Wednesday, August 22, 2007

WQXRWQXR
WQXR-FM is an FM radio station licensed to New York City. It broadcasts on 96.3 MHz from the top of the Empire State Building, and is the most listened-to classical music station in the United States, with an average quarter-hour audience of 63,000 (as of Spring 2004). WQXR-FM has two translators, both independently owned: W279AJ in Highland, New York on 103.7 MHz, and W244AS in Oakhurst, New Jersey on 96.7. On the air since 1939, WQXR-FM is also one of the oldest continuously-operating FM stations in the world.

History
As with most remaining classical music stations in the United States, WQXR's playlist has changed over the years to focus on shorter and more easily assimilated pieces and away from long pieces and most vocal music including opera. WQXR does however play a fair amount of 20th century classical works. It also continues to play long pieces during special broadcasts, and often broadcasts a complete opera at least once a week. Most notably, it is the headquarters for broadcasting the Metropolitan Opera each Saturday afternoon during its season, from December to April.
In addition to music, WQXR has 5-minute world news updates at the top of each hour during the day on weekdays. It also broadcasts some religious services, including a live half-hour Shabbat service from Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York every Friday at 5:30 p.m., a weekly Presbyterian service from the previous week on Sunday morning, and less frequent services from Unitarian and Ethical Culture churches.
The station also features a weekly program about piano entitled "Reflections from the Keyboard" which is hosted by David Dubal.

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