North Carolina’s WDAV-FM classical radio station “is displaying some youthful strength in key indicators—with increasing financial support, and with research that shows 21 percent of its audience is in the 18 to 34 age range, younger than the station itself,” writes Mark Washburn in Wednesday’s (12/12) Charlotte Observer (N.C.). “ ‘That’s a demographic that’s not even supposed to be listening to radio anymore,’ says [General Manager Frank] Dominguez… WDAV-FM was a pioneer among classical stations nationally when it began offering its signal on the Internet, and its reach continues to grow. It produces three podcasts … and has two more in development.… WDAV-FM’s final [40th] anniversary celebration will be a gala Jan. 31 at the Mint Museum Randolph with a who’s-who of prominent local classical stars [including] Calin Lupanu, Charlotte Symphony concertmaster; Alan Black, Charlotte Symphony principal cellist; Grammy-winning fiddlers Mark and Maggie O’Connor; Bach Akademie Charlotte singers … and conductor Robert Moody with friends…. In all, WDAV-FM produces about 22 hours of locally originated broadcasting each day. On its HD2 frequency, it provides ‘Concierto,’ narrated by Dominguez in English and Spanish…. That show is carried on more than 40 other classical stations nationally.”
Posted December 14, 2018
