Matthew Butler’s Aurora Broadcasting has launched AAA “Radio North of Ordinary” on 95.3 WVVE Grand Marais, 106.7 KZJZ Babbit and 105.5 W288AI Ely MN.
Aurora purchased the two stations from Midwest Communications last year for $75,000 and switched them from a simulcast of Classic Rock “95 KQDS” 94.9 KQDS-FM Duluth to a temporary filler format of radio themed songs.
The new AAA is serving what is known as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and WVVE is the first commercial FM in its coverage area. The format is featuring at least one Minnesota artist per hour and a chillout and nu-jazz “Late Lounge” block from 10pm-12am.
Aurora Broadcasting, an independently owned and operated Minnesota media company serving the Boundary Waters based in Ely and the North Shore based in Grand Marais, is proud to announce the launch of the first full time Adult Album Alternative (Triple A) radio stations in Northeastern Minnesota.
Branded as “Radio North of Ordinary” the new stations can be heard in the BWCA at 106.7 and in Cook County/Grand Marais at 95.3 and are the most powerful commercial FM signals in their respective service areas. Our Cook County signal, 95.3 WVVE is the first and only locally programmed commercial FM station in Cook County transmitting from atop Lutsen Mountains and serving listeners from Two Harbors to Grand Portage. Our BWCA signal, 106.7 KZJZ is the only 100 percent locally programmed, non corporately owned commercial radio station in the BWCA.
“We’re proud to bring the vibrant communities of the Boundary Waters & North Shore truly local radio.” said Aurora Broadcasting General Manager Matt Butler. “Our friends & neighbors deserve quality radio, and we’re passionate about delivering the best in credible news and incredible music for our listeners in a clutter-free and curated listening environment.”
The station’s full time “Triple A” format is an eclectic, progressive blend of quality music ranging from acoustic, alternative and folk to jazz & soul. New and regional sounds are a core component of the music blend with enthusiasm for emerging and independent artists. Minnesota artists both classic and contemporary are featured every hour, a commitment that marks a first for commercial radio in Minnesota. From vintage vinyl that defined eras to contemporary musical innovators, the new “Radio North of Ordinary” is Northeastern Minnesota’s home for music discovery.
The stations are running commercial free at present to introduce listeners to our unique, hand-crafted variety of progressive music along with the “Late Lounge” chillout and nu-jazz mix weeknights 10 PM to midnight. Credible local news coverage along with new curated specialty programming will be added soon. For further information please contact the station at (218) 461-8511.
