Press Releases

October 1, 2000
WPBX Radio Adds New Jazz Programming

Contact:
Jane Finalborgo
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081

WPBX 88.3 FM, the Long Island University Public Radio Network, has expanded its programming to include five critically acclaimed National Public Radio jazz shows as well as several new talk shows. In addition, the station has launched a new locally produced show created by Peabody and Emmy award-winning essayist Roger Rosenblatt called "Not the News With Roger Rosenblatt."

"We're excited about the new programming because it is in keeping with WPBX's mission to be our listener's source for jazz and news," said General Manager Wally Smith. "We also have plans to add more local and regional news and commentary to our programming."

Roger Rosenblatt, Parsons University Professor of Writing at Southampton College, has created his unique new show to focus on thinking creatively, deeply, and expansively about an event in the week's news. Listeners are invited to call in their comments, argue with Rosenblatt, or contribute to the development of an idea as the conversation develops. At the end of the show, Rosenblatt will wrap up the comments into a summary of the thinking.

The format provides an engaging opportunity to converse with one of the nation's most respected commentators about a hot topic in the news, while participating in the process of creating an on-air essay. "Not the News With Roger Rosenblatt" will air 5:30 p.m. on Fridays, beginning October 13, 2000.

The new jazz programs include the following:

"Billy Taylor's Jazz at the Kennedy Center," The distinguished jazz pianist, educator, television host and Long Island University's Rose Tilles University Professor in Performing Arts. Billy Taylor will present a weekly series of performances and candid conversation featuring his trio and a special guest jazz luminary from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or on the road at concert halls around the country.

"Marion McPartland's Piano Jazz," Pianist and host Marion McPartland invites the best jazz talent into the studio for conversation and improvisation. Her engaging personality and improvisational savvy enable her to host a spectacular assortment of jazz legends each week in her radio "living room."

"Jazz at Lincoln Center" CBS television newsman Ed Bradley hosts this weekly series featuring music from the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and special guest artists. This Peabody Award winning show presents old favorites and introduces new faces and sounds.

"Jazzset With Branford Marsalis" This show is the jazz lover's ears and eyes on the world of music. Each week Branford Marsalis brings listeners up to date with the best live jazz concerts and festivals around the country and abroad.

"Jazz Profiles" Singer Nancy Wilson hosts this Gold Medal award winning documentary series chronicling the people, places and events in jazz. The program combines archival recordings, interviews and narration making it an informative and engaging story that celebrates the music and those who make it.

The new Talk Programs are as follows:

"Latino USA" Maria Hinojosa hosts this multi-award winning journal of news and culture, the only nationally distributed English-language radio program produced from a Latin perspective.

"Cambridge Forum" A lively program dealing with the critical social issues of contemporary society. Recorded live in the historic First Parish in Harvard Square, the show is a marketplace of ideas. Each week prominent scholars, writers and artists engage in a stimulating and focused exchange on important issues.

"Says You!" A witty word game that engages and amuses audiences across America, taped in front of live audiences at various locations around Boston. "Says You!" is a fresh and intelligent diversion in the midst of the daily news.

"My Word," Known all over the English-speaking world, "My Word" is a witty inquiry into language that mixes erudition and fun. Its regular team of word spinners include four professional writers and wits, each famous in his or her own field.

As part of its effort to focus more on jazz and local programming, WPBX will drop some familiar programs such as "All Things Considered," "A Prairie Home Companion" and the BBC News. These programs can be heard on other public radio stations in the WPBX listening area. The new jazz and talk programming goes into effect October 1. For a complete program schedule, contact Nancy Marksbury at 631-591-7021.

WPBX 88.3 is the primary radio source for jazz and public radio news on Eastern Long Island. Located in Southampton, NY, WPBX and its sister station WCWP 88.1 FM in Brookville, NY (simulcast) from the Long Island University Public Radio network and are the only full service public radio stations licensed to a major Long Island educational institution.