Now on the air is a brand-new radio station highlighting the best of what Southwest Michigan has to offer for both visitors and residents alike.
A ribbon cutting and official launch of 106.1 FM, “Visit Southwest Michigan Radio,” was held Monday at its studio in Benton Harbor. The station was launched via a partnership between Visit Southwest Michigan and Mid-West Family Marketing and Media. Visit Southwest Michigan Board Chair Mike Nadolski tells us listeners will hear a variety of community-focused content.
“Like local features of makers and creators in the area and also owners of attractions,” Nadolski said. “And then 50% of it will be music, seasonal music. So every season the music format will change.”
Visit Southwest Michigan Director Marcy Simpson says the idea came together when Mid-West Family Marketing and Media approached her organization about a potential use of one of its frequencies. But she says launching a new radio station wasn’t easy, requiring several sponsors.
“Holt Bosse, St. Joe Today, Sturgis Bank, Silver Beach Pizza, and Lake Michigan Mendel Center,” Simpson said. “So they’re important players in making this happen.”
And Nadolski says they’re still looking for more sponsors. He’s hoping Visit Southwest Michigan Radio will catch on around the St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, and Stevensville areas as word gets out.
“As we’ve been going around talking to people, we want to encourage businesses to play the station. And if you’re outside of the area, you can stream it digitally too from our website.”
For the next year, Visit Southwest Michigan Radio will promote local happenings and must-see destinations. Nadolski says if all goes well it will continue beyond that.
Remember — that’s 106.1 FM, Visit Southwest Michigan Radio.
