SYRACUSE -- Perhaps it's a sign of just how tough the economy has been recently -- Syracuse University NPR affiliate WAER 88.3 has apparently replaced morning jazz host Jane Librizzi with an automated satellite feed.
PD/OM Ron Ockert confirms, "WAER did make a long considered program change to JazzWorks as our morning jazz service." He offered no further comment.
A listener who submitted an anonymous tip via our Contact Form says they noticed the change somewhere around the beginning of the month. As of this writing, Librizzi's daily playlists are still posted on the WAER website, but June 30th is the last date listed.
JazzWorks is nothing new for WAER -- the station had already been using the syndicated service during the overnight hours. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time WAER has employed JazzWorks during daylight hours. As per the network's talent schedule, Librizzi's old shift is now filled by two different hosts: Bonnie Grice at 9am, followed by Jeff Fox from 10 to noon.
The JazzWorks network is owned and operated by fellow public radio station WDUQ at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Interestingly, according to the JazzWorks website, all localization elements can be stored and triggered right within the satellite receiver, meaning local affiliates don't necessarily need an in-studio automation system (or the sometimes complex setup required) in order to blend the network feed with local elements.
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Thanks to the anonymous reader who tipped us off by sending a note through our Contact Form. Even though we can't publish anonymous tips as-is, they still help to point us in the right direction to get official confirmation on stories. Providing your name and/or e-mail address is optional.