Local radio stations hit streaming highs

VW independent/submitted information

Listening to radio stations on smart phones, mobile devices, and computers is hitting new highs for local stations WKSD Classic Hits 99.7 and Unforgettable 1220 WERT-AM.

First Family Broadcasting President Chris Roberts announced that the stations, both owned by First Family, recently surpassed the 1-million performance level since January of this year.

“We’re very pleased that our station streams are so popular, especially among local listeners all over northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana,” Roberts said. “For small town stations to hit numbers like these certainly underscores our belief in the formats of Classic Hits and Adult Standards.”

Although the station’s music formats are not targeted toward younger listeners, many in those age groups find themselves turning to smart phones instead of the traditional over-the-air methods to get streaming music.

In addition to the music, one of the attractions available on local radio is high school sports’ play-by-play.

“Listeners can follow our local sports teams anywhere in the world when listening online,” Roberts added. “We’ve heard from military personnel, college students, and many others — some in very remote places — listening to football and basketball teams on WERT and WKSD.”

Additionally, since streaming radio arrives over the Internet or through cellular data, it can be received inside buildings that lower frequency broadcast radio waves have difficulty entering.

Apps for iPhone and Android based phones are available free of charge in the Apple and Google Play stores. Look for “WKSD Radio” and “WERT Radio.”

Listeners who would like to be able to hear the stations on their computer can simply click on the radio station logos at the top of The Van Wert independent (https://thevwindependent.com) or by visiting www.go997.com or www.go1220.com.