Radio News
Dallas classical music radio station WRR releases new program lineup
The new WRR will be all classical all the time.
A new, permanent schedule for WRR 101.1 FM, Dallas' classical music station, has been released, with what a release claims will be less interruptions and more classical music.
The schedule comes in the wake of a new management arrangement for WRR, which was previously run by the city and will now function as an all-classical, noncommercial format under the management of KERA, effective January 3, 2023.
This gives WRR revenue opportunities such as donations, grants, membership programs, and sponsorships. Expect "sponsorship messages" similar to those heard on KERA — like ads, but executed in a calm, low-key speaking voice.
Longtime WRR advertisers who have become sponsors include Dallas Opera, Dallas Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, The Trusted Lab, the City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability, Steinway Hall of Dallas, and more, as well as one of KERA's sponsors, William Sheahan Designs and Fine Jewelry.
The new lineup includes:
- Morning Classical with Kurt, featuring Kurt Rongey, who has returned to WRR as Assistant Program Director
- At Work With Amy, a regular weekday show with Amy Bishop
- The Homestretch, hosted by Nikki Velonis
- The Dinner Concert, every weeknight with Matt Rogers
- The Evening Concert, presenting a wide spectrum of classical music, old and new
Returning programs include Sunday Baroque, From the Top, Pipedreams, The March of the Day, Road Rage Remedy, and WRR Concert Hall (formerly known as Monday Night at the Symphony and featuring classical performances from local venues across North Texas).
New programs include With Heart and Voice, Performance Today, the bilingual English/Spanish program Concierto, and The Arts Calendar with KERA’s Nilufer Arsala, delivering an overview of upcoming arts events across the region.
The full weekly schedule can be found at wrr101.com/programs.
Founded in 1921, WRR was the state’s first licensed radio station, first as a public service for police and fire on the AM band, until it became a commercial classical music station on the FM band at 101.1 in 1964.
