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WFMT (98.7 MHz) is a commercial FM radio station in Chicago, Illinois, with a classical music radio format. It is part of Window to the World Communications, Inc, in the same company as Chicago's PBS member station WTTW. WFMT seeks donations on the air and on its website. The station's studios and offices are on North Saint Louis Avenue in Chicago.

Key Information

WFMT has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 6,000 watts, and transmits from atop the Willis Tower in Downtown Chicago. It broadcasts using HD Radio technology.

Programming

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WFMT has been broadcasting classical music since 1951. Its website says WFMT "strives to entertain, engage, and above all, respect its listeners with a quality and variety of programming found nowhere else". It is also the primary station of the nationally syndicated WFMT Radio Network and a jazz network available to other public radio stations around the U.S.

Hosts on WFMT include Candice Agree, Lisa Flynn, John Clare, Kerry Frumkin, LaRob K.Rafael, Jan Weller, David Schwan, Kristina Lynn, and Peter Van de Graaff. Weeknights, Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin is heard. Weekly broadcasts include the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Opera. Weekends feature shows on baroque music, folk music, Latin American classical music, and chamber music. The syndicated weekly show With Heart and Voice airs Sunday mornings. On Saturday at twelve o'clock they have an opera.

Programs can be heard through its satellite services and online via several streaming services. WFMT is the only individual radio station that is an associate member of the European Broadcasting Union.[2]

History

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WOAK

[edit]

The station signed on the air on May 16, 1948; 77 years ago (1948-05-16).[3] It originally held the call sign WOAK.[3][4] The studios were in the Guyon Hotel and it operated at 98.3 MHz with an effective radiated power (ERP) of only 770 watts.[3][5][4][6] The station was owned by Gale Broadcasting Company.[3][4][5]

By 1950, the station's frequency had been changed to 105.9 MHz, and its ERP was increased to 9,300 watts.[7] WOAK generally aired pop music, but also featured classical music programs and dramas. The number of Chicago radio stations that aired classical music programs was small, but none compared to WFMT.[8][9][6][10]

WFMT

[edit]

In 1951, the station's call sign was changed to WFMT.[11] Bernard and Rita Jacobs launched WFMT's classical music/fine arts radio format on December 13, 1951.[12][9][13] They began with 8-hour-a-day broadcasts, with Bernard serving as the station's engineer, and Rita as the station's announcer.[13] In 1952, WFMT began publishing a biweekly program guide, which later became Chicago magazine.[13] In 1953, programming was expanded to 18 hours per day.[13]

In 1954, WFMT's studios and transmitter were moved to the LaSalle-Wacker Building, increasing its HAAT to 547 feet.[13][14] The station's ERP was also increased and its frequency was changed to the present-day 98.7 MHz.[13][14] In 1956, WFMT aired a live recording of a folk concert with Pete Seeger and Big Bill Broonzy at Northwestern University.[13]

WTTW ownership

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In 1968, WFMT began around-the-clock broadcasting.[13] That same year, Bernard Jacobs sold WFMT to WGN-TV's Continental Broadcasting Company for $810,000, which in turn donated the station to WTTW two years later.[13][14][15]

In 1969, the station's transmitter was moved to the Prudential Building, and in 1971 its transmitter was moved to the John Hancock Center.[14]

Several classical music stations were found on the FM dial in Chicago in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. They included WEFM 99.5, WXFM 105.9, WFMQ 107.5, WJJD at 104.3 and WNIB 97.1. They all changed formats by 2001. While WFMT was a station supported by the sales of commercials, it aired no pre-recorded (by non-station hosts) advertising.[13] A brief attempt at introducing pre-recorded commercial advertising in the early 1990s, the only time in its history, proved unpopular with listeners.[13][16] All advertising on the station would be read exclusively by WFMT's on-air hosts.

Fine Arts Network

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In 1976, WFMT created the Fine Arts Network for broadcast syndication of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera.[13][17] In 1979, WFMT became America's first radio superstation, delivered by satellite and cable systems across the United States and dozens of countries, including the Soviet Union and China.[13]

In August 1976, the FCC granted WFMT temporary authority to simulcast on AM 1450, using the former facilities of WVON, which had moved its call sign and programming to another frequency the previous year.[18] The simulcast continued until 1979, when Midway Broadcasting and Migala Enterprises were granted licenses to share time on the frequency.[19]

In June 1980, WFMT became the first U.S. radio station to join the European Broadcasting Union.[20] A live performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was heard in the US, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, and West Germany simultaneously. Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen was broadcast live for the first time as a digital transatlantic performance from the Bayreuth Festspielhaus to the US and Canada in 1983.[21]

Beethoven Network

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In 1986, WFMT launched the Beethoven Satellite Network, a satellite delivered classical music programming service.[13][22] It allows public radio stations to broadcast classical music during some hours of the day or around the clock, even if their budgets don't allow for a local staff or music library.

