New WFUV Music Channel On the Way

A generous grant from the New York State Music Fund kicks off our next project: An indie music channel for younger fans.

New FUV music, online and on HD Radio

We're very excited to announce that WFUV has been awarded a $500,000 grant from The New York State Music Fund to support the development of a second full-time music radio service. Building on WFUV's award-winning programming, the station will feature established and emerging indie rock, electronica, world, dance and other new sounds, presented in a style that will appeal to music fans in their 20s and 30s. This non-commercial service will be available via Internet and mobile streaming audio and, in the New York area, as an HD Radio channel at 90.7 FM. Scheduled to debut in Fall 2008, it will complement WFUV's existing service, which will continue in its present format. You'll still be able to hear all the programs you enjoy at WFUV.

"This is an excellent opportunity for us to broaden our service and widen our musical offerings as we celebrate our 60th anniversary," said Ralph Jennings, WFUV's General Manager. "We're deeply grateful to The New York State Music Fund for its leadership support of this $1.2 million project and for its investment in the future of New York's independent artists and audiences," Jennings added.

The award was one the largest made by the Fund - which has given nearly 400 grants totaling more than $35 million - and is on par with those made to other leading New York performing arts institutions.

"We're most excited about showcasing what New York has to offer. Our city boasts one of the greatest, and most multicultural, local music scenes in the world," added WFUV Program Director Chuck Singleton, who, along with WFUV Music Director Rita Houston, will oversee the project. "Acts like Antibalas, Forro In The Dark and The Hold Steady have no problem selling out venues all over town, yet they presently don't have a home on the radio in New York City. A second stream enables us to play deserving local acts in the same set as Bjork, M.I.A. or Arcade Fire and, at the same time, better serve New York's musically-adventurous listening audiences by introducing them to something different."

WFUV plans to develop the new service over 2007-2008, working with artists, labels, music writers, web sites, bloggers and venues across the city. The station will also tap an emerging generation of radio talent for its new air staff, young New Yorkers with a passion for hearing, sharing and discussing music. In part, the music selection will be listener-driven.

The New York State Music Fund was created when the New York State Attorney General's Office resolved investigations against major record companies that had violated state and federal laws prohibiting "pay for play" (also called "payola"). The settlement agreement stipulated that funds paid by music businesses would support music education and appreciation for the benefit of New York State residents. The Attorney General's Office enlisted the services of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, one of the nation's largest and most experienced philanthropy services, to develop and manage the grant program.

The New York State Music Fund published guidelines and criteria and accepted grant applications in a number of categories, including music education and public performances of music by artists. New York State Music Fund applications also related to recording, distribution or broadcast through traditional or new media. Special emphasis was placed on reaching underserved populations and broadening awareness of artists, genres or styles with limited access to commercial broadcast or other mass distribution vehicles. An Advisory Panel comprised of recognized leaders from a cross-section of the music world evaluated and recommended applications based on criteria focusing on artistic merit and community impact.

We look forward to offering you more music choices, as WFUV expands its service. Watch this space, and subscribe to WFUV's e-newsletter, and we'll tell you more as this project develops!