WGUC-FM Contributing To New NPR Format

Naomi Lewin's "Classics for Kids" and other WGUC-FM (90.9) programs will be offered to National Public Radio's new www.nprmusic.org service starting in late October. WGUC-FM is one of dozen charter stations, says Rich Eiswerth, WGUC-FM general manager.

NPR will provide a searchable database of performances, interviews and reviews for classical, jazz, world and AAA (adult album alternative) music, says Ken Stern, the NPR CEO during a visit to town this week. It's an outgrowth of Bob Boilen's popular "All Songs Considered" webcast, he says. "We think we can offer something different," Stern says.

The new NPR site will provide links to WGUC-FM http://www.wguc.org/ and the other charter stations, so listeners around the world can see play lists or sample the stations, Eiswerth says. If a deal can be reached with the musicians' union, WGUC-FM also will provide the new site with the station's Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera and May Festival broadcasts, he says.

Stern, who accepted an award for NPR news coverage here Tuesday at the Volunteers of America annual convention, visited the station Tuesday afternoon. After talking to Eiswerth, he met with the staff for an hour and answered questions. He talked about the pilot "Bryant Park Project" online show and blog http://www.npr.org/roughcuts/ hosted by reporter Luke Burbank and former MSNBC and MTV reporter Allison Stewart.

"This is our first show aimed at a younger audience, which we define as between late 20s and 30s," Stern says.

The "Rough Cuts" online incubation process also was used to develop Michel Martin's weekday "Tell Me More" show which premiered April 30 on Oxford’s WMUB-FM (88.5). It airs at noon weekdays.