WGLT Jazz Wins National Programming Award

Date: 9/27/06
Contact: Bruce Bergethon, WGLT general manager, (309) 438-2393

WGLT, Illinois State University's National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate station, received a first place Award for Creative Excellence (ACE) in the jazz category from the Public Radio Program Directors Association at its September 2006 meeting.

WGLT competed against stations across the nation. Judges called the jazz programming "natural," "compelling" and "appropriate" for WGLT's listeners. The entry included several thirty second announcements designed to promote jazz to listeners and a portion of a jazz show hosted by Laura Kennedy.

"The ACE is really about the music choices we make, what we say and how we say it to our listeners," said Program Director Mike McCurdy. "It's what every radio programmer ought to think about, but I think public radio program directors think about it more because we're more accountable to our listeners. It's listeners who help fund the station."

The award recognizes McCurdy's work in appealing to the values held by public radio listeners. Among other things, listeners value life long learning and authenticity, integrity and tradition when it comes to music.

"Music Director Jon Norton makes musical choices every day based on authenticity and integrity. Our jazz audience is growing, in part, because we're choosy about what we play," said McCurdy. "We also pick our words carefully and talk to our listeners like grown ups. We know they're curious about the music and want to learn more, so we give them tidbits about jazz history and artists. Laura is a master at providing interesting background in a conversational manner."

The contest judges wrote that Laura Kennedy's on-air performance and Mike McCurdy's announcements promoting jazz give enough to pique listeners' interest and then follow through to keep them engaged.

WGLT is the NPR/PRI affiliate public radio station licensed to Illinois State University, broadcasting at 89.1 FM in central Illinois and in Peoria at 103.5 FM. WGLT airs nearly 80 hours of jazz weekly and more than 30 hours of weekend blues. Listeners also hear National Public Radio programs including Morning Edition® and Car Talk®. WGLT streams its on-air broadcast and a 24/7 all blues stream worldwide at www.wglt.org