The WFMT Fine Arts Circle, a member/listener support and funding group, was formed in 1991.[13]

In 1995, the station moved to its current location in the WTTW complex in Chicago's Northwest Side.[13] The new facility included an all-digital path from studios to transmitter. The WFMT Jazz Satellite Network debuted two years later.[13]

In 2001, the station's transmitter was moved to the Sears Tower in downtown Chicago (now the Willis Tower).[13]

WFMT celebrated its 50th anniversary on December 13, 2001, which Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley declared WFMT Day.

In 2003, the station began syndication of the program "Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin", an informational weekday program on various themes in classical music.[23] It was created by Steve Robinson and is now carried by over 50 stations in the U.S. and is heard by over 400,000 people each week. WFMT also launched a Fine Arts Hotline for the Chicago area that same year.

Awards and honors

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In 1957, the station received an Alfred I. DuPont Award as the country's best broadcaster in the small-station category.[13][24] WFMT also aired a discussion between Frank Lloyd Wright and Carl Sandburg, which was simulcast with WTTW, marking the first collaboration between WTTW and WFMT.[13] Another collaboration occurred the following year, as the two stations began a pioneering stereo music project in which WTTW broadcast a left audio channel, and WFMT broadcast the right audio channel simultaneously.[13]

WFMT won another Alfred I. DuPont Award in 1960, this time as the country's best broadcaster in the large-station category.[13] In 1961, the station won its first Peabody Award.[13] Its ERP was increased to 120,000 watts the same year.[13][14] In 1962, WFMT began broadcasting a majority of its programming in stereo.[25] In 1964, Hi Fi/Stereo Review readers voted WFMT the best station in Chicago in terms of audio quality.[26] The station's first series of Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts began in 1965.[13]

WFMT has won numerous first place Major Armstrong awards for excellence and originality in radio broadcasting and special awards for engineering and technical achievement.[27][28][29][30][31][32]

Past hosts

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Several noteworthy individuals have worked at WFMT in its history. Award-winning stage and film director, writer, and producer Mike Nichols, at the time a student at the University of Chicago, joined the station in 1951.[33] Nichols started the folk music program The Midnight Special in 1953.[33] In 1983, Rich Warren became a co-host of The Midnight Special, and later became its sole host in 1996. Rich Warren continued as host of The Midnight Special until 2020. The show still airs weekly on WFMT, with Marilyn Rea Beyer as the host.

Noted author and broadcaster Studs Terkel began a radio show on WFMT in 1952, remaining on the station until 1997.[34] The station replays Terkel's noteworthy interviews on Friday nights.

Carl Grapentine, former weekday breakfast host on WFMT, has served as the voice of the University of Michigan Marching Band since 1972, and has doubled as the public-address announcer at Michigan Stadium since 2006. He retired from full-time presenting in July 2018 but still continues to contribute programming.

Two-time Peabody Award-winning audio dramatist Yuri Rasovsky, creator of the National Radio Theater of Chicago, began a decade-long association with WFMT in 1975. He is still heard periodically on The Midnight Special in his classic "Chicago Language Tape" skit.

WFMT is noted for the longevity of various staff members. Norman Pellegrini joined the station as an announcer in 1952, and became program director in 1953, holding the position until disputes with the station owners forced him out in 1996.[35][36][13] Ray Nordstrand was hired as an announcer, also in 1953.[37] He later became the assistant of original owner Bernard Jacobs.[37] Nordstrand moved up to the position of president and general manager in 1970.[37] After suffering a heart attack in 1993, Nordstrand worked as a part-time consultant to the station.[37] Don Tait, who had been called a "a seminal figure in the history of WFMT", worked as a host from June 1972, until his retirement in October 2007. His interest in archival recordings of conductors such as Willem Mengelberg, Bruno Walter, and Leopold Stokowski was often reflected in his programming. Among the programs he hosted were Collector's Item and Chicago Symphony Retrospective.[38]

Another key contributor to WFMT's success was Associate Program Director Lois Baum. Arriving at the station from KPFK in California in July 1964, Baum produced and oversaw the production of countless spoken arts programs and features. She produced the Critic's Choice series, regular broadcasts of reviews and commentary by artist Harry Bouras (whose name was the inspiration for the playful Chicago art group, the "Hairy Who"), theater critic Claudia Cassidy, and journalist and author Herman Kogan. Baum selected and programmed plays and readings produced by the BBC and by the National Radio Theater of Chicago, and created The Storytellers, a program devoted to short stories. With co-producer George Drury, she created Word of Mouth, a spoken arts program that presented a mixture of rare archival recordings and new studio recordings of poets, novelists, philosophers, scientists, actors and musicians. In addition to her extensive work with spoken arts programs, from 1972 until 2009, Lois Baum co-hosted with Norman Pellegrini nationally syndicated broadcasts from the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

In August 2000, Steve Robinson was hired as general manager of WFMT.[39][40] He had worked in classical music radio since 1967, and retired in 2016.[41][39][40]

Technological achievements

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Since going on the air in 1951, WFMT has garnered a strong reputation for technological innovation and sound quality.

