Buffalo Toronto Public Media (BTPM) plans to move programming currently on news/talk WBFO (88.7) and BTPM Classical WNED (94.5) in Buffalo, NY, resulting from the latter’s recent conversion to an advertising-eligible license and the company’s loss of $2.2 million in annual federal funding.
According to BTPM’s news release, the programming and format shifts could take place as early as May, although no date has yet been determined. BTPM plans to send listeners reminders and transition assistance ahead of the change, which may also include a virtual Town Hall and at least one in-person event.
To more effectively align programming and audience with both stations, the BTPM Classical format will move from 94.5 to 88.7 to continue operating under a sponsor-supported license. All NPR programs — including “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered” and “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me” — will also move to 88.7, as NPR does not allow its programming on advertising-eligible frequencies. Listeners wanting to hear BTPM Classical without NPR programming will be able to tune in on WNJA (89.7) Jamestown, NY’s HD station, and on the BTPM Classical stream.
All of BTPM’s NPR programming will be made available on its NPR stream as well as on news/talk WUBJ (88.1) Jamestown and WOLN (91.3) Olean, NY’s HD station.
BTPM’s “The Bridge” channel, which features indie, alternative and local music, will air 24/7 on an HD station to be determined, while its evening simulcast will move from 88.7 to 94.5. Likewise, BTPM’s “Friday Night Lights” high school sports coverage will also move to 94.5.
BTPM says that WNED “will evolve into a dynamic, broad-based station — essentially launching a semi-new service for the region — blending local news, public affairs, cultural programming, sports coverage and music in a format designed to reflect the full breadth of the Buffalo and Toronto communities, supported by members and an advertising-eligible license. The as-yet-named station will also have a dedicated streaming option.”
NPR’s move to WBFO, it says, “creates a significant benefit for listeners who prefer a largely talk-focused, 24/7 news and information service, uninterrupted by music or high school sports. The shift allows for a more purist NPR experience on BTPM NPR.”
BTPM sees these changes as part of its strategy to strengthen long-term financial sustainability after losing federal funding. “While community support over the past nine months has extraordinary, replacing a $2.2 million structural funding loss indefinitely through donations alone with not be realistic or responsible,” its release says.
Making 94.5 advertising-eligible, BTPM says, gives it “greater sponsorship flexibility, including the ability for sponsors to include calls-to-action and limited descriptive language. Advertising will be introduced gradually, with category restrictions and strict separation between editorial decision-making and sales operations.”
Buffalo Toronto Public Media President and CEO Tom Calderone says, “We are using this moment to think creatively about how we serve our community while protecting BTPM’s essential services. We still have details to finalize before the switch launches. However, we know how much our audiences value the stations they have listened to for decades, and we didn’t want to wait to share what’s ahead.”
Calderone adds, “Buffalo Toronto Public Media remains a nonprofit organization. Our mission, editorial standards, and public service commitment remain unchanged.”
