W麻豆原创-FM, the university鈥檚 Public Broadcasting Service radio station, is the highest-rated, full-time, noncommercial jazz station in the nation, according to recent Nielsen numbers.
The ranking means the station received a bigger share of its Central Florida market than similar stations recorded in their local markets. The station edged out radio stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and other markets.
鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled that so many listeners in Central Florida are enjoying ,鈥� said Kayonne Riley, general manager. 鈥淥rlando is truly a place where listeners continue to want great music on their radio dial, and we鈥檙e happy to make that happen daily with our mix of classic and contemporary jazz music.鈥�
The numbers in April showed that 86,800 listeners tuned into the station every week, the highest the station has ever recorded, said Chris Puorro, program director.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited because we鈥檙e still growing,鈥� he said, adding that the staff has been doing a lot of promotions at athletic events, art festivals and other venues to boost the station. 鈥淐entral Florida is a competitive market for music stations and we鈥檙e honored that listeners in Orlando have embraced us.鈥�
The station, which went to an all-jazz music format in 1998, is celebrating its 35th anniversary.