In 1958, WFMT and public television station WTTW collaborated on a pioneering stereo music project in which WTTW broadcast a left audio channel, and WFMT broadcast the right audio channel simultaneously.[13] (FM stereo broadcasting was not yet available).

WFMT broadcast a live concert in 1971, using Dolby noise reduction, the first station to do so. In 1974, it broadcast for the first time in four-channel (quadrophonic) sound, a live performance of the Chicago Lyric Opera's presentation of Rossini's Semiramide.

In 1978, WFMT participated in the first stereo relay of a live performance via satellite, from the San Francisco Opera.

In 1979, WFMT was one of the first local FM stations to re-broadcast its programming via satellite.[13] This feed was received by cable companies (who transmitted WFMT's programming to their subscribers), as well as by home TVRO users.

In 1982, WFMT moved into the digital era, being chosen by Sony and Philips to be the first station in the world to broadcast music from the compact disc format, thanks to the station's reputation for high audio standards.[42][13] The station broadcast material from Digital Audio Tape for the first time in 1987,[43][44] and was once again chosen by Sony to broadcast from a MiniDisc in 1992,[44] to demonstrate the subtle differences between an MD and a CD. WFMT also broadcasts in HD.[45][46]

References

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WFMT

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WFMT is a non-commercial classical and radio station based in , , broadcasting on 98.7 FM and streaming online via its website and app. Founded in December 1951 by Bernard "Bernie" Jacobs and Rita Jacobs, it was established with a mission to provide high-quality fine arts programming that entertains, engages, and respects listeners. From its inception, WFMT has been dedicated to presenting a diverse array of , live performances from institutions like the and , and traditions. The station quickly became renowned for innovative programming, including long-running shows such as The Midnight Special—a program created by and hosted by Marilyn Rea Beyer—and Folkstage, which features live folk performances. It also originated series like Sounds Classical and Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin, emphasizing educational and exploratory content in the arts. One of WFMT's most iconic contributions to broadcasting was serving as the home for Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian 's daily interview program from 1952 to 1997, spanning 45 years and featuring conversations with influential figures across politics, arts, and everyday life. This era helped establish WFMT as a cultural landmark, preserving thousands of archival interviews now accessible through the Studs Terkel Radio Archive. Today, WFMT operates as part of the WFMT Radio Network, a non-profit entity that syndicates arts and culture programs to stations worldwide, reaching millions of listeners. Supported primarily by listener memberships and donations, the station continues to focus on enriching lives through music and cultural exploration, marking over 70 years of uninterrupted service.

History

WOAK Era (1948–1951)

WOAK, a pioneering FM radio station in Chicago, launched on May 16, 1948, under the ownership of the Gale Broadcasting Company. Operated from studios and transmitter facilities at the Hotel Guyon located at 4000 West Washington Boulevard, the station broadcast on 98.3 MHz with a Class A allocation, delivering 770 watts of effective radiated power to serve the west side of Chicago and surrounding suburbs, including Oak Park. This frequency placement positioned WOAK within the emerging high-band FM spectrum, contributing to the post-World War II expansion of FM broadcasting in the Midwest by providing an experimental platform for local signals in a market dominated by AM stations. As a general-interest station, WOAK offered a diverse schedule emphasizing music alongside forum discussions, human interest features, and talent shows showcasing local amateurs from the community. The station operated for 18 hours daily, from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., reflecting the limited but growing audience for FM in its early commercial phase, with programming designed to include high-quality commercials and expanded coverage to build listener loyalty. Under the of president and general manager Bernard Jacobs, a staff of 15 managed operations, including promotional efforts such as distributing recorded discs featuring Jim Ameche to 5,000 residents in Oak Park to raise awareness of the station's signal. The Gale Broadcasting Company's ownership of WOAK underscored its commitment to FM as a medium for innovative local programming during a period when FM adoption was still experimental and challenged by AM competition in . In 1951, following changes in ownership, the station adopted the call letters WFMT and shifted to a fine arts format.

