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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 109-09
March 5, 2009

MAYOR BLOOMBERG, DOITT COMMISSIONER COSGRAVE, AND NYC MEDIA GROUP PRESIDENT ARICK WIERSON LAUNCH NEW TRANSMITTER SITE FOR WNYE 91.5 FM RADIO NEW YORK AT 4 TIMES SQUARE

Technical Upgrade a Major Change for One of the Oldest FM Broadcasters in the United States

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications Commissioner (DoITT) Paul Cosgrave and NYC Media Group President Arick Wierson today launched a new High Definition radio transmitter for WNYE-FM Radio New York, the official radio station of the City of New York. This upgrade will dramatically improve the signal reception and clarity for WNYE-FM, located at 91.5 FM on the radio dial, due to the increased elevation of the new transmitter, now at approximately 922 feet at the top of 4 Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. In addition to improved reception and CD quality sound, WNYE-FM's transmitter upgrade also paves the way for multiple High Definition audio streams or channels, the first of which will be a simulcast of the station's current programming.

"Radio New York has emerged as a wonderful programming complement to NYCTV, with a full spectrum of shows that both entertain and inform listeners about our great City and its wonderfully diverse communities" said Mayor Bloomberg. "With the upgraded transmitter, more listeners are able to tune in to Radio New York and enjoy the unique news, talk and music shows that call the station home."

WNYE-FM Radio New York's new primary transmitter site will immediately improve sound quality within the five boroughs of the City because its placement at a higher elevation allows the quality of the signal to reach farther. This will allow listeners in areas of the five boroughs that were not able to receive a signal to now tune in. The upgrade also improves the reception and clarity of the full power FM station signal beyond New York City to serve the entire tri-state area. This will allow the station to reach new audiences in parts of Long Island, Upstate New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. WNYE-FM Radio New York's previous transmitter, located at Brooklyn Technical High School with an elevation of approximately 430 feet, will become the secondary transmitter site for the station. The increased elevation of the new transmitter minimizes the problem of signal interference due to blockages by tall buildings, especially those located in Midtown Manhattan. The transmitter upgrade allows the station to broadcast its signal digitally while maintaining the analog broadcast stream via its secondary site in Brooklyn.

"NYC Media Group makes full use of its resources to connect with New Yorkers wherever they are, whether through television, the internet, or radio," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler. "Radio New York is doing a tremendous job of engaging listeners through its unique programming, and the new transmitter will allow even more listeners to enjoy the diverse and dynamic content that makes Radio New York one of the most entertaining and informative stations on the dial."

"NYC Media Group has done a phenomenal job transforming NYCTV into one of the most innovative and decorated television stations in the country" said DoITT Commissioner Paul Cosgrave. "It's no surprise that this creativity has extended to Radio New York. The station boasts an impressive lineup of original and acquired shows that will reach an even larger audience with the new digital transmitter."

"Radio New York is boldly redefining the radio landscape in New York City through its innovative programming and partnerships" said President of NYC Media Group Arick Wierson. "The station is quickly living up to its new moniker, Radio New York, because of the innovative way it represents the dynamic spirit and community of New Yorkers. The new transmitter immediately expands our footprint and allows listeners to enjoy our content at a sharper sound quality."

"We are very excited that Radio New York is able to take this important next step in its evolution" says Matthew Tollin, General Manager of the radio station. "The transmitter upgrade provides a powerful new platform for all of the great programming the station brings to New Yorkers, programming that offers a unique point of view and resonates with listeners across the radio dial."

WNYE-FM Radio New York first signed on in 1938 and is one of the oldest FM radio stations in the United States. Today, WNYE-FM Radio New York is part of NYC Media Group, the division within DoITT responsible for managing and programming the media assets of the City of New York. From the BBC World News Service and Radio France Internationale, to world music programming from Afropop and the Putumayo World Music Hour, WNYE-FM Radio New York celebrates the many communities of New York City.

In 2005, WNYE-FM was transferred to DoITT from the former Board of Education, along with the broadcast television station WNYE-TV, re-named at NYCTV. With this transfer, the City's broadcast television and radio assets were combined with its existing cable television assets to form NYC Media Group, the largest media group in the City. WNYE-FM Radio New York features an innovative mix of news, talk, cultural and music programming content that represents and celebrates New York City.







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