WAPS

WAPS may refer to:

See also

WAPS (FM)

WAPS (91.3 FM) – branded 91.3 The Summit – is a non-commercial educational radio station licensed to Akron, Ohio. Owned and operated by the Akron Public Schools, the station airs adult album alternative (AAA). In addition to a standard analog transmission, WAPS broadcasts over four HD Radio channels, and is available online.

WAPS primarily serves the Akron metro area, but also simulcasts over a single full-power repeater: WKTL (90.7 FM), licensed to Struthers and operated by Struthers High School, broadcasts the WAPS signal to the Youngstown metro area.

History

WAPS first signed on in September 1955, part of a statewide educational broadcasting initiative which saw the launch of many school system-licensed radio stations across Ohio. From 1955 through the early 1980s, WAPS served as a “radio classroom” service, operating only during school days and offering instructional radio programs that teachers could use in their classrooms.

In the mid-1980s, the station evolved into a vocational program for high school broadcasting students, who served as on-air hosts, playing Top-40 music. In 1987, the station switched format to Alternative Rock/Modern Rock in the afternoons and evenings, and jazz in the morning hours. During this era, the station began broadcasting during the summer months as well as the school year. High school student broadcasters were augmented by college student broadcasters, and community volunteers.