D/FW Radio: Non-Com To Air Classical Holiday Tunes

KERA and WRR 101.1 FM are making exciting progress in their partnership to transition the station to an all-classical format.

Beginning Nov. 25, listeners can expect to hear all classical music all the time on WRR, with a special focus on holiday classical music throughout the holiday season.

Although KERA won’t officially assume management of WRR till Jan. 3, 2023, listeners can expect the shift to an all-classical format to begin on Nov. 25. To celebrate the season, WRR will exclusively feature all classical holiday music from Nov. 25-Jan. 2, including around-the-clock classical holiday music; new programs honoring multiple winter holidays; and live, local performances.

“Ever since the City began seeking new management for WRR, North Texans have made one thing unequivocally clear — they want to keep classical music alive and thriving in our region,” said President & CEO of KERA Nico Leone. “Now, as KERA prepares to welcome WRR into its many services, we’re proud to meet our audiences’ call-to-action and air all classical, all the time — starting with a focus on holiday music,” said Leone.

The special holiday programming will include WRR’s annual “Caroling in the Arts District” — five days of live, remote broadcasts with some of North Texas’ most beloved choral groups, including Dallas Symphony Chorus, Turtle Creek Chorale, The Women’s Chorus of Dallas, Verdigris Ensemble, the Texas Boys Choir and Singing Girls of Texas.

This year’s event will be held Dec. 5-9 in the lobby of Moody Performance Hall from noon to 1 p.m., and is free and open to the public. A full lineup and schedule of WRR’s holiday programming and specials can be found at wrr101.com/holiday.

“When Dallas City Council approved our agreement to manage WRR in June, it really did feel like a celebration,” said KERA’s Chief Content & Diversity Officer Sylvia Komatsu. “For KERA and WRR, but more importantly, for listeners and the arts community in North Texas. One of the most universal feelings around the holidays is celebration, so we’re excited to share this programming in the coming months that reflects our joy and gratitude about the future of classical music in North Texas.”

WRR’s transition to a fully classical format is part of the station’s larger transition from a commercial to noncommercial station. As a noncommercial station, WRR and KERA can prioritize programs and content that reflect the diversity of North Texas and further highlight local ensembles and musicians. Non-classical paid programs will no longer air as a part of the format. Additionally, operating as a noncommercial station will open up new revenue opportunities for WRR that were not possible as a commercial station or under City management.

“We are excited about the ongoing growth of WRR in partnership with KERA,” said Interim Director of Office of Arts and Culture Benjamin Espino. “The partnership will enable more sustainable operations, while also broadening the reach of the City’s classical station and our arts partners to diverse audiences across Dallas and North Texas.”

“During the past few months, a tremendous amount of time and care has gone into ensuring that this transition is not only successful, but that it flourishes,” said Host and Director of Marketing and Promotions at WRR Amy Bishop. “Under this new nonprofit model, we will be able to devote more airtime to music and programs for an even fresher, diverse, and local sound,” said Bishop.