witf Board Approves Plan to Strengthen News/Information

witf 89.5, 93.3FM to change to 24-7 News and Information Format

Commitment is Coverage of “All Things Regional”

Harrisburg, PA—To provide the highest possible level of public service and to fulfill its commitment to coverage of “all things regional,” witf 89.5 and 93.3 FM will change to an all news and information format as of Monday, June 25. The format change results from a year-long strategic planning effort driven by witf’s determination to contribute to the betterment of our region. The format change was unanimously approved by the witf board on Friday, June 1.

“witf and NPR have an established track record of providing trusted news globally, nationally and regionally,”  said witf President Kathleen Pavelko. “It’s not a decision we make lightly, but we are certain it will provide better coverage of our region, including of the arts and cultural community.”

"While we are certain this is the right course for our audiences and our organization, it is with sadness that we mark the end of our classical-music programming,” Pavelko said. “We know our classical listeners will have other ways to hear the music they love, and our expanded news format will bring new content to our audiences. But while it is the right course, we will be saying goodbye to a cherished part of our service that dates back to 1971.”

New Programs Join the Schedule

The shift to news and information features several important changes to the 89.5 and 93.3 schedule:

• The Diane Rehm Show, one of witf’s most requested programs, will air from 10 am to noon.
• Talk of the Nation, NPR’s daily talk/interview program, will air at 2 pm and at 10 pm.
• A new original series, Center Stage, will feature the concerts of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Market Square Concerts and other performing and presenting groups from our region.  Center Stage will feature classical, jazz and other musical genres each Saturday and Sunday evening at 8 pm.
• Other programs joining the schedule for the first time are Here and Now (noon, weekdays), The Story (1 pm weekdays), On Point (8 pm weekdays) and The Splendid Table (Saturdays at 2 pm), as well as Marketplace Money (Saturdays at 7 am) and On Being (Sundays at 7 am)
• The BBC World Service, a globally admired journalistic resource, will be featured overnight (weekdays 11 pm to Saturdays 10 pm).
• The full schedule and program descriptions for 89.5 and 93.3FM can be accessed here: http://www.witf.org/listen. The new schedule is effective June 25.

“The Board’s strategic plan recognizes that witf has a vital role to play in an environment in which the quantity of quality journalism, especially in broadcasting, has been in decline,” said Doug Neidich, board chair and president of GreenWorks Development. “Our responsibility is to provide the most valued possible service to listeners.”

witf.org Adds a Classical music stream

witf is adding a classical music internet channel to witf.org, witf Classical. Now lovers of classical music will be able to access their favorite music 24-7 on witf.org, via computer, mobile device or internet radio.  You can access the internet streams here:

Listen Live web page -

http://www.witf.org/listen

witf Classical stream (RealPlayer, iTunes, Quicktime, Winamp) -

http://witf.ic.llnwd.net/stream/witf_witfmusic24_mp3.pls

witf Classical stream (Windows Media Player) -

http://www.witf.org/witfmusic24_wm.asx

A new Arts and Cultural Desk

The “all things regional” approach strengthens witf’s coverage of the arts and culture in the region by devoting two of witf’s most experienced producers to a new arts and culture desk.

Cary Burkett and Joe Ulrich (hosts of Classical Air) will produce profiles, interviews and segments about personalities, events and issues in the world of music, visual arts, theatre, museums and literature.

Listeners are encouraged to share their comments at feedback@witf.org