The New WVXU Announces Program Line-Up

A new era of Cincinnati radio begins Monday, August 22, when the new WVXU 91.7 FM goes on the air.

Cincinnati Public Radio, Inc.’s, purchase of WVXU from Xavier University will be completed at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, August 22 with the transfer of all on-air operations including the new programming schedule. Later that day, the transfer of $15 million to Xavier University will complete the transaction. WVXU will join WGUC, Cincinnati’s classical public radio station, as part of Cincinnati Public Radio, Inc.

The new WVXU programming line-up was determined, in large part, by the results of a comprehensive survey of members and listeners of both WGUC and WVXU. “The original intent of the purchase, to have one station dedicated to classical music and one primarily a news and information source with a strong local presence and diversity of other programming, has been achieved with this line-up,” according to Richard Eiswerth, President and CEO of Cincinnati Public Radio Inc.

Eiswerth credits the Board of Trustees of Xavier University, the Board of Directors of Cincinnati Public Radio Inc., Public Radio Capital (PRC), and AIG for making this venture possible. “Both Boards operated with the best interests of their organizations at heart, but saw the big picture benefits of this purchase. PRC ably represented WGUC throughout the acquisition and financing process, and the Public Finance division of AIG Commercial Equipment Finance had the experience and knowledge of the industry to quickly evaluate and approve the bond financing we needed to make this happen.”

According to AIG’s Dan Fluharty, “Several key factors went into our evaluation, including CEO Richard Eiswerth and the management team at Cincinnati Public Radio‘s ability to manage the integration; provide a superior product to their listeners; and garner the continued support of the entire greater Cincinnati community.”

In announcing the new schedule, Eiswerth notes that many of the most popular news and information programs from both stations serve as the backbone of WVXU. “When you start with programs like MORNING EDITION, ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, FRESH AIR and CAR TALK, you have a base of quality and familiarity from which to build a truly dynamic programming schedule.”

The weekday programming on WVXU begins at 5:00 a.m. with MORNING EDITION, a news staple on the air since 1979. MORNING EDITION will emphasize a strong local news element hosted by Mark Heyne and featuring the newly assembled WVXU news team, led by Maryanne Zeleznik. Local traffic updates, business reports and weather provided by the 9 News Ultimate Doppler 9 Weather Center will also be featured.

At 10:00 a.m., THE DIANE REHM SHOW airs from Washington, D.C. Once referred to as “the class act of the talk radio world,” Rehm gives listeners an insight into today’s newsmakers and a chance to call in and discuss the critical topics of the day.

FRESH AIR WITH TERRY GROSS airs at noon and is a low-key, refreshing slant on a radio talk show. Conversations are insightful and provocative with an ear to information as opposed to controversy.

Two new programs fill the early afternoon. DAY TO DAY recaps the major new stories of the day and presents unique feature stories from the cadre of NPR contributors and reporters. TALK OF THE NATION is a national call-in show hosted by Neal Conan. Any and all topics are fair game…healthcare, music, education, politics, world affairs…and input from listeners is encouraged. Ann Thompson will host local newsbreaks during the midday hours.

At 4:00, the award winning ALL THINGS CONSIDERED moves to WVXU. On the air since 1971, ALL THINGS CONSIDERED is the standard bearer of quality radio broadcasting. Featuring in-depth news, national and worldwide reporters, and fascinating commentaries, ALL THINGS CONSIDERED brings the world back in to focus at the end of the day.

WVXU will also incorporate local news, weather and traffic into ALL THINGS CONSIDERED with host Jay Hanselman, plus breaking news updates from 9 News Anchor Clyde Gray, making it a comprehensive look at local, national and world events. In addition, the business magazine show MARKETPLACE will air at 6:30, giving consumers and investors the most current look at money issues each day.

New on WVXU is THE WORLD, a global radio news program based in Boston that gives insights and perspectives into the world community, including business, arts, sports and people.

In a tribute to the programming that has made WVXU unique, the 9:00 hour is reserved for THE GOLDEN AGE OF RADIO, featuring “When Radio Was,” a mix of classic radio programs hosted by broadcasting legend Stan Freberg. And to end the broadcast day, ECHOES presents evocative, groundbreaking music bridging a variety of genres. It is a continuation of one of WVXU’s most popular shows.

On the weekends, WVXU premieres three new locally produced magazine shows. At 7:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, CINCINNATI EDITION will recap the news of the week, present interviews with local leaders, discuss the political scene, sports, fitness, the arts and more. It will be a fast-moving hour of information about what makes this area unique, hosted by Katie Orr.

At 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, AROUND CINCINNATI will cover the lifestyle and culture that thrives in Cincinnati. With host Lee Hay and a cast of local commentators (including Rick Pender, Jackie Demaline and Douglas Lowry), AROUND CINCINNATI will give listeners a fresh look at their community.

Also new on Sunday nights is JAZZ WITH OT, the triumphant return of Oscar Treadwell to the local airwaves. For two hours every Sunday, OT will regale with stories of the jazz giants he’s known, and play the music that defined a generation.

Other highlights of the WVXU weekend schedule:

• CAR TALK, the public radio classic, moves to WVXU on Saturday mornings (with an encore on Sunday afternoon). The wit and wisdom of the Magliozzi brothers is an American original.
• PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION airs at 6:00 p.m. Saturdays (with an encore at noon on Sundays). Garrison Keillor’s salute to the imagination of radio continues its award winning ways from St. Paul, Minnesota.
• WHAD’YA KNOW? is a fascinating combination of comedy, talk show, jazz show, commentary and interviews. Michael Feldman has created a one-of-a-kind radio experience.
• More classic radio airs at 8:00 with THE GOLDEN AGE OF RADIO, featuring “When Radio Was,” hosted by broadcast legend Stan Freberg.
• Great Saturday night music with SWING WITH BILL CARTWRIGHT and BLUES WITH LEE HAY from 10:00 p.m. to midnight.
• THE SPLENDID TABLE on Sunday mornings will give listeners more food ideas and advice than in any magazine, including travel information, recipes, cookbooks and more.
• WAIT WAIT DON’T TELL ME is NPR’s weekly quiz program where listeners test their knowledge against some of this country’s best and brightest.
• THIS AMERICAN LIFE is an American documentary series for the radio. Ira Glass and a variety of writers and performers share stories, monologues, short plays and original works.
• SPEAKING OF FAITH is a national conversation about belief, meaning, ethics and ideas.
• THE TICKET from the BBC will follow AROUND CINCINNATI and look at the arts from a national and international perspective.
• MARIAN MCPARTLAND’S PIANO JAZZ follows JAZZ WITH OT and will give listeners an insight into the life and talents of America’s great jazz performer.

Overnights will be filled with the fascinating take on world news and events from the BBC.

Contact: Kevin Reynolds, 513-241-8282