About the station
WDBF was “born” in the Fall of 2013 when Jovan Mrvos, a local resident, discovered that the FCC was opening up the low powered (LP) spectrum of the FM band. The last time that the FCC opened up the spectrum for new licenses was in 2001. Applications for a license were open to non-profits, religious organizations, and educational facilities.
The North Adams Community Schools school board gave approval for license application in November 2013. The application was filed and approved by the FCC in Feb. 2014. The license holder is North Adams Community School Corp.
Fundraising began and the local community responded enthusiastically. The station went on the air full-time with student staff in November 2016.
The station broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. FCC license requires that the station broadcast during school hours/school days, but because we have automation software, it allows us to broadcast non-stop.
WDBF is a truly student-run station. Like a commercial station, we have management roles that are responsible for the day-to-day operations with Jovan Mrvos being the “adult in the room” serving as the General Manager. Our staff includes six on-air staff who also have additional responsibilities, such as Music Director, Program Director, Production Director, and soon we hope to add Sales Manager.
WDBF is indebted to our Legacy Underwriters who contributed all the funds to launch the station. We are also deeply indebted to Jim Crocker of Rockford, Ohio. We truly would not be on the air without his tireless efforts in getting us up and running. Thanks from all of us, Jim.
We are also grateful for the support of Ms. Kim Hiatt, Principal of Bellmont High School; Mr. Brent Lehman, Superintendent of North Adams Community Schools; and Mr. Ben Faurote, President of the North Adams School Board.
Legacy Underwriters
The following companies and individuals contributed critical funds that ensured that we would be able to not only launch, but could sustain the program until long-term funding was in place.
- Keith Gerber & Hoosier Pattern Inc. (studio naming rights)
- The Adams County Community Foundation
- 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union
- Charlie Brune and Complete Printing Services
- Ron and Jane Gerber
- Donald Lengerich
- Pat Lose
- Bunge North America
- And finally, we would not be able to expand our dream into the digital realm without the generous financial support of Chuck and Lisa Surack and the Sweetwater Family of Companies.
