WAMU 88.5 FM switched to an all-talk and news format Monday, moving its bluegrass music programs to high-definition radio, according to WAMU Director of Public Information Kay Summers.
As part of the switch, WAMU has reformatted its two HD stations. HD-2 now provides bluegrass programming, while HD-3 offers news and talk programs not heard on the flagship 88.5 FM station, according to a press release on WAMU's Web site.
"We've been keeping an eye on HD radio for several years since its inception," Summers said.
WAMU wants to provide compelling, unique content on its HD stations, instead of the tape loops run by many stations, she added.
The most significant programming changes are to the Sunday bluegrass schedule, Summers said. "Bluegrass Overnight," "Stained Glass Bluegrass," "The Ray Davis Show," "The Dick Spottswood Show," "American Roots" and "The Thistle and Shamrock" have all moved to HD-2.
The station will give away high-definition radios to listeners who supported WAMU's bluegrass programming with their membership dollars, according to the press release.
These shows have been replaced by talk and news shows, including the D.C. premiere of the new National Public Radio show "Tell Me More," which features NPR journalist Michelle Martin.
Summers called the show a cross between a news magazine and an interview show that aims to present diverse new voices in public radio.
"'Tell Me More' talks to real people rather than pundits and politicians," said Mark McDonald, WAMU programming director and broadcast journalist-in-residence in the School of Communication.
WAMU has also added "Bob Edwards Weekend," "Speaking of Faith" and "The State We're In," to the FM station in the Sunday time slot when the bluegrass music used to air, according to Summers.
"Those are the programs that previously we didn't have room for," McDonald said. "We were trying to satisfy the news audience and the music audience at the same time."
The new schedule will allow WAMU to cater to different listeners on different stations, McDonald said.
"These new shows sound interesting, but I will miss my bluegrass," said David Plassmann, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, who does not have an HD radio. "I'm just glad they're keeping 'The Prairie Home Companion.'"
WAMU has had two HD stations since the technology debuted, Summers said. However, she said WAMU General Manager Caryn Mathes decided to rearrange the stations this fall to fully use the capabilities of HD multicasting.
