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Press Releases | |
September 26, 2001
WPBX 88.3 FM Expands News Programming ServiceComplete Coverage of Terrorist Attacks Ushers in Enhanced Public Affairs Programming
Contact:
Jane Finalborgo
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081Media Contact: Nancy Marksbury 631-591-7021; nancy@wpbx.org
Effective Monday, October 1, 2001, WPBX will include hourly news broadcasts from National Public Radio and two one-hour programs from the British Broadcast Corporation, the BBC Newshour and The World Today. "This change in our programming schedule responds to dramatic recent events in this country and the world," stated Wallace Smith, WPBX General Manager.
As news of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon flashed around the globe, WPBX replaced normal programming with all-day live feeds from NPR and the BBC. As Americans and people around the world sought factual reportage of the shocking events of September 11, WPBX offered up-to-the-minute news and commentary, plus a forum for conversation with listeners, led by hosts Roger Rosenblatt and Bonnie Grice. "As we aim to be a vital community resource, WPBX will keep our listeners informed. We know they want to keep abreast of the long-term response that is expected to follow recent events," added Dr. Smith.
Over the next few months, WPBX will also increase its local and regional news coverage supervised by a new full-time news director. Using the national and international news platforms of NPR and BBC programs, WPBX will originate local and regional news reports and integrate them into the major network news programs. Working with the press on eastern Long Island and southern Connecticut and with the resources of the three major campuses of Long Island University, WPBX will report and incorporate local and regional news into national programs.
The NPR hourly newscasts will be aired 24 hours a day seven days per week, at
the beginning of each hour with a few exceptions for special programs. The BBC Newshour will air at 4 p.m.; the BBC's The World Today will air at 11 p.m., both hour-long news programs will be broadcast Monday through Friday. Two additional specialty programs, Pacific Time and Europe Today, will round out a worldwide perspective in news reporting. These new insertions join WPBX's existing news programs, including NPR's Morning Edition and Latino USA, Public Radio International's Marketplace Morning Report and Marketplace, and National Native News and the audio broadcast of PBs' signature news program, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.
General Manager Wally Smith added that, "The introduction of more news will not diminish our ongoing commitment to jazz and entertainment programs. Jazz is America's music and an integral part of our dedication to celebrate the best efforts of our community's and the nation's long term recovery from this tragic event."
WPBX 88.3 FM is a full service, non-commercial, public radio station. WPBX broadcasts 24 hours per day, 365 days per year from Southampton College. It is the anchor station of Long Island University Public Radio network, with WCWP 88.1 FM simulcasting programming from the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University in Brookville, NY.