Launch and Early Development (1951–1968)

On December 13, 1951, Bernard "Bernie" Jacobs and Rita Jacobs rebranded the station as WFMT and launched it as Chicago's first commercial fine arts radio station, focusing exclusively on and cultural programming with an initial 8-hour daily schedule from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Bernie served as , handling technical operations, while Rita acted as the primary , personally introducing much of the music to foster an intimate listener connection. This shift marked a departure from the station's predecessor, WOAK, which had operated since with a broader general-interest format blending various genres. By 1953, amid growing listener interest, WFMT expanded its programming to 18 hours per day, incorporating more live announcements and diverse classical selections to build a dedicated audience despite limited resources. That same year, the station introduced The Midnight Special, a weekly late-night program blending folk music, comedy sketches, and satire, initially hosted by young announcer , who later gained fame alongside . The show quickly became a signature feature, offering an eclectic counterpoint to the core classical lineup and attracting a for its improvisational style. In October 1956, WFMT relocated its from 105.9 MHz to the current 98.7 MHz, accompanied by transmitter improvements that enhanced signal strength and coverage across the area. These upgrades, including increased , allowed for broader reach without compromising the station's intimate production ethos. By 1968, programming had evolved to full 24-hour operations, solidifying WFMT's role as a pioneering outlet for extended fine arts and enabling overnight classical selections to meet round-the-clock demand.

Ownership Transitions and Expansion (1968–2000)

In 1967, amid financial pressures and regulatory scrutiny, station owner Bernard Jacobs sold WFMT to WGN Continental Broadcasting Company, a of the , for $810,000. This acquisition aimed to provide operational support but quickly faced challenges due to (FCC) rules prohibiting common ownership of television and radio stations in the same market. To resolve the issue, WGN Continental donated WFMT to Window to the World Communications, Inc., the non-profit organization operating public television station , in 1970; the donation was valued at a nominal $1, reflecting the station's ongoing losses of about $50,000 annually at the time. This transition integrated WFMT into a shared non-profit structure, enabling collaborative administrative, fundraising, and technical resources between the radio and television outlets while preserving the station's focus and independence in programming. The move bolstered institutional stability, allowing WFMT to benefit from WTTW's established infrastructure without commercial pressures. During the late 1990s, Window to the World Communications initiated planning to relocate WFMT's transmitter from the John Hancock Center to the newly renamed (formerly Tower), a project completed in 2001 that significantly enhanced signal propagation over the . The relocation positioned the antenna at 1,542 feet above average terrain, with an (ERP) of 6,000 watts, expanding reliable coverage to suburbs and surrounding counties despite a reduction from the prior 15.5 kW setup at a lower height. This upgrade supported growing listenership and operational growth, solidifying WFMT's role as a cornerstone of fine arts broadcasting in the region.

Network Initiatives (1980s–1990s)

During the 1980s, WFMT expanded its syndication efforts through the Fine Arts Network, originally established to distribute live broadcasts of Chicago cultural performances, such as those from the and , to stations nationwide. This initiative marked a significant step in broadening access to fine arts programming beyond local audiences, leveraging WFMT's rich audio library to foster national partnerships with public radio affiliates. In 1986, WFMT launched the Beethoven Satellite Network, a 24-hour classical music service delivered via satellite, drawing from the station's extensive collection of over 40,000 recordings to provide modular programming tailored for late-night slots on affiliate stations. Designed to offer high-quality, customizable classical content separate from WFMT's core broadcast, the network quickly grew its affiliate base, enabling broader dissemination of Beethoven-centric and other classical repertoire by the late 1980s. The 1990s saw further diversification with the introduction of the Jazz Network in April 1997, which syndicated nine hours of daily mainstream programming from WFMT's schedule to a rapidly expanding group of affiliates, emphasizing hosted segments and musical variety to complement the station's classical focus. This development built on earlier syndication partnerships, such as the 1986 agreement to distribute recordings of the Baroque Ensemble, contributing to overall affiliate growth from dozens to over a hundred stations by the decade's end under the stable ownership of Window to the World Communications since 1970.

Recent Developments (2000–present)

