The Fairfield University radio station, WVOF-FM, announced Wednesday a three-year deal with Hartford’s WNPR that will mean the addition of many National Public Radio shows and regional public radio programs to the station’s slate.The programming change will begin on Aug. 1.
The announcement was made by Jerry Franklin, president and CEO of Connecticut Public Broadcasting, and the Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, Fairfield University president. Von Arx said in a statement: “WNPR has a reputation for exceptional programming, which we look forward to presenting to our regular listeners, as well as a new audience throughout Fairfield County.
“The expanded educational opportunities this arrangement provides to our students make the partnership especially appealing.”
“We’re excited to partner with such a distinguished university.” Franklin said. “This will allow WNPR to extend its broadcast reach, while creating an ongoing opportunity to produce richer content for listeners within an enhanced educational environment for the faculty and students.”
WNPR is part of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting group in Hartford that provides public television service throughout the state.
WVOF will be presenting such National Public Radio staples as “All Things Considered” and “Weekend Edition” that are already available in this area through WSHU-FM, which is located on the Sacred Heart University campus.
But, under the new WNPR/WVOF collaboration, listeners will be able to tune into such previously unavailable weekend programming as “BBC World Service” and “Speaking of Faith,” a program on religion, ethics and ideas.
WVOF also will carry the Manhattan-produced weekend arts magazine “Studio 360,” hosted by New York Magazine columnist Kurt Anderson. Under the new partnership, WVOF and WNPR will be increasing their local coverage through a planned Fairfield County News Desk that will be located on the Fairfield campus.