In what is described as a “landmark partnership,” four NYC-area public radio stations are joining resources to create the Tri-State Public Radio Music Collaborative (TSPRMC). Participating stations are:
- WBGO (Newark)
- WQXR (NYC)
- WFUV (Fordham University)
- WSHU (Sacred Heart University).
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has bestowed a grant to develop a five-year business model which includes staffing and management plans. The idea is to create a template for similar collaborations around the country.
Public Media Co. is involved, its overall mission being “to cultivate vibrant local media that informs, connects, and inspires communities.”
Media research and consulting firm Paragon is also part of this, and will provide audits of each station, and membership data analysis.
Station head public quotes are as follow:
“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.”
