MEDIA CONTACT:Kristine M. McGrath

561-297-1168, kmcgrath@fau.edu

FAU and WXEL Sign MOU to Develop

FAU Digital Radio Broadcasting Program Service

            BOCA RATON, FL (March 15, 2006) - Florida Atlantic University and WXEL Public Broadcasting Corporation (WPBC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop an FAU radio program service to be broadcast over a WXEL digital audio channel.  The service will draw on the expertise of faculty and students to create broadcast quality programs promoting the arts and sciences. The MOU also addressees the participation of FAU and WPBC representatives on community and university advisory boards.

           “This is a great opportunity for FAU to enhance its commitment to the communities of South Florida, through programming that will entertain and inform a growing digital-radio audience,” said William A. Covino, dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters.

           FAU digital radio will be a non-profit, non-commercial educational radio program service that will complement WXEL’s current FM programming.  Possible FAU programs include hosted classical music programs, hosted world music programs, programs previewing CDs produced by FAU’s students and faculty through FAU’s music labels, interviews with FAU artists, educators and scientists, weekly magazine-format local news programs and coverage of FAU sport events.

            "We are confident that the new WXEL will be strengthened by this tremendous partnership with FAU.  The University's phenomenal resources will be more accessible through WXEL radio, and radio's service to the community will be enhanced dramatically by FAU's programs.  We hope this digital radio channel is only the beginning of a long and productive relationship," said Carmen M. DiRienzo, vice president and managing director of the Educational Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), parent of Thirteen/WNET and WLIW in New York.  EBC and the Community Broadcast Foundation of Palm Beach have partnered to form the WXEL Public Broadcasting Corporation, proposed future licensee of WXEL radio and television.

            The FAU digital radio will be programmed by FAU’s department of communication in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters for the purpose of fulfilling FAU’s mission to provide educational outreach to the communities it serves.  The agreement is for a 10 year period, with the option to renew for two additional five year periods, contingent upon FCC approval of the license transfer of WXEL.

            For more information on FAU’s digital radio program, contact Dr. Susan Reilly, chair of FAU’s department of communication, at 561-297-1095 or sreilly@fau.edu.

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