WDIY, Lehigh Valley Community Radio, 88.1 FM, wdiy.org, has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to triple the station's effective radiated power from 100 watts to 300 watts.

The increase is expected to expand the station's primary service area by about 250 square miles, enabling WDIY to reach an additional 135,000 people, fully reaching the entire Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.

The FCC's approval is a "game changer" for the station, according to Wagner Previato, WDIY Executive Director.

"We are now on our way to reaching our potential of being the Lehigh Valley's true source for local radio programming and NPR news," said Previato.

"The power increase and enhanced technology will provide better reception to our current listeners while reaching a significant number of new ones. The combination will ensure a brighter future for WDIY in terms of service to the community as well as financially."

Previato said that WDIY's programming is a reflection of the greater Lehigh Valley's need for news, public affairs programming and music. Expanding the reach of the station's signal will allow thousands more to be engaged, informed and entertained by WDIY's diverse mix of programming, he said.

"This year, we are observing our 20th anniversary, and the power increase gives us all the more reason to celebrate. We'll finally be able reach most corners of the Lehigh Valley as well as parts beyond," he said.

WDIY's service area includes a population of about 407,000. The increase is expected to boost this to approximately 545,000.

The power increase will require replacing the station's antenna and transmitter. The cost of the improvements could run as high as $120,000.

The station plans to start a search for grant funding and start a "Power Increase" Capital Campaign.

"It is now time to make WDIY a stronger station, and one that will be better prepared to serve the Lehigh Valley for another 20 years," Previato said.