91.3 The Summit is local gem

By: Jay Minkin
Date: 10/31/2007
OCTOBER 11, 2007—There are a few commercial-free radio stations that can be dialed up on the FM frequencies. These stations tend to create their own programming and offer listeners a wider genre of musical styles. Many of the Cleveland college stations offer up a nice eclectic mix of music, if you’re able to pick up their low frequency signal. Some of these stations can be accessed through a streamline audio signal via the internet, which also will tell you the name of the artist and song.

Others, such as public radio station 91.3 The Summit, brings their adult alternative format to area listeners and has the reputation of “breaking” new artists far ahead of their competition up the dial. It’s hard to believe, but this little gem of a station has been on the air for over 50 years. “There are fewer than 100 stations in the country that run this type of format,” says The Summit’s station manager Tommy Bruno.

The Summit relies mostly on pledges of financial support from listeners of their unique public radio programming. In addition, the station also receives grants and underwriting from local businesses and corporations. “Past radio campaigns have helped fund a new cavity-backed antenna that will enhance signal strength in all directions,” Tommy adds. “Other technology improvements we are excited about in the near future include broadcasting in HD—a crystal clear CD quality audio signal.”

The station has held “Member Only” events for listeners this past year as a way of thanking them for their generous support, including intimate concerts performed by the likes of Gomez, The Alternate Routes, Ben Taylor (son of James Taylor & Carly Simon), Kyle Vincent, and Will Hoge.

91.3 The Summit will be celebrating its Fall Membership Campaign with an open house on October 13th from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the station’s home located at 65 Steiner Avenue in Akron, just a stone’s throw across the street from the old Firestone World Headquarters Building.

Local favorites 15-60-75 (aka The Numbers Band) along with The Speed Bumps will be performing live at the station. You can view 91.3 The Summit on the web at www.913thesummit.com and listen to the station either online or the old fashion way. ;-)

Reach Jay at blues4bird@aol.com.

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