WBGO, WQXR, WFUV, WSHU Form Alliance
• Four New York City-area public radio music stations are joining forces to form the Tri-State Public Radio Music Collaborative (TSPRMC), a landmark partnership between Newark Public Radio’s WBGO, New York Public Radio’s WQXR, Fordham University Public Radio’s WFUV 90.7 FM, and Sacred Heart University Public Radio’s WSHU 91.1 FM. The four stations will collaborate to create content, build audiences and generate revenue.
The four stations will also use a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to develop a comprehensive, five-year business model, including a structural outline for staffing and management that could become the model for similar collaborations between stations across the country.
The stations will also work with Public Media Company, which will help to develop the collaborative’s strategic focus, and with Paragon, which will conduct digital audits of each station and a comprehensive membership data analysis. Customized digital strategies will be developed that are specific to each station’s goals. The strategies will also include analysis of the targeted audiences for each platform.
“This project is a unique opportunity to leverage our geographical proximity and exceptional influence we share as four of America’s most influential broadcasters,” said Steven A. Williams, Pres. & CEO of WBGO. “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, and at the same time we’ll build a foundation for similar collaborations between stations in other cities.”
LaFontaine E. Oliver, Pres. & CEO, New York Public Radio, noted, “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. 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 can 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.”
Chuck Singleton, GM of WFUV, commented, “The idea of collaboration among the New York area’s music stations has been informally discussed for more than a decade. 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.”
Brad Dancer, Pres. & GM of WSHU, added, “This historic collaboration of public media stations represents a significant step forward in understanding and enhancing the relationship between public media and its supporters. We could not be more excited to be part of this endeavor and explore new opportunities to help each other grow. We will learn so much more together.”
