WGCU moves classical music to digital channel

WGCU in Fort Myers, Florida, is the latest hybrid-format pubradio station to move classical music programming off its main broadcast service. On Sept. 8, the station launches a 24-hour all-classical HD Radio channel, primarily drawn from American Public Media's nationally syndicated service Classical 24. Its primary FM service picks up NPR's Fresh Air and the Diane Rehm Show, as well as the BBC's World Have Your Say. Syndicated jazz and other niche music programs air at night. "If you look for the audience for the kinds of program[s] we’re going to, you’ll find that audience is much greater than the classical music audience," says Kathleen Davey, g.m., in the Naples Daily News.