An institution on the Island for nearly three decades, the sometimes quirky WMVY highlighted a mix of local news, played and promoted Island musicians, and offered local sports programming. But WMVY executives said the company is not solvent, and it is no longer feasible for parent company Aritaur Communications, a small privately held company based in Newport, to cover the losses.
WBUR, a Boston public radio station with offices located at Boston University, has purchased local Martha’s Vineyard radio station WMVY, in order to acquire its FM signal.
WBUR will broadcast the same radio programming it airs in Boston on MVY’s FM frequency, 92.7 FM, pending FCC approval. The Island’s only high-power radio station is expected to end local programing on that frequency early in 2013.
WBUR bought WMVY, a 3,000 watt station, in order to expand its geographical reach on Cape Cod and the islands. The move opens a new front in WBUR’s competition with rival Boston public radio station WGBH and puts it in direct competition with WGBH affiliate, WCAI, in Woods Hole. WCAI currently utlizes WMVY’s radio antenna tower and has plans to boost its signal strength at that location.
WMVY will attempt to stay alive as an Internet station and hopes to find a new signal outlet for broadcasting its programing.