Wisconsin-based Christian broadcaster WRVM Inc. is expanding to Minnesota with the purchase of a station in Duluth.
An asset purchase agreement filed with the FCC on May 5 indicates WRVM will pay the University of Northwestern-St. Paul $150,000 for WJRF/89.5 (Duluth). The transaction includes the station’s license, transmitter, antenna, and other tower site equipment.
The “Radio Voice of the Master,” based at WRVM/102.7 (Suring), has six full-power FM stations and 26 FM translators serving northeastern Wisconsin and border areas of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Its programming includes Christian teaching and preaching and Southern Gospel music.
Duluth is the only place where Northwestern has three full-power FM stations. It also owns “Faith Radio” station KDNI/90.5 and Contemporary Christian outlet “Life 97.3” (KDNW).
Northwestern received WJRF, which had been the flagship of the Refuge Radio network, as a donation when the network shut down in 2019. Since then it has simulcast KDNW except for a few seasons when WJRF continued KDNW’s regular format as 97.3 went all-Christmas.
Christian radio services in the Twin Ports also include VCY America (WQRM/850 and W249CX/97.7 Duluth), Real Presence Radio (WWEN/88.1 Wentworth), and Three Angels Broadcast Network (WGHF-LP/93.7 Superior).
WJRF transmits with 1.65kW/181m (class A) from the Duluth antenna farm. It has previously had construction permits for upgrades that have not been built.
The sale is a full-circle moment for WRVM chief engineer Brett Gibson, who was general manager of WNCB/WJRF during its network expansion from 1993 to 2009. He returned from 2013 to 2015 as director of technical operations.