PULLMAN, Wash. — Northwest Public Radio, based at Washington State
University, will implement changes in the programming and management at
KZAZ-FM in Bellingham beginning June 30. The changes will end most locally
produced programs, while adding a number of NWPR shows that are not
currently available in the station’s lineup.
KZAZ became a part of NWPR through a merger that took place in December
1996. Of the 12 NWPR stations, KZAZ is the only one with local programming.
The station continues to produce 25 hours of local programming weekly.
The position of western operations director, currently held by Paul Stankavich,
will be eliminated as of Sept. 30. Stankavich managed KZAZ prior to its merger
with NWPR and has been on special assignment in WSU’s television area for
the past ten months.
NWPR manager Roger Johnson said the changes are needed to reduce
management costs and to make programming consistent across the NWPR
networks.
“We greatly appreciate the contributions of everyone, including the
programming staff, who have made KZAZ a special place. I especially want to
commend Paul Stankavich for his leadership both before and after the merger
between KZAZ and Northwest Public Radio,” said Johnson.
Under the programming switch, listeners will hear shows such as The Thistle
and Shamrock, Fresh Blend and Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz. It will also
provide an opportunity to hear Sunday broadcasts of Car Talk, A Prairie Home
Companion and This American Life
One of the programs now heard only on KZAZ, True Blues, will join the full
NWPR network schedule on July 1.
Stankavich said he supports the changes and expressed his gratitude to the
many volunteers and staff in Bellingham. “I thank them for their dedication
over the 5 years I have been associated with KZAZ. Washington State
University, through Northwest Public Radio, stepped in to sustain KZAZ
when the station had serious financial challenges. In the long term, I believe
the community will benefit from the relationship.”
NWPR’s Johnson said he hopes listeners will enjoy the wider range of
programming that will now be available. “Bellingham is a very important
community for Northwest Public Radio. We have many great supporters here,
and we look forward to working with them to build and improve the service we
provide.”
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