by Shawn Nowlin
A new radio station – 96.9 FM Radio Melrose – will soon be hitting the airwaves.
When people tune into the station, Radio Melrose Executive Director Dr. David Points says they will be getting reliable information, unique personalities, jazz music and much more.
“The core concept of this station is to serve the underserved members of this community with accurate information that encourages their educational development, health development and finances. I feel like my job is done if the listener enjoys the program and is satisfied with the overall product,” Points said.
To commemorate the upcoming launch, a Radio Melrose “Switch On “ celebration took place on July 19 at the L.H. Hamlar Event Center. Every attendee received a free ticket. Before the gathering concluded, one ticket holder was selected to appear on the air for the kickoff event.
How successful the station becomes will largely depend on support from the community. Designed with the listeners in mind, the hope is that the station serves as a worthwhile home for many years to come.
When Renee Smith was growing up, she and her family often listened to local radio channels just to have an open dialogue afterward.
“I didn’t know it at the time, but my mom and dad were preparing me for adulthood,” she said. “The ability to effectively articulate your point of view while deciphering what is indeed factual information is so important in life. I have two teenage children, and we will certainly be listening to Radio Melrose to know what is going on in our community.”
Before this likely final professional chapter in his life, Points, 71, served as a public school teacher, college professor, Michigan state representative, court magistrate and Director of Joint Information Bureau Task Force.
“Since I was a kid, I’ve been a radio lover. At ten, I built my first radio. Radio helped me get through graduate school and law school. Radio also allowed me to expand myself. To ask, ‘How can I get additional information?’ Whether in the car or in the kitchen at home, when people hear something that piques their interest, they have a tendency to want to learn more about it. That’s what excites me the most about this opportunity,” he said.
Airing on 89.1 HD4 will allow the signal to reach beyond the Star City into Lynchburg, Bedford and other areas.
As of press time, Radio Melrose is still filling out its programming and interviewing potential evening and weekend personalities. Hired individuals will have the opportunity to host their own programs.
