In the heart of the Farmington Valley, Simsbury’s own low-power FM station, WSIM 103.5, has quietly become one of Connecticut’s most important community lifelines.
Born from the chaos of a crippling 2011 snowstorm that left residents without power or information for nearly two weeks, this volunteer-run station now serves as both an emergency broadcast hub and a round-the-clock source of local connection for Simsbury and surrounding towns.
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From Historic Snowstorm to Lifesaving Signal
The story of WSIM starts with that infamous late-October storm, when heavy, wet snow brought down trees, power lines, and communication systems across much of the state.
In Simsbury, and in nearby communities like Avon, Granby, and Canton, residents suddenly found themselves in the dark—literally and figuratively—for 14 long days.
The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company realized how vulnerable the town was without a reliable way to share updates.
Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Kowalski pushed for a dedicated local radio station, knowing that radio often survives when phones, internet, and cable do not.
That vision led directly to what would become WSIM 103.5 FM.
FCC Approval and a Firehouse Studio
With strong local backing and some federal guidance, WSIM earned its FCC license in 2015.
The station broadcasts at 103.5 MHz from a studio inside a Simsbury firehouse, which keeps operations close to the town’s emergency infrastructure.
Volunteers run the entire broadcast—firefighters, residents, and radio fans all pitch in their time.
Local broadcast engineer Jeff Hugabonne, who brought experience from CBS Radio and worked with FEMA, played a big role in navigating the regulatory maze and designing a resilient system.
Thanks to the fire department’s existing communication towers, WSIM built a robust footprint without having to start from scratch.
How WSIM Serves Simsbury and Beyond
WSIM was built for emergencies, but it’s grown into a 24/7 community asset.
Residents in towns like Bloomfield, Windsor, Hartford, and West Hartford can also tune in under the right conditions.
The station’s mix of safety information, local character, and commercial-free music gives it a unique voice on the Connecticut radio dial.
24/7 Commercial-Free Programming
WSIM offers round-the-clock, commercial-free music and local content.
The station’s sound is anchored by a remarkable music library of more than 5,000 vinyl records, lovingly curated by firefighter and music buff Joe Barrett.
Listeners get a mix that reflects the community—classic hits, deeper album tracks, and themed segments that give the station a personality you just won’t find on corporate radio.
Because everything is locally controlled, programming can shift instantly when conditions demand it.
Critical Role During Severe Weather
When storms hit the Farmington River Valley, WSIM shifts into full public-safety mode.
In recent severe weather events, the station has delivered:
The station runs on generators and uses redundant systems, so it can stay on the air even when other services go down.
For residents from Simsbury to neighboring communities like Farmington and New Britain, that reliability can make all the difference during a crisis.
Technological Upgrades for a Stronger Signal
To keep up with evolving technology and ensure long-term reliability, WSIM is in the midst of a major equipment refresh.
Even as a low-power FM (LPFM) station, it’s using tools that rival larger outlets in Hartford County.
New Console and Transmitter
The heart of the studio is getting an upgrade with a new Bluetooth-equipped audio console from Angry Audio.
This modern board lets volunteers bring in audio from phones, tablets, and remote sources quickly—ideal during emergencies or live events.
On the transmission side, WSIM is rolling out a new FM transmitter from AquaBroadcast, replacing aging hardware.
The upgrade promises a more stable signal and better audio quality, which feels vital when sharing urgent information with listeners across the region.
Building Community, On and Off the Air
In calmer times, WSIM leans into its role as a local companion.
The station has become a familiar presence at community gatherings, helping knit together residents from Simsbury and the broader central Connecticut area.
Sports, Parades, and Shared Experiences
WSIM gives folks live sports broadcasts. Local student-athletes and their families get to hear games called from a real hometown perspective.
The station jumps into beloved traditions too—like Simsbury’s annual Torchlight Parade. They bring the sights and sounds to anyone who can’t make it out in person.
Engineer Jeff Hugabonne says LPFM stations like WSIM do more than just inform. They create a shared, real-time experience that pulls the community together—whether it’s during a blizzard, a power outage, or a Friday night football game.
Across Connecticut, from Simsbury and Avon to Hartford and honestly, everywhere in between, WSIM 103.5 proves that a small, volunteer-run station can punch way above its weight.
Next time a storm rolls in or the town throws another event, there’s a good chance that steady voice in the background will be coming from the firehouse studio. It’s a place that turned a crisis into something the community can count on.
Here is the source article for this story: This Connecticut LPFM Is a Community Safeguard
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