New York, NY – April 27, 2004 – 96.3 FM WQXR, the radio station of The
New York Times and the nation's most listened-to classical radio station, has
entered into discussions with the ABC Radio Networks, distributor of ten 24-hour
formats and other programming to 4,500 radio stations, to explore the creation
of a nationally-distributed classical radio network. This potential new 24-hour
programming service, produced by WQXR independent of its current programming and
distributed by ABC Radio, would be designed for a national audience and would
be targeted for markets without commercial classical stations.
"From the standpoint of both audience size and revenue, commercial classical
radio is strong in many markets," said WQXR President and General Manager
Tom Bartunek. "But with the reduction in classical music on public radio
many classical listeners have been disenfranchised, and the current economics
of local radio ownership make it difficult for middle and small market stations
to establish the format on their own.
"We consider ABC Radio Networks a perfect partner to help us explore ways
to reach those listeners and those markets – especially as new technology
gives AM stations broader programming options."
"WQXR's programming has made it a leader in classical music radio. It's
that expertise that is the key element to this new product. We're proud to be
involved with WQXR in discussions regarding the development and distribution
of this concept." Said Traug Keller, President of the ABC Radio Networks.
The targeted launch date for the service is early 2005. Interested stations
can call Stephen Thompson at ABC Radio (866-4FORMAT) for more information.
This is the second of two major national initiatives announced by WQXR this
year. In February, the station signed a deal with Interep that authorized WQXR
to engage in spot and unwired network sales on behalf of the commercial classical
stations represented by Interep.
Founded in 1936, WQXR-FM was the nation's first commercial classical music
radio station, and since 1944 it has been owned and operated by The New York
Times Company. The most listened-to classical station in the United States,
with roughly a million listeners tuning in each week, WQXR also features regular
news, analysis and commentary from correspondents of The New York Times.
Press Contact: Jennifer Wada Communications Co., 718-855-7101, jennifer.wada@verizon.net
Investor Contact: Catherine Mathis, 212-556-1981, mathis@nytimes.com
