Steamboat Springs Awaits Classical Music Return

The sun rises over the Yampa Valley, casting a warm glow over Steamboat Springs. In a small, cluttered office, Susie Leeson sits, her eyes fixed on a stack of papers and technical diagrams, her mind preoccupied with the task of restoring classical music to the airwaves. She's a longtime board member for West Slope FM, the local partner of WWFM, which broadcasts on 91.1 FM. But for now, that frequency is silent, or rather, it's playing something entirely different - the modern country sounds of Rowdy Ranch Radio.

Here's the thing though: this isn't just about a change in programming, it's about a community that's been severed from a part of its cultural identity. The music that once filled the airwaves, with its timeless compositions, has been a staple in Steamboat Springs for decades, providing a source of comfort and solace to its dedicated listeners. As Leeson puts it, "I think it brings timeless music that will live on beyond us... it's a balm in a time where we're all feeling fractured." But since late February, when the antenna was damaged, that balm has been replaced with the twang of country music, leaving fans like Leeson scrambling to find a solution.

Picture this: a team of technical experts, including Norm Alexander of CNC Technical Services and Alice Weiss of WWFM, working tirelessly to restore service. Weiss, the station manager of WWFM, explains that the current antenna is not only damaged but also pointing in the wrong direction, necessitating a custom replacement. And that's not a simple task, especially considering the terrain in and around Steamboat Springs. As Weiss notes, "These things happen from time to time, especially with the terrain out your way... it's not uncommon for these sorts of things to go wrong once in a while." But the group is determined to get the station back on the air, and they've already taken the first steps by obtaining a Special Temporary Authority from the FCC.

Not exactly a quick fix, but a necessary one. The broadcaster has until mid-August to resolve the issue, and they're racing against the clock to get a new antenna custom-made and installed. Weiss is optimistic, saying, "We've got things in motion, and we're hoping that we can get the new antenna placed on the tower where it belongs before then, before August." But until then, WWFM and West Slope FM are asking their dedicated listeners for patience and understanding. It's a tall order, considering the void left by the absence of classical music in the community. As Leeson says, "The programming is exceptional, unusually good..." And that matters because it's not just about the music; it's about the sense of community and cultural identity that comes with it.

A History of Technical Issues

This isn't the first time WWFM has faced technical difficulties in the Steamboat area. In 2019, the station lost service when its antenna was likely damaged by a repair crew working on Storm Peak. And in July 2024, the station was down for months after the receiver failed. But each time, the community has come together to find a solution, and this time is no different. As the team works to restore service, they're also aware of the current broadcasting of Rowdy Ranch Rodeo on the frequency WWFM has used for 50 years. Weiss expects that issue will also be resolved, and The Classical Network will return to the Steamboat Springs airwaves once the antenna is repaired.

The sun sets over the Yampa Valley, casting a golden glow over Steamboat Springs. In the silence, there's a sense of anticipation, a sense of hope that soon, the music will once again fill the airwaves, providing comfort and solace to its dedicated listeners. As Leeson sits in her office, surrounded by papers and technical diagrams, she smiles, knowing that the community will come together to make it happen. "We have filed a document with the FCC, which allows us to be silent while fixing the technical problems we are going through," Weiss said. And in that silence, there's a promise of a return to the music that brings the community together.