Under the continued ownership of the non-profit Window to the World Communications, Inc., WFMT has maintained its operational stability while pursuing initiatives to sustain in the digital age. The organization, which also operates PBS affiliate , has focused on fundraising and board expansion to support long-term programming; for instance, in November 2024, it elected two new trustees to enhance governance and community engagement. These efforts underscore WFMT's role as a cornerstone of Chicago's cultural non-profit sector, with annual campaigns emphasizing listener donations to fund ad-free content. Programming adjustments in the have addressed host transitions and evolving listener habits, beginning with the 2018 retirement of longtime morning host Carl Grapentine after 48 years, during which he became a beloved voice for classical enthusiasts. Dennis Moore succeeded him but departed in 2024 amid reported health-related issues, leading to interim hosting before assumed the morning slot in January 2025. In March 2024, WFMT reshuffled its schedule, retaining core shows like Exploring Music while shifting times for others, such as Friday evening programming now hosted by Kristina Lynn from 8 to 11 p.m., to better align with audience feedback. Further changes included the July 2025 retirement of announcer Kerry Frumkin, whose voice had narrated countless broadcasts over decades. To respond to digital media shifts, WFMT expanded its online presence with live streaming, on-demand archives, and podcasts, allowing global access to programs like the Radio Archive (digitized starting in the early 2000s) and Exploring Music episodes. The station's website and app now offer two weeks of archived shows in five-hour blocks, alongside syndication through the WFMT , which reached over 100 affiliates by the 2020s. These adaptations have helped mitigate declining traditional radio listenership by integrating classical content into streaming platforms, with initiatives like the redesigned network site in 2019 enhancing discoverability. In 2025, WFMT marked key events including live broadcasts of the Grant Park Music Festival concerts from the Pritzker Pavilion, featuring world-class performers and reinforcing its ties to Chicago's summer cultural scene. Amid internal developments, station content creators announced their intent to unionize with in March 2025, seeking better representation for broadcast professionals. No major new affiliations were established, but technological integrations continued through enhanced digital audio archives and partnerships for series broadcasts from global venues.

Programming

Core Format and Schedule

WFMT maintains a 24/7 format, a commitment established in 1968 following its initial shift to classical programming in 1951. This structure emphasizes symphonies, operas, and , delivering a continuous stream of curated performances that blend historical masterpieces with contemporary interpretations. The station's broadcasts prominently feature live events, including regular transmissions of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's concerts, which provide listeners with dynamic, behind-the-scenes commentary alongside the performances. Similarly, WFMT airs the Metropolitan Opera's Saturday matinee broadcasts, bringing full operas from New York City's stage to its audience since the series' inception in 1931. Niche programming segments enrich the format, incorporating specialized explorations such as repertoire—featuring works by composers like Bach and Vivaldi—and folk-classical hybrids that fuse traditional folk elements with classical structures, as seen in selections like arrangements of American folk tunes. These segments highlight WFMT's dedication to diverse expressions within the classical genre, offering variety beyond mainstream symphonic fare. As of November 2025, the weekly schedule is organized into distinct blocks to cater to different listening times, ensuring a balanced progression from morning choral and exploratory content to afternoon recitals and evening orchestral works. Weekday mornings begin at 6:00 a.m. with With Heart and Voice, hosted by Peter DeBois, featuring sacred choral and organ music until 9:00 a.m., followed by Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin from 9:00 a.m. to noon, offering educational journeys through classical themes. Afternoons from noon to 2:00 p.m. include midday programming hosted by Lisa Flynn, transitioning to Afternoon Music with Candice Agree from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., which delves into operas, live recitals like the weekly Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts at 12:15 p.m., and folk-classical integrations such as Grofé's Mississippi Suite. Evenings from 7:00 p.m. onward feature live orchestral broadcasts, such as Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts, thematic explorations including Baroque masses like Bach's Mass in B Minor, and symphonic cycles like Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. This block structure repeats daily with variations for weekends, incorporating additional live events and special series to maintain engagement throughout the week.

Signature Shows and Features

WFMT's signature programming emphasizes depth through live performances, thematic explorations, and audience engagement, setting it apart as a cornerstone of fine arts radio. A hallmark is the station's extensive broadcasts, including the WFMT Opera Series aired Saturdays at noon, which features productions from renowned companies worldwide such as in , the House in , and the . This series complements the long-standing broadcasts, carried by WFMT since the network's inception in 1931, delivering full-length operas with intermission features to audiences globally. Additionally, the WFMT Radio Network Opera Series for 2025, running from June 13 to November 28, spotlights diverse international productions, including works from , , , and , enhancing accessibility to high-caliber . Current hosts play pivotal roles in shaping daily and thematic content. Candice Agree hosts Afternoon Music weekdays from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., curating a mix of classical repertoire, and leads Baroque & Before on Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m., focusing on with historical context and performer interviews; she also presents the Ryan Opera Center Recital Series at 5:00 p.m. on select Sundays, showcasing emerging talents. Bill McGlaughlin, a and conductor, anchors Exploring Music, a syndicated series with five-episode arcs delving into genres, festivals, or themes like influences in classical works, designed as an educational "journey" for listeners; he also hosts narrative-driven programs such as I Didn't Know About You and Let Me Tell You a Story, blending music with to illuminate lesser-known compositions. Composer spotlights form a distinctive feature, offering in-depth profiles through interviews and performances that highlight innovative voices. Examples include dedicated episodes on , exploring his multifaceted career as pianist, conductor, and composer; Javier Alvarez, whose electroacoustic works draw from Mexican and Caribbean traditions; and , a Grammy-winning figure known for her dynamic orchestral pieces. These segments underscore WFMT's commitment to , often featuring premieres or rare recordings to foster appreciation for diverse artistic contributions. In 2025, new initiatives like the WFMT Orchestra Series debut with episodes on ensembles such as the performing Mahler's Resurrection Symphony, alongside a Contemporary Chamber Series launching in fall, addressing programming gaps with fresh chamber works and collaborations. Audience interaction is woven into shows like Saturday Morning Listener's Choice, a family-friendly request program hosted by Maggie Clennon Reberg, where listeners submit classical music dedications via phone at (773) 279-2421, Facebook posts, or tweets, creating themed playlists that build community around shared favorites. This contrasts with early folk offerings like The Midnight Special, launched in 1953 as a lively Saturday night mix of folk, blues, and novelty tunes.

