Monday, May 18, 2009

New GM of WPKN 89.5 FM in Conn.


News release from WPKN:

Peter Bochan is Named General Manager of WPKN
A Former Executive at WBAI Radio in New York City

Peter Bochan was named GM by the members of WPKN Radio (WPKN 89.5 FM in Bridgeport, CT & WPKM 88.7 FM in Montauk, NY) after elections at that station’s annual meeting held on May 17, 2009 at their office in Bridgeport, CT. Bochan, formerly the Operations Director for New York City’s WBAI-FM is coming back to the station where he first got his start back in 1973. Bochan is nationally known as the creator of the Shortcuts radio series and as host of the critically acclaimed All Mixed Up, his weekly show on WBAI. The New York Times, Time Out New York, the Village Voice and The Daily News have named that show one of the Top Ten Music Radio Programs. It is known for incorporating current events, politics, and culture into custom-blended montages. Bochan’s “Barack Obama-The Remix” set record numbers of pledges for an original fundraising premium at WBAI and was one of the most popular programs ever distributed by the Public Radio Exchange, featured on many of public radio stations with incredible feedback from almost every market including WPKN.

“WPKN is one of the wonder of the non-commercial radio world, with a dedicated staff of volunteer programmers, musicologists and eclectic producers, whose knowledge of the history of music and pop culture is beyond compare,” says Bochan. One of his first tasks will be to grow the listener base. Adds Bochan, “What we need to do is find a way to let more people know about WPKN, to expand the listener base and strengthen the greater world’s knowledge of WPKN and what treasures lie in our collective consciousness and in our unique library.” Jeep Ward, former interim general manager will remain on the board of directors as co-chair.

WPKN/WPKM is already readying for a busy summer. Its Summers of Love: Music That Moved us in the 1960’s a two-day Radio Marathon on June 6-7 kicks off it 8-Days a Week fundraising through June 13. In Long Island, on June 27th, the 2nd Annual Hamptons Roots Music Festival in Southampton, NY will be a benefit for WPKN featuring The Kennedys, Caroline Doctorow and others. WPKN will also again be broadcasting live via “Radio Vibes” the multi-day, outdoor music festival, Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport’s Seaside Park. On August 6, the California’66 Review Tour, featuring The Electric Prunes, the band LOVE, and Sky Saxon from The Seeds will perform at The Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University for a WPKN Benefit Concert.

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