You may not know this, but we’ve been here for a long time. The first thread of our story began around the same time Fleetwood Mac put “Rumours” out into the world (1977). Back then, we were known as Eau Claire Public Access, but you may also have known us as Eau Claire Community TV or Valley Media Works. Over the years, we’ve broadcasted award-winning programming, including educational shows, locally made programs, and city council, county board, and school board meetings on public access cable channels, along with providing classes in video and television production. Historic Banbury Place became our home in 1995, and in 2005 we began transmitting from our radio tower: WRFP 101.9 had arrived.

In 2016, the second thread sprung to life. That year, Mid-West Family Broadcasting generously donated the tower and license for WDRK 99.9FM to the University Foundation at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Blugold Radio (what we were known as then) hit the waves that summer, shining a spotlight on local, regional, and indie music. In 2018, we became Converge Radio, a name we felt truly represented our mission: creating a “place to come together” around music and the arts.

In 2020, as COVID-19 dominated life, changes were imminent for Converge Radio. The University Foundation needed to make a change of their own, and sold the license to WDRK. With the Foundation’s support, the Converge Board worked to keep Converge on the air. This is when our two threads entwined.

In the summer of 2020, the Converge Board met with the Board from Valley Media Works to discuss broadcasting Converge programming on 101.9FM, WRFP. There was immediate agreement, enthusiasm, and collaboration. Virtually as soon as Converge faded off of 99.9, it reemerged at 101.9. In early 2021, we decided to stop messing around and put a ring on it – Valley Media Works and Converge came together, forming into what is now known as Converge Media.

Now that those two threads have been woven together, Converge Media is here to stay, and we’re aiming to change the world.