Syndication and Digital Reach

The WFMT Radio Network, established as a non-profit entity, creates, markets, and distributes audio programs focused on arts and culture to public radio stations across the and beyond. It offers subscription-based series and specials, including live concert broadcasts from orchestras such as the and , as well as opera productions and educational content, with programming costs supported by partnerships with presenting organizations and underwriting. The network maintains over 350 affiliate stations nationwide, enabling wide distribution of its and offerings, such as the overnight Beethoven Network, which originated in 1986 as a syndicated classical service. In 1979, WFMT pioneered national syndication through satellite delivery, marking it as one of the earliest radio stations to achieve broad over-the-air and cable distribution across the and to international audiences via systems like United Video Inc. This expansion solidified its role as a key provider of fine arts programming, with affiliates accessing curated content through an online portal for seamless integration into local schedules. For international reach, the WFMT Radio Network holds active membership in the (EBU), facilitating program exchanges and collaborations with public service broadcasters in over 50 countries. This affiliation, alongside partnerships with entities like the since 2015, supports global distribution of WFMT content to stations in regions including , , and the . WFMT extends its presence digitally through 24/7 live streaming on wfmt.com, available worldwide in AAC-LC and formats compatible with various media players. Dedicated mobile apps for and Android provide access to the live stream, on-demand archives of recent shows, and exclusive content like interviews and playlists. Podcasts feature select programs, including full-length recitals from the "Live from WFMT" series and conversational segments, distributed via the station's and major platforms. Locally in , WFMT broadcasts in on 98.7 FM , offering enhanced audio quality for classical and programming. Following updates in 2024, WFMT integrated voice-activated access on smart devices, allowing global listeners to stream via and through skills and compatibility, broadening on-demand availability without geographic restrictions. These enhancements, including app refreshes for improved and content discovery, have increased international engagement, with streams reaching audiences in dozens of countries as of 2025.

Notable Personnel

Founding and Early Hosts

WFMT was founded on December 13, 1951, by Bernard "Bernie" Jacobs, who served as the station's engineer, and his wife Rita Jacobs, who acted as the primary programmer and announcer, establishing a format centered on and fine arts from the outset. The couple purchased the struggling AM station WOAK and converted it to FM, operating out of the Hotel Guyon in with limited resources but a clear vision for high-quality, listener-focused broadcasting. Rita, in particular, curated the early playlist, emphasizing recorded classical performances to appeal to an educated audience seeking alternatives to commercial radio. Their hands-on approach in the station's first year laid the groundwork for WFMT's reputation as a . In 1952, key early personalities joined to expand the station's programming diversity. Studs Terkel began contributing that year, initially hosting music segments that highlighted and blues artists, such as his introduction of and in early broadcasts, blending musical playback with informal commentary to engage listeners. His work on shows like Studs Terkel's Almanac focused on showcasing live and recorded performances, fostering a conversational style that complemented WFMT's classical core while introducing folk and elements. Simultaneously, Norman Pellegrini started as a part-time in 1952, assisting Rita Jacobs with on-air duties and quickly becoming integral to the station's smooth operation; by 1953, he advanced to program director, where he helped refine the announcing style with his knowledgeable, erudite delivery. A pivotal addition to WFMT's lineup came in 1953 with the launch of The Midnight Special, a Saturday evening program created and hosted by , who infused the show with humor, , and eclectic selections that deviated playfully from the station's classical emphasis. As a young talent from the of Chicago's improv scene and later half of the comedy duo , Nichols hosted the inaugural broadcasts, featuring guest performers and comedic interludes that attracted a devoted late-night audience and established the program as a long-running WFMT staple. His innovative approach in those early years helped broaden the station's appeal, showcasing how WFMT could integrate variety and personality into its fine arts mission.

