WIQH is a public radio station (88.3 FM) licensed to and owned by the Concord-Carlisle High School. This station operates at 100 watts and covers approximately 110 square miles. WIQH began broadcasting in the early 1970's and was on the air until May, 1999. Over the years, hundreds of CCHS students have been involved with program production and broadcasting. In the past, town meetings were broadcast live, CCHS football games were aired, and other civil activities could be heard in addition to regular student programs. We live in an age of media and high technology. WIQH has been a "hands-on" learning opportunity for students at CCHS for more than 2000 students over 25 years.

Why is WIQH Off the Air?
Broadcasting ceased due to two critical factors. First, there was an inability to fund a qualified supervisor. Operation of this station requires an experienced person who has both technical background and the ability to teach and supervise students.

The second factor was the poor physical condition of the station itself. Due to space constraints within the High School, it was housed in a construction trailer located behind the school. This trailer deteriorated to the point of being uninhabitable; it is literally falling apart. The station has only just received permission to be moved inside the school.

The Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, Concord's Neighborhood Network (CNN), the CCHS Parent Association, the Concord Police, and other local organizations have been working to get WIQH back on the air. The target date for a first broadcast is May, 2000.

Who Will Benefit from WIQH's Revitalization?
Community-Building Benefits: One of the needs highlighted by the 1998 Concord-Carlisle Community Chest Needs Assessment was for community building as a remedy to increasing isolation and lack of neighborhood ties. Intended to serve wider community needs as well, WIQH would have the ability to involve and link students and residents regardless of where in town they live. This is in concert with CNN's activities to create a sense of community in Concord's neighborhoods, which resulted in participation of nearly 100% of the town (see related story here.

All Ages Benefit: Working together, community adults and high school students have increased opportunities to develop mentoring relationships.

Emergency Usage Benefits: There are also plans to use WIQH as an important information source between emergency personnel and the residents and businesses of Concord and Carlisle in the event of an emergency, regardless of whether it occurs during normal hours of the station's operation. This will free emergency personnel from the telephone to perform other vital duties. This type of broadcast has almost universally excited residents in Concord involved in CNN.

High School Students Benefit: Another need identified by the town-wide assessment was that our young people need more local extracurricular activities. There is a shortage of activities they find appealing, and most are of interest to only limited groups of youth. After-school activities between the school and dinner bells help keep young people out of trouble.

WIQH, enjoys the broadest interest of ANY extracurricular activity offered, drawing in students with the widest possible range of interests. Acton/Boxborough has a school radio station with more than 75% student participation; Maynard's student involvement is near 100%.

Financial Needs
Total needs to get station up and operating are thus $76,600. After June of 2001, it is anticipated that the station can begin to be self-sustaining through other funding sources and income generation. Funding for the station is being requested from a variety of sources, including local organizations such as the Concord Carlisle Community Chest, the CCHS Parents' Association; corporate sponsorship; and private donations.

You Can Help
Your tax-deductible contributions can be sent to:
The CCHS Radio Fund
c/o Cambridge Trust Co.
75 Main Street
Concord, MA 01742

Contact Information
Contact any member of the WIQH Revival Steering Committee for more information or to be involved in the radio station in any way:

• Lt. Paul Macone, Concord Police Department, 318-3400
• Jean Ford Webb, CCHS Parent's Association, 369-6407
• Deborah Bier, CNN, 369-8454
• Barbara Howland, Community Chest, 369-5250
• Jennifer Hart, Parent, 371-0517
• David Holdorf, Parent, 369-2411