New Radio Station Could Be Coming To Woodbury

A new Woodbury-based radio station could be on the air in coming months.

A nonprofit Christian radio station, WAJC FM 88.1 has secured Federal Communications Commission rights to broadcast in the Twin Cities, and is now looking for financing to air music and talk programs, local business segments and even high school football games, said Jill Martin Rische, director of programming.

“We want to do all those things that radio stations used to do,” she said, noting that WAJC would air arts or craft shows and feature local bands, as well.

The station would construct an antennae—likely in Inver Grove Heights—and house its radio booths in Woodbury, Martin Rische said. The station must be on the air by April 2013 or the FCC license expires.

While it will be a Christian station, “We don’t want to fall into that stereotype," Martin Rische said. There will be plenty of opportunities for people from various religious backgrounds to talk about their beliefs, she said.

“I believe in discussion,” said Martin Rische, a radio personality in her own right and published Christian author. “We’ll bring people on and dialogue in a respectful manner—so we get to know each other as people.”

She added: “We’re not going to beat people over the head, but we are proud of what we believe in.”

Martin Rische said the nonprofit heading up WAJC, the Religious Information Network, is now looking for 20 local businesses to underwrite half-hour spots at $74 each as part of the financing effort. The price includes production costs, and she said the station is asking for month-long commitments from interested businesses.

An informational session is planned for 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Sept. 7 at ’s Valley Creek Room A. Coffee and pastries will be served. The station will also have a booth at the .

The 1,200-watt station would be on the air 24-7, said Martin Rische, who used to live in Woodbury and formerly ran Family Homes Plus, an alternative to nursing home case, on Dale Road.

“The key for us is getting a city behind us, and our first choice was Woodbury,” she said.

For more information email jillrische@mywdo.com