WAER (radio station)

WAER (radio station) is a public radio station licensed to Syracuse, New York, and owned by Syracuse University. The station broadcasts a mix of National Public Radio (NPR) programming, jazz music, and local content, including shows hosted by Eric Reed, Christian McBride, and Nancy Wilson. WAER is a member of NPR, Public Radio International (PRI), and American Public Media (APM), and also airs programming from BBC Radio, CBC Radio, and Deutsche Welle. The station's programming is also available online through its website and mobile app, as well as through streaming services like TuneIn and iHeartRadio.

● History

WAER began broadcasting in 1949 as a student-run radio station at Syracuse University, with a focus on classical music, jazz, and educational programming. Over the years, the station has undergone several format changes, including a shift towards album-oriented rock (AOR) in the 1970s, and later, a focus on public radio programming. In the 1980s, WAER began airing NPR programs like Morning Edition and All Things Considered, hosted by Bob Edwards and Susan Stamberg. The station has also been affiliated with PBS and has aired programming from WGBH, WNET, and KQED. WAER has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and has partnered with organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).

● Programming

WAER's programming includes a mix of NPR news and talk shows, jazz and blues music, and local content like Syracuse University sports and Central New York news. The station airs popular NPR programs like Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, hosted by Peter Sagal and Bill Kurtis, and Car Talk, hosted by Tom Magliozzi and Ray Magliozzi. WAER also produces its own local shows, including The WAER Newsroom, hosted by Chris Bolt, and The Jazz Connection, hosted by Eric Cohen. The station has also partnered with other public radio stations, like WBUR, WNYC, and KCRW, to produce and distribute programming. WAER's programming is also available through its podcast network, which includes shows like The TED Radio Hour, hosted by Guy Raz, and How I Built This, hosted by Guy Raz.

● Technical information

WAER broadcasts on a frequency of 88.3 MHz, with a power output of 50,000 watts. The station's signal covers a large portion of Central New York, including Syracuse, Rochester, and Utica. WAER also streams its programming online through its website and mobile app, and is available on HD Radio and smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The station's technical facilities are located on the campus of Syracuse University, and include a state-of-the-art broadcast studio and production facilities. WAER is also a member of the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).

● Awards and recognition

WAER has won numerous awards for its programming and community service, including several Edward R. Murrow Awards and New York State Associated Press Awards. The station has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and has received awards from organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). WAER has also been named one of the best public radio stations in the country by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Current. The station's staff has also received individual awards, including Peabody Awards and Gracie Awards, for their work on shows like Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

● Management and staff

WAER is managed by a team of experienced public radio professionals, including General Manager Joe Lee, and Program Director Eric Cohen. The station's staff includes a team of journalists, producers, and engineers, who work together to produce and broadcast WAER's programming. The station also has a large team of volunteers and interns, who assist with everything from fundraising to production. WAER is also governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from Syracuse University, as well as community leaders and public radio professionals. The station's staff and management are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism and public service, and to providing high-quality programming to the Central New York community. Category:Public radio stations in the United States