WGBH Radio Help Center
WGBH is acquiring WCRB 99.5, preserving a 24-hour classical radio station in Boston. On Tuesday, Dec. 1, WGBH Radio is moving its classical music programs to 99.5 Boston's All Classical Station. Moving our classical programs to 99.5 will allow us to provide more news and analysis on 89.7 WGBH. (Note: Jazz and Celtic music will stay on 89.7, Boston's NPR® station.) Read more in a letter from Jon Abbott, WGBH's President and CEO >
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How can I listen to 99.5 All Classical?
When WCRB 99.5 moved its signal to Lowell, Massachusetts, in 2006, much of southern Massachusetts was out of its broadcast range. While WGBH promises to make sure that the new 99.5 All Classical's signal is optimized as much as possible, we also present a number of ways in which you can hear 99.5 All Classical anywhere in New England and the world.
Traditional radio
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Computer
WGBH will revive WCRB 99.5’s online stream and make it available on your computer at wgbh.org/listen.
Internet radio
Table-top Internet radios can access 99.5 and 89.7, plus thousands of other radio stations, through your home's Internet service. Learn more about Internet radio >
HD Radio
WCRB 99.5 also will be available over the air in high definition on WGBH 89.7 HD2 (learn more about HD Radio)
iPhone
You will be able to hear 99.5 on your iPhone via the Public Radio Player and the All-Classical WGBH application. 99.5 will soon become available on other mobile devices, including the Blackberry.
In addition to these options, WGBH will be exploring all available opportunities to improve and extend 99.5's signal, including repeaters, DTV datacast, etc.
What will I hear on the new 99.5 All Classical?
WGBH Radio's classical music is moving to 99.5 All Classical. That means you will hear more of the music you love, 24/7. 99.5 will continue to present:
- Symphonies broadcast in their entirety
- Smart and lively interviews with musicians
- Unique live performances that only WGBH can present
- An inviting, energetic musical experience
Tell us what you want to hear. To celebrate your role in keeping classical music on the air in Boston, we will feature listeners' favorites from our "Music That Made You Love Music" contest throughout the month. There's still time to participate:
How can I play a part?
Listeners support classical music in Boston simply by tuning in. Our region's love of classical music is strong, and so is WGBH's commitment to sustaining the vibrant tradition of the Boston area. Make this commitment along with us and become a Founding member of our new all-classical service on 99.5FM.
What will I hear on 89.7 WGBH?
Migrating our classical programs to 99.5 All Classical opens new doors for 89.7. We plan to build our 89.7 schedule on the foundation of independent journalism that we’ve established on radio with The World and with our Cape & Islands NPR station WCAI — and on television with favorites like Greater Boston, Frontline, Nova, and American Experience, all produced here in our Brighton studios. Even as we build our roster of news and public affairs programs for 89.7, you’ll still find your jazz and Celtic favorites, alongside A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor.
Jazz and Celtic music will stay on 89.7
It was a difficult decision for us to discontinue Blues on WGBH and Folk on WGBH. As we refocus the 89.7 schedule on news and information, it became apparent that it would not be possible to retain all the nonnews elements of our schedule. We have chosen to keep a select group of programs, like A Celtic Sojourn and A Prairie Home Companion. Read more details >
