WMUA, 91.1 FM, a student-run radio station from the University of Massachusetts campus, has acquired and activated a new radio transmitter as of Jan. 1.

Service areas should not change, according to WMUA technicians, but some people outside the 20 to 30 mile broadcasting radius may lose their signal, whereas others who did not get the station before will receive it.

The new transmitter is located on the WesTower monopole near the Observatory on Observatory Way. It is 96 feet higher than the original transmitter, which broadcasted at 1000 watts of power. The station will now broadcast at 450 watts so as not to interfere with area radio stations.

Although it is 30 years past its life expectancy, the old transmitter is still usable and will remain in its original location as a backup transmitter in case of service disruption. Disruptions can result from aircraft, electrical storms, or mechanical failure.

-Erika Lovley