WQXR the Classical Music station of the New York Times was sold today in a 3 way deal with WNYC (NYC) and WCAA (Spanish Language Univision) which will move WQXR off the spot on the dial it has had for over 70 years in the NYC area--96.3 to the less desirable spot WCAA occupies--105.9 and have a signal that diminishes from 6000 watts to 600 (about what a college station has).

The good part is that it is now a part of WNYC and is a public radio station without commercials---just donor announcements disguised as non-commercials. Just support for Public radio---right!.

A bit of history.   WQXR was the first FM station in the nation to broadcast Classical Music (and carry the Met Opera Live) in the nation. It was the first FM station in the NYC area. 96.3 FM has been a classical fixture for over 70 years. In NY and its environs--that is the 6000 watts.

A bit of technical talk. WQXR has been "uncompressed" in its signal while other station of less power and quality of sound are "compressed" in their signal. Compression makes a weaker signal stronger (or jump out at you) with the loss of highs and lows. Not good for a Classical station. SO--what happens at 600 watts. We know not. Up to this point listening to WQXR and listening to a "compressed" station was the difference between a cheap transistor radio and a quality sound system---provided you had a good receiver and speakers.

A bit of personal thoughts. I grew up and lived in the era of WQXR. It did not allow singing commercials in the early days. It did not allow questionable subject matter in commercials. Times change and so did the station. Yet, when, on the radio, there was no alternative---after all my programs are not always on (TRADITIONS/SUNDAY SIMCHA)----there was always WQXR. And WNYC.   Both have a great history.

It can only be hoped that WNYC will keep true to its own roots and those of WQXR. As to the small staff that WQXR employed it is sad that they now have to re-apply for their positions since WNYC is now the "boss" and has staff of its own.   It is interesting that Public Radio is now in the "hiring" position after its own troubles. Lots of good donors I surmise. How that translates into salaries I do not know but am sure--hopefully---not even close to the obscene salaries paid radio and TV anchors on mainstream media.

As to WNYC and its history. If anyone wants to know more about it I assume you can check their website---or if not let me know here and I will post a dissertation--or an essay on it. Recall---it was New York City's own station until it went "private" thanks to donors when the city no longer wanted to be in radio. Mayor LaGuardia used it to his advantage--read "the funnies" to the kids, made speeches, and so on.

Bill Hahn