Atlanta public radio listeners now have two stations broadcasting the popular news shows “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” at the same time.
The dual NPR broadcasts arrived last week when the state’s network, Georgia Public Broadcasting, entered the Atlanta market, taking over Georgia State University’s WRAS-FM, 88.5. For years, the APS-owned WABE-FM, 90.1, was the sole Atlanta broadcaster of NPR shows, along with a classical music and local programming.
GPB’s takeover of WRAS stirred protests from Georgia State students and alumni. Over the years, the student-run station developed a strong reputation for innovative programming.
Despite the uproar, the deal between Georgia State President Mark Becker and GPB President and CEO Teya Ryan went through June 29, after students received eight additional hours of weekend programming. WRAS’ strong signal made it attractive to GPB.
The disharmony increased last week when Dr. Louis D. Sullivan, chairman of Public Broadcasting Atlanta, which runs WABE, penned an “open letter” to the GPB board and the Georgia Board of Regents protesting GPB’s entry into the Atlanta market.
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