tamatoledonews.com (SPECIAL) – Iowa Public Radio has begun nearly $1 million in capital improvements to its facilities on the Iowa State University campus in Ames that will enhance the network’s signal strength and clarity as well as provide fail-safe systems to ensure the entire network remains on the air in the aftermath of severe weather.

“The upgrades to our facilities at Iowa State University will greatly expand Ames’ strategic role and serve as our technology hub,” says Mary Grace Herrington, Chief Executive Officer.

The network also announced it has completed the co-location of live, locally produced music programming at Iowa Public Radio’s Cedar Falls studios. Supporting the effort is the inclusion of the public broadcasting industry’s most comprehensive digital music libraries and studio facilities that can broadcast live Classical and Studio One music performances before live audiences. Herrington says Barney Sherman and Curt Snook will be originating their IPR Classical programs from Cedar Falls starting July 1 to take advantage of the expanded library and studio facilities. Hollis Monroe, who has hosted Classical Music during the mid-day hours, chose not to accept a relocation offer from the network.

“We will greatly miss Hollis’s on-air talent and depth of knowledge,” adds Herrington. “However, we look forward to continuing to broadcast the finest music ever written — hosted by highly talented, knowledgeable Iowa Public Radio hosts.”

The capital improvements at both the Ames and Cedar Falls facilities were funded by a combination of grants to the network, including grants from the state’s I-JOBS infrastructure development fund.

In addition to locally originated music programming, Iowa Public Radio also broadcasts talk programs, “TALK OF IOWA” and “THE EXCHANGE” from its Iowa City studios and hosts local segments of NPR’s “MORNING EDITION” as well as the state’s most comprehensive legislative coverage from studios in Des Moines.

“More than 50 percent of our music programming broadcast by Iowa Public Radio is locally produced with local hosts who connect Iowans with the cultural fabric of our state,” Herrington says.” The steadfast commitment and the technology improvements enhance the efficiency of our broadcast operations and add even more richness to the Iowa Public Radio listening experience.”