WSMU, UMass Dartmouth's eclectic radio station, will increase its power from 1,200 watts to 9,600 watts on June 10, increasing the station's average range from 15 miles to 25 miles, pending FCC approval which is expected this week.

The non-commercial community station will also be moving from its current 91.1 location on the FM dial to 89.3 and changing its call letters to WUMD, reflecting the station's location at UMass Dartmouth.

Station officials say the WUMD signal will now easily reach the Providence, Newport, Taunton, Bridgewater, Plymouth and upper Cape Cod and the Islands markets while continuing to serve greater New Bedford and Fall River. Among the first featured broadcasts of the station will by the live July 3 performance of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra at UMass Dartmouth, preceding a major fireworks display.

"This is an exciting step forward for our station and the university," said Station Manager Jennifer Mulcare-Sullivan.

In addition, WUMD will sit on the cutting edge of technology with a new high definition transmitter that will allow the station to deliver CD-quality sound and provide the listener with the artist and song title on the display of their HD radios.

WSMU first broadcast from a basement closet in the university residents' cafeteria as a 10 watt station. The Board of Trustees of then Southeastern Massachusetts University recognized and approved the organization in 1972. In the fall of 1974, WUSM upgraded its power and moved to its current location in the campus center. WUSM changed its call letters to WSMU in 1989.

WSMU, a non-profit educational radio station, has been an outlet for ideas and forms of artistic expression which are not widely available in the station's broadcast area. "In performing this function, the station provides exposure to musical genres and artists which are underrepresented by commercial media," Mulcare-Sullivan said. "We emphasize new music, and we focus on local talent."

Public affairs programming on the station addresses current issues relevant to the university and surrounding communities with an emphasis on voices and viewpoints which are underrepresented in mainstream or commercial media coverage. The station produces three public affairs shows, each airing weekly, and airs several independently produced programs. WUMD, like WSMU, will be a member of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System.

The station also provides a learning environment in which students and community residents can gain knowledge and experience in various aspects of radio broadcasting. Individuals interested in volunteering at the station are invited to join training classes, offered 3 times per year. College work study positions are also available.

WSMU currently webcasts www.wsmu.org. WUMD will webcast at www.893wumd.org.