Long-Term Contributors

Studs Terkel hosted his daily interview program on WFMT from 1952 until his retirement in 1997, spanning 45 years and establishing him as a pivotal figure in American broadcasting. His show featured conversations with a diverse array of notable figures, from artists and activists to everyday people, capturing the cultural and social pulse of the 20th century and influencing public discourse on labor, civil rights, and the arts. Terkel's work at WFMT, preserved in an archive of over 5,600 programs, with more than 2,000 digitized and publicly accessible, now managed jointly by the Chicago History Museum and WFMT, earned him a Pulitzer Prize for his related oral history books and solidified his legacy as a chronicler of ordinary voices in extraordinary times. Don Tait served as a program host at WFMT from 1972 to 2007, a 35-year tenure marked by his deep knowledge of classical music repertoire, particularly from the early 20th century and earlier periods. He hosted shifts including the morning program and "Collectors Item," a show dedicated to rare classical recordings, where his expertise in vocal and instrumental works, including opera, enriched listeners' appreciation of historical performances. Tait's contributions extended to producing and scripting broadcasts that highlighted overlooked gems in the classical canon, fostering a dedicated audience for WFMT's fine arts focus until his retirement. He passed away in December 2023 at age 82. Ray Nordstrand began his WFMT career in 1953 as an announcer, auditioned by future theater director , and remained involved for four decades until 1993, contributing both on-air and in leadership roles. Initially handling announcing duties and later hosting segments like those on "The Midnight Special," Nordstrand's early on-air presence helped shape the station's intimate, eclectic style during its formative years. By 1970, he advanced to president and , overseeing programming expansions and technological upgrades that elevated WFMT's national profile, though he transitioned to planning roles after 1985 before fully departing in 1993. Nordstrand died in 2005 at age 72. Following Terkel's departure, Carl Grapentine joined WFMT in 1996 as morning program host, serving full-time until his retirement in 2018 after 22 years, with occasional part-time contributions thereafter. Known for his warm delivery and curation of classical selections, Grapentine's tenure bridged WFMT's storied past with contemporary audiences, including live broadcasts from venues that highlighted local orchestras and festivals. His final regular broadcast aired on July 27, 2018, marking the end of an era for the station's morning slot. Among post-1997 figures with extended tenures, Lisa Flynn has hosted midday programs since joining in 1991, continuing through 2025 as a lead announcer and producer for international broadcasts like the . Similarly, Jan Weller, on staff since 1995 with intermittent roles, remains active in 2025 as Saturday afternoon host and fill-in announcer, earning recognition for her contributions to classical programming. In a notable 2025 transition, Robbie Ellis concluded his full-time role after starting part-time in 2015 and going full-time from 2020, having hosted Sunday afternoons and produced jazz content.

Awards and Honors

Early Recognitions (1950s–1960s)

WFMT's pioneering commitment to a format on FM radio, launched in 1951, quickly garnered national acclaim for its innovative programming that emphasized high-quality cultural content over commercial interruptions. In 1957, the station received the Alfred I. duPont Award as one of the nation's top broadcasters in the small-station category, recognizing its meritorious service through distinctive fine arts programming that elevated public discourse on , , and . This honor underscored WFMT's role in demonstrating the viability of ad-free, intellectually engaging dedicated to classical repertoire and educational features. The station continued to build on this momentum, earning another Alfred I. duPont Award in 1960 for overall programming excellence, this time in the large-station category, which highlighted its growth and sustained impact in delivering sophisticated content to a broadening . In 1961, WFMT was awarded the Award for its contributions to broadcasting, specifically for an institutional focus on fine arts entertainment that included live and recorded classical concerts, international music festivals, and diverse cultural broadcasts spanning 19 hours daily. In 1962, WFMT received the Prix Italia for Studs Terkel's "Born to Live," an international honor recognizing excellence in radio features. These accolades validated the station's classical FM model as a cultural force, proving that such programming could engage listeners commercially and artistically without relying on popular hits. During the 1960s, WFMT further distinguished itself by receiving Major Armstrong Awards, honoring excellence and originality in both engineering and content creation, which celebrated the technical precision enabling its high-fidelity classical transmissions alongside creative programming innovations.

