After months of delays, 89.1 FM WGZS - Fond du Lac’s own radio station – is now broadcasting. The 50,000 watt station became only the fourth Native owned radio station in Minnesota when it began broadcasting Sept. 7. The other three stations are KOJB in Cass Lake; KBFT, in Nett Lake; and KKWE in White Earth.
Construction of the production studio is nearly complete. The station will soon be broadcasting in stereo and the satellite feeds for syndicated programming will be installed. According to station consultant Steve Moravec, “soft launch” to satisfy Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing requirements was achieved early in September.
"It really is an honor for me to be a part of bringing WGZS to the community," Pam Belgarde, Station Manager and a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa said. Belgarde's career in radio began while in high school at KEYA FM, her tribe's radio station. She has produced programming for both public radio and public television throughout her career, as well as cultural and health promotion programs.
Working with Belgarde is Dan Huculak, former newspaper editor for the Fond du Lac Band. He became Operations Manager for the station prior to the WGZS launch. Huculak’s career in broadcasting began in the 1980s when he did everything from operating video cameras and producing cable television programs to announcing youth and high school football games. He also worked at WKLK on a part time basis.
The launch of the station has generated interest from local and national news sources. Native Report, National Native News, the Northlands News Center, and the Duluth News Tribune and Pine Journal have all covered the early broadcasts. The station is now taking names of people interested in volunteering in various roles in WGZS operations. Volunteer information forms are available by email at WGZS@fdlrez.com, or they can call (218) 878-7291.
Broadcast Hours:
Monday-Friday:
9am - 4pm
Weekend Hours:
Will be announced on the air.
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