 2001, WLAB's listeners and other partners were providing the entire operating budget of the station, and the long-term debt to the district was completely retired.
The station was also able to expand coverage into other communities and by 1998 could be heard in the communities of Kendallville and Warsaw.
In March 2000, Jim Zix submitted his resignation as general manager. The board later appointed Melissa Montana as the new general manager. She immediately appointed Don Buettner as Program Director. In November 2002, consultant John Frost was brought in to help the station identify opportunities for further growth. Through changes in staffing, programming, and a branding change, WLAB became STAR 88-3 and within three years, the station's audience size nearly doubled.
While the Indiana District knew the potential for the station's growth, it also recognized the opportunity to increase support for its missions programs, so after 25 years, it decided to sell the station. The STAR 88-3 leadership team formed a new company and began the work of buying the station.