How to Listen to VPM News and VPM Music Using Voice Commands

Listening to your favorite VPM stations is easy with voice-activated devices. VPM offers news and music programming across several stations, each with specific frequencies and call signs. Here's a quick reference:

VPM News

• WCVE-FM (88.9 MHz) in Richmond
• WMVE-FM (90.1 MHz) in Chase City
• WCNV-FM (89.1 MHz) in Heathsville

VPM Music

• WWLB-FM (93.1 MHz) for southern Richmond
• WBBT-FM (107.3 MHz) for northern Richmond
• WMVE-FM (90.1 MHz) in Chase City
• WCNV-FM (89.1 MHz) in Heathsville

"VPM" is the overarching brand for these stations, but listeners often know them by their frequencies or call signs such as "WCVE."
Here's how to reliably access VPM using popular voice assistants:

Amazon Alexa

For Amazon Echo devices or Alexa-enabled speakers, start with a clear command specifying TuneIn:

• "Alexa, play VPM News on TuneIn."
• "Alexa, play VPM Music on TuneIn."

To simplify future requests, enable the VPM skill:

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap Skills & Games.
3. Search for "VPM" and enable the skill.

Once enabled, you can then use shorter commands:

• "Alexa, play VPM News."
• "Alexa, play VPM Music."

Google Assistant

On Google Home, Nest speakers, or Android devices, initially use TuneIn to ensure accurate playback:

• "Hey Google, play VPM News on TuneIn."
• "Hey Google, play VPM Music on TuneIn."

Troubleshooting Google Assistant

If the stream isn't found, set up radio services clearly:

Setting Up Radio on Google Home:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Ensure your device and speaker are on the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Tap Settings > Services > Radio.
4. Link TuneIn Radio or iHeartRadio.

Then, you can directly say:

• "Okay Google, play WCVE 88.9 FM."
• "Okay Google, play 107.3 FM."

Creating a Routine for Easy Playback:
To automate listening:

1. Open the Google Home App.
2. Tap Routines > New + > Personal.
3. Choose a specific time for the trigger.
4. Add the action, e.g., "Play WCVE 88.9 FM on TuneIn".
5. Save the routine.

Apple Siri

On HomePod, iPhone, or iPad, clearly specify TuneIn Radio first:

• "Hey Siri, play VPM News on TuneIn Radio."
• "Hey Siri, play VPM Music on TuneIn Radio."

For easier future access, set up Siri Shortcuts or continue specifying TuneIn Radio clearly each time.

Other Devices (Roku, Smart TVs, Sonos, etc.)

Use clear commands referencing the frequency or call sign:

• "Play WCVE 88.9 FM."
• "Play 107.3 FM."
• "Play 93.1 FM."

If voice recognition issues persist, manually favorite the station through streaming apps like TuneIn Radio or iHeartRadio.

General Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues:

• Confirm your voice assistant is set to the correct region (Virginia).
• Speak clearly and slowly.
• Restart or update your device if needed.

For continued issues, visit the VPM website or reach out to customer support.

Stream Online or via NPR Apps

You can always listen to VPM directly on our website or through NPR apps like NPR One or NPR News.

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