WLRA Joins iHeartRadio Service

’s WLRA “The Start” 88.1 FM was recently added to iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s free, digital radio service which combines more than 900 broadcast radio and digital-only stations from 150 cities plus the ability to create custom radio stations, delivering listeners everything they want all in one fully integrated service. Lewis is the 15^th college radio station to be added to iHeartRadio and reflects the technological innovation and the creativity of the students and staff involved with the radio broadcasting program at Lewis.

"WLRA has always been a leader in college radio and will continue to expand our broadcasting abilities as the technology develops. We were the first all-digital college radio station in the nation and our early addition to iHeartRadio is the latest initiative that benefits our student body," commented John Carey, director of the Andrew Broadcast Center at Lewis University.

 “We continue to provide users a complete array of programs and stations through iHeartRadio and WLRA offers an extremely diverse listening experience, giving our listeners new opportunities for music, news and sports,” said Larry Linietsky, senior vice president of digital business and partner development for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. “We are proud to add the quality programming and technology leadership that WLRA brings to iHeartRadio.”

Meeting the challenges of today’s broadcasting industry, WLRA airs innovative programming that meets the needs of the listening audience. WLRA’s current programming includes news and sports coverage, coverage of Lewis University Flyer sports and music covering a wide variety of genres. Students and faculty involved with WLRA are also committed to community service and have produced marathon broadcasts to benefit a local children’s hospital, United Way of Will County and many others.

 Students at Lewis University have the opportunity to have their own radio show through participation in courses within the Department of Communications. Through practical coursework and hands-on training, Lewis produces communication professionals who are innovative leaders in their field. Communication students have the opportunity to get prestigious internships at media outlets such as ABC, NBC, WBBM/FM 96.3, B96/CBS, Chicago Tribune, Herald News and Illinois Entertainer.

iHeartRadio is the number one free broadcast radio app on the iPhone and Android. With Clear Channel's more than 100 million digital listening hours a month, 65 million downloads of iHeartRadio mobile apps and more than 15 million fans across Clear Channel stations and their radio personality Facebook pages, Clear Channel continues to be one of the most popular digital music destinations.