WWFM – The Classical Network began broadcasting on September 6, 1982 – 35 years ago today. When I joined the staff in 1995, it wasn’t even a 24-hour station – we signed off at midnight, and the morning host would have to come in before 5:00 to fire up the transmitter – but the programming was always superb.

I especially appreciated the fact that virtually everything that gets played on the station by the local hosts, outside of the broadcast concerts, syndicated fare and special promotions, is selected by the hosts. That is a rarity on any professionally-run radio station. If I receive a CD in the mail today, it is conceivable that I could include it on my air shift this afternoon.

That freedom gives the station personality, it gives the hosts an added sense of purpose, and it allows us to do what we love most – share our enthusiasms with an appreciative audience. It’s been an intimate and exciting voyage of discovery, and I think it’s kept the station vital.

Listen closely throughout the month of September, as, in honor of our 35th anniversary, certain hours will be devoted to music reflective of different permutations of the numbers 3 and 5. That could include a favorite composer’s Symphony No. 35 (or 53), an Opus 35, a Sonata No. 15 (which is 3 x 5), music composed in 1935, or whatever else a given host can come up with.

Tune in and marvel at our ingenuity. Also, consider making a gift to the station in the amount of $35 or more, at wwfm.org, to help us celebrate this momentous occasion. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Thank you for your support, and Happy Birthday, WWFM!