Photo Credit: Radio Insight
Four non-commercial radio stations in the NYC area have banded together to form the Tri-State Public Radio Music Collaborative. These four stations will work together to create content, build audiences, and generate new revenue.
The stations working together are WBGO 88.8 FM (Newark Public Radio), WQXR 105.9 FM (New York Public Radio), WFUV 90.7 FM (Fordham University Public Radio), WSHU 91.1 FM (Sacred Heart University Public Radio).
“This project is a unique opportunity to leverage our geographical proximity and exceptional influence we share as four of America’s most influential broadcasters,” adds WBGO President & CEO Steven A. Williams. “For the first time, we’ll work together to develop initiatives that will benefit public radio listeners in the nation’s largest media market and the public media system as a whole. At the same time, we’ll build a foundation for similar collaborations between stations in other cities.”
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has bestowed a grant to develop a five-year business model which includes staffing and management plans for the collaborative. The idea is to create a template for similar collaborations across the country. Public Media Company will work with the stations to develop the collaborative’s strategic focus and Paragon will conduct digital audits of each station and comprehensive membership data analysis. Customized digital strategies will be developed that are specific to each station’s goals.
“The idea of a collaboration among the New York area’s music stations has been informally discussed for more than a decade,” adds WFUV General Manager Chuck Singleton. “We’re excited to see it advance with our great colleagues, thanks to CPB’s generous support, and we look forward to exploring paths to strengthening our connections.”
“WQXR is proud to unite with our fellow music format public radio stations in the tri-state region to find new, inventive ways to collaboratively serve our audiences,” adds LaFontaine E. Oliver, President & CEO of New York Public Radio. “At WQXR, we are committed to making classical music inviting and available to everyone and joining forces with other stations who share our values of accessibility and service and demonstrate the unique value we bring to our communities. We are grateful to WBGO for spearheading this work and convening this collective, and to the CPB for supporting this effort.”