WFUV's Alternate Side gains drive-time slot on city-owned WNYE

The Alternate Side, an HD Radio channel and online stream programmed by New York contemporary music station WFUV-FM, is expanding its broadcast footprint into morning drive-time. A six-hour music show, co-hosted by Russ Borris and Alisa Ali, will air on WNYE 91.5 FM, beginning June 1 from 6 a.m. to noon.

The new programming deal supplants WNYE's three-year relationship with KEXP in Seattle, which brought simulcasts of KEXP's John in the Morning to New York's airwaves in 2008. WNYE is part of NYC Media, owned and operated by the New York City government.

The partnership with WFUV "provides the opportunity to improve our radio content and further workforce development in media at the same time," said Katherine Oliver, commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, which oversees the NYC Media group. It also "comes at no cost to the taxpayer," according to a WFUV's May 31 announcement.

WFUV created and launched The Alternate Side in 2008 as a channel showcasing indie music and new artists. It airs on WFUV's primary channel as a late-night show -- on weeknights from 10 p.m. to midnight.

"The Alternate Side is all about finding and supporting new artists," said Chuck Singleton, WFUV p.d., who led start-up of the service. "The more ways this programming gets out there, the better we're serving our listeners and the many talented bands we play."