For more information: Joe O'Connor, GM, Rhode Island Public Radio/WRNI, 401-351-6142, Reynaldo Almonte, Station Manager, Latino Public Radio, 401-413-9079, Laurie Flynn, Director of Communications, The Wheeler School, 401-528-2129. Wheeler School, Latino Public Radio, Rhode Island Public Radio sign historic pact to transform state's airwaves starting next month. The Wheeler School, Latino Public Radio (LPR), and Rhode Island Public Radio (RIPR) are partnering to create public media history and a remarkable listening environment for a diverse Rhode Island. For the first time, a distinguished independent school, a Spanish language public radio service, and a statewide NPR news station will combine forces to guarantee that each and all of their unique constituencies receive a major and consistent flow of high quality journalism and vital programming. Under separate agreements recently signed by the three organizations, the following broadcast changes should occur simultaneously starting in October, pending only technical arrangements: - Latino Public Radio will expand from part-time broadcasting on Wheeler's frequency to full-time, 24/7 broadcasting on WRNI, 1290 AM. Thanks to the commitment of all three parties, LPR will finally be able to fully provide critical public service and entertainment programming for the rapidly growing Rhode Island Latino community.Remarkable cooperation among participants The three organizations lauded their boards and each other for the cooperative spirit in which the agreements were reached on behalf of the greater good of Rhode Island's listening audiences. According to Wheeler's Head of School, Dan Miller, "this is a unique opportunity to help bring publicly vital radio programming to a broad demographic across the entire state as well as the strength of Rhode Island and National Public Radio programming to Wheeler's frequency." Latino Public Radio President Dr. Pablo Rodriguez appreciated the goodwill of the organizations involved. "We were - and are - charting new territory. This historic collaboration will change the face of public radio, certainly in Rhode Island and the Northeast. Everyone took the meaning of our work with appropriate seriousness. I look forward to the future!" RIPR General Manager Joe O'Connor singled out The Wheeler School. "The Wheeler School deserves high praise," he insisted. "Wheeler saw that partnership in service to Rhode Island first and foremost is what local public radio is meant to accomplish. This demonstrates community leadership at its very best." Each of the broadcasters will begin notifying its supporters and listeners about the dial changes immediately. For more information, contact RIPR General Manager Joe O'Connor at 401-351-6142 or joconnor@wrni.org, LPR Station Manager Reynaldo Almonte at 401-413-9079 or ralmonte@lprri.org, or Laurie Flynn, Director of Communications, The Wheeler School, at 401-528-2129. ### |
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