Press Releases

October 21, 2002
WLIU 88.3 FM Welcomes New Staff

Media Professionals Drawn to Long Island-based Institution

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

With a change in its call sign this past summer, this fall marks the beginning of a major new chapter in the history of Long Island University Public Radio. WLIU 88.3 FM (formerly WPBX) looks forward to the infusion of enthusiasm and expertise brought by these seasoned professionals. "We welcome these new staff members to the Long Island University Public Radio Network, and are eager to fulfill our mission to expand our programming. Along with our current staff, these new additions position us to make even better radio," said General Manager Wallace Smith.

Jim Asendio joins the station as News Director and will implement WLIU's expanded local news programming. Originally from New York, Asendio is a veteran newsman with a distinguished career in broadcasting, most recently from all-news KFWB in Los Angeles. Previously he was the news director at KFBK in Sacramento, California, WIND in Chicago, and a reporter/anchor at WCBS Newsradio, the CBS Radio Network, and 1010 WINS in Manhattan. He's a member of the Radio and Television News Directors Association and the National Association of Black Journalists.

Jamie Berger joins the station as director of administration and operations. Berger is a familiar voice on East End airwaves as a former morning show host on WBEA and news director on WBAB. She brings her extensive broadcasting skills to bear on maintaining the day-to-day technical operations of the station, and her voice will grace the WLIU airwaves in program promotions, public service announcements, on-air fund raising, and other station activities.

Dan Cox has been named Bureau Manager for the Long Island University Public Radio Network. He will manage programming activities that originate from WCWP-FM on the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University. Cox brings a wealth of broadcasting experience to the University's network, most recently as an editor for "Today in New York" on WNBC, channel 4, Dow Jones Television, and Glen Cove Television.

The new team is augmented by some staff reassignments: Bonnie Grice will assume the job of Music Director and will continue as program host and producer of daily and special programs. This new assignment will allow her extensive knowledge of music and industry connections to benefit the station's activities.

Additionally, Nancy Marksbury will assume the job of Public Relations Director and Nancy Montgomery has been promoted to Business Manager.

WLIU 88.3 FM is a full-service public radio station, a member of National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Radio International (PRI), and is supported primarily by contributions from subscribers and by underwriting grants from businesses and individuals. For more information, please visit www.wliu.org.