Sept. 4, 2001
GW Presents Capital Jazz
University Expands Presence On The Dial With New Program
By Matthew
Nehmer
GWs presence on the radio dial expands this month with the launch
of GW Presents Capital Jazz, a new show that will blend
the best of recorded jazz with performances from the Duke Ellington
School of Arts, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,
and GW. WRC-AM 1260 will air the program on Sundays from 11 am
noon starting Sept. 9.
The idea for the show started with Vice President for Communications
Michael Freedman, who wanted to foster hands-on opportunities for GW
students to help produce on-air programming. To this end, he began negotiations
with Clear Channel Communications on a partnership for airtime on Sunday
mornings.
We are always looking for new ways to give our students some real-world
experiences and while we have a terrific student radio station, WRGW,
there has not been an opportunity for students to participate in a real
broadcast over the airwaves, says Freedman, who is a former general
manager of CBS Radio Network. Similarly, there has not been a
broadcast outlet to showcase GW music students who participate in the
jazz band and other groups.
Bringing jazz back to metro area radio was another motivating factor
for Freedman. We saw an opportunity to deliver to Washington area
listeners a real cultural/community radio program that celebrates the
District of Columbia as one of the true homes of traditional jazz,
Freedman says. So, its another way for GW to contribute
to the community that we are so much a part of.
Helping with this endeavor will be the shows host, Dick Golden.
Based at the CBS affiliate in Hyannis, MA, Golden currently hosts the
WOCN live morning show and its three-hour evening program, Nightlights.
A veteran of the radio business for more than 30 years, Golden has been
described by his colleagues as a walking encyclopedia of American
popular song. In 2000 he produced Satchmo: The Wonderful
World of Louis Armstrong, The Centennial Radio Project, commemorating
Louis Armstrongs 100th birthday. The series of programs aired
on NPR. In addition to working with both GW and Duke Ellington students,
Golden will also conduct interviews with jazz greats and local talent.
The John F. Kennedy Centers association is the result of its partnership
with GW in helping guide the success of the Duke Ellington School.
The new show will be the second part of a two-hour block of GW-produced
programming. Preceding Capital Jazz will be The GW
Washington Forum in its new time slot from 1011 am. Launched
in 1997, the Forum is a weekly public affairs show featuring University
experts talking about issues of the day. In addition to maintaining
GWs presence on the radio dial, the Forum allows seasoned veterans
and relative newcomers alike a chance to practice and refine their on-air
abilities. Many guests go on other shows and speak to national media
organizations. Recent shows include professors Timothy McCafferey and
Kenneth Schaffner discussing stem cell research and Professor of Law
Lawrence Mitchell talking about his new book, Corporate Irresponsibility.
Richard Sheehe, director of media services for the GW Medical Center,
will continue hosting the show, a duty he has performed since 1998.
The Forum is produced by the Universitys Office of Media Relations
and beginning this fall students will have more involvement in
the shows production.
As for the future, Freedman hopes to secure grant money for expansion
even as far as making GW Presents Capital Jazz a
nationally-syndicated show.
Were starting very small, says Freedman, but
well be on the air with a cultural/community radio program that
celebrates Washingtons jazz roots and the talents of young people
now following in the footsteps of DC native son Duke Ellington.
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu