WHFR-FM website gets a new look in time for 40th anniversary

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WHFR montage image

Recently, the WHFR-FM website underwent a facelift.

In late September, the HFC Web Team replaced the previous WHFR-FM website with a new look and functionality. The previous WHFR-FM website was built in 2009.

The WHFR-FM website project included importing the station’s playlist history from the original website.

“We are thrilled with the functionality, accessibility, and streamlined look of our new website,” said WHFR General Manager Susan McGraw. “It’s fully searchable for those who wish to explore our archives as well as those wanting to find out what’s currently on the air. I can’t say enough about Micah Webner, Brandi Jackson, Jacob Krogol, and Amanda Chahine – our amazing HFC Web Team! While this was a long time coming, it was worth the wait!”

The website’s new look coincides with WHFR-FM’s 40th anniversary. Founded in 1985, the WHFR Radio Station (89.3 FM) is HFC's award-winning independent, non-commercial broadcast and Internet radio station. WHFR broadcasts locally at 89.3 on the FM radio dial and at WHFR.fm online. The radio station operates with a student and volunteer staff of approximately 40 people, directly supervised by members of HFC’s Media Communication Arts faculty.

WHFR reaches nearly 300,000 people

“WHFR-FM is Metro Detroit’s premier volunteer and student-run college and community radio station,” said McGraw. “We’re thrilled to be entering our 40th year of broadcasting – now better than ever.”

WHFR-FM provides programming every day of the year. It reaches approximately 300,000 people across Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, the Downriver suburbs, as well as Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Listeners can also hear the radio station via livestream through WHFR-FM's website anywhere in the world.

WHFR-FM provides real-world MCA lab experience for HFC students, serves the needs of Dearborn and the surrounding communities, and assists with HFC community relations. An eight-week course called MCA 189: Introduction to WHFR Radio is offered to HFC students and community members who wish to join the all-volunteer staff at WHFR-FM. The course is offered for credit to enrolled HFC students or as non-credit for community members.

As a non-commercial, volunteer-staffed station, WHFR-FM is not licensed to sell commercials and must rely heavily on support from HFC and individual donations to operate. More than 60% of its operating budget comes from donor support.

Since it began as a student radio club with a closet-sized room for public address operations in 1985, WHFR-FM has developed into an award-winning, live 24/7 broadcast and internet outlet. On-air formats include:

  • Classical
  • Indie Rock
  • Alternative/Modern Rock
  • Big Band
  • Blues
  • Rockabilly
  • Americana
  • Folk
  • Gospel
  • Hip Hop
  • Jazz
  • Techno
  • Urban
  • Music Soundtracks
  • World Music

All music shows highlight new releases, independent labels, and local artists. WHFR-FM also features local news, views, public affairs programming, classic radio drama, and more.

For questions or more information about WHFR-FM, contact McGraw at scmcgraw@hfcc.edu.