Later Accolades (1970s–present)

In the 1970s, WFMT continued to garner prestigious honors building on its early successes, such as the duPont and from the 1950s and 1960s. The station received a Award in 1975 for its "Music in Chicago: Stravinsky '75" series, which featured daily broadcasts of Igor Stravinsky's works over two months, accompanied by commentary to enhance listener appreciation of the composer's oeuvre. In 1979, WFMT earned a for Chicago Radio Theatre, recognizing its innovative productions of hour-long dramas from classics to documentaries. This recognition highlighted WFMT's commitment to innovative programming that combined high-quality music with educational depth. Additionally, in 1976, WFMT earned a Major Armstrong Award for excellence and originality in , underscoring its leadership in musical and educational content. During the 1980s and 1990s, WFMT's expansion into syndication earned it multiple Major Armstrong Awards, particularly for engineering innovations and syndicated programming that extended classical and fine arts content to a national audience. For instance, in 1985, the station was honored in the Armstrong Awards for its contributions to music programming, with program director Norman Pellegrini noted for his role in advancing FM excellence. The launch of the Beethoven Satellite Network in 1986 marked a significant milestone, recognized as a pioneering effort in satellite-delivered classical music syndication, allowing public radio stations nationwide to access WFMT's curated library of over 85,000 recordings for overnight programming. Similarly, the debut of the Jazz Network in 1997 received acclaim for broadening access to jazz programming, debuting with a robust affiliate base and features like hosted hours by GRAMMY-winning artists, which solidified WFMT's reputation in genre-specific syndication. Into the 21st century, WFMT's accolades have emphasized ongoing excellence and adaptation to . In 2004, the station received a for the 11-part ": An American Life," produced by CultureWorks and distributed by WFMT. In recent years, the station's program "Relevant Tones," hosted by Seth Boustead, received the ASCAP Foundation / Radio Broadcast for its innovative exploration of , demonstrating WFMT's enduring impact on broadcasting. These honors, spanning syndication breakthroughs and digital-era contributions, have cemented WFMT's status as a leader in fine arts radio, influencing standards through consistent quality and reach to millions.

Technological Achievements

Audio Innovation Pioneers

WFMT played a pivotal role in advancing audio technologies during the mid-20th century, focusing on enhancements to sound quality and fidelity that elevated classical music broadcasting. As a fine arts station, it prioritized innovations that allowed listeners to experience recordings with greater clarity and immersion, often collaborating with equipment manufacturers and sister station WTTW. These efforts positioned WFMT as a leader in audio processing, distinct from broader transmission developments. In , WFMT achieved a as the first U.S. station to engage in stereo broadcasting through a partnership with , where WTTW handled the left audio channel via its television signal and WFMT provided the right channel over FM radio. This collaboration, which integrated radio and television audio streams, allowed audiences to receive true using existing receivers, marking an early step toward widespread stereo adoption in . The initiative demonstrated WFMT's commitment to superior audio reproduction ahead of commercial FM stereo standards formalized later that year. By 1971, WFMT became one of the earliest adopters of the for , conducting demonstrations and live concert transmissions that reduced background hiss and improved . Partnering with Laboratories, the station broadcast programs using the Dolby B system, which compressed high-frequency signals during transmission and expanded them on playback, enhancing the clarity of orchestral works without requiring specialized listener equipment beyond compatible decoders. This adoption followed WFMT's integration under WTTW's ownership in 1970, facilitating shared resources for such technical trials. In 1974, WFMT experimented with quadrophonic sound, broadcasting four-channel audio to simulate surround effects for classical performances, including discussions with program director Norman Pellegrini on implementation challenges. These tests explored matrix-encoded formats compatible with stereo receivers, aiming to create a more enveloping listening environment for home audiences and foreshadowing later surround sound standards. WFMT extended its into the digital age in 1982 by becoming the world's first radio station to broadcast from a , selected by for its high-fidelity reputation. Using 's CDP-101 player, the station aired selections that showcased CD's superior noise-free playback and extended , predating commercial CD availability and influencing the format's radio integration.

Broadcasting and Transmission Advances

In 1979, WFMT pioneered satellite rebroadcasting, becoming the first radio station in the United States to operate as a national by delivering its programming via to cable systems and audiences across the country and internationally. This advancement expanded WFMT's reach beyond its traditional FM signal, enabling syndication to hundreds of affiliates and millions of listeners without relying solely on terrestrial transmission. Following the Federal Communications Commission's approval of digital broadcasting standards, WFMT implemented technology in 2009, allowing for improved audio quality and the potential for multi-channel programming on its primary 98.7 MHz frequency. This upgrade supported simultaneous transmission of the main analog signal alongside digital sidebands, enhancing signal robustness and enabling supplemental services such as additional audio streams. In 2001, WFMT relocated its transmitter to the (formerly Tower) in , optimizing coverage through a (HAAT) of 470 meters and an (ERP) of 6,000 watts using a dedicated circularly polarized antenna system. This move improved urban signal penetration and supported subsequent digital enhancements, including integration for hybrid analog-digital operations. Post-2000 digital transmission upgrades at WFMT have focused on integrating streaming compatibility with over-the-air while maintaining core FM/HD transmission integrity.

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