Philly Radio: Bill Johnson Promoted to GM At WRTI-FM

Bill Johnson

Bill Johnson, longtime station manager of non-com WRTI 90.1 FM, has been named the station's new general manager. He replaces Dave Conant, 70, who retired Dec. 23 after nearly two decades heading the station.

According to philly.com, Johnson, 52, has been WRTI's station manager for 16 years, and says he does not anticipate any major changes to the Temple University station's half-classical, half-jazz format, or its offerings.

"It’s a little bit of, if it's not broke, don't fix it," he said. "My number-one priority is to increase listener service and value. If you are a listener you like the format and what we choose to present. But we have to think a lot about whether we are giving folks our best in terms of what we select and what we say about it. There is always room for improvement, always an opportunity to discover a new artist or a new work, and we have to be very smart about picking those out and sharing - here is why we are excited about this beyond just listening, sharing the scoop about how we feel and think about the music."

Johnson has decades of experience in music and management, is committed to the mission of public media, and is passionate about the role WRTI plays in bringing classical music and jazz to listeners throughout the tri-state region and beyond.

As station manager, Bill has worked to help shape WRTI into the success it is today. His knowledge—of the staff, the listeners, the format, the community, and the challenges and opportunities for public media today—will be a prime asset for leading the station in the years ahead.

WRTI 90.1 FM (7.7 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

“Temple University is very fortunate to have someone of Bill Johnson’s caliber ready to take the helm at WRTI as general manager,” says Joy L. De Jesús, the associate vice president for the University, who oversees WRTI. “Bill is uniquely positioned to provide both continuity of operations and innovative leadership for organizational growth. I’m confident that WRTI will soar to new heights under his direction.”