Starting July 1st 2018, 89.1 WBOI will no longer broadcast the BBC World Service, which can be heard overnight and weekdays at 3pm.
In its place, WBOI will broadcast a variety of NPR programming such as 1A, Fresh Air, On Point, and Hidden Brain. WBOI will also be introducing the critically acclaimed PRI program, The World, at 3pm on weekdays.
Throughout the evening NPR newscast updates will be available one minute past every hour.
This decision was largely based on the high cost of the BBC World Service. At 89.1 WBOI, we continually re-evaluate our program schedule to ensure that we are effectively serving our listeners and that we remain good stewards of the financial support provided by our members.
We know that many listeners have enjoyed the news coverage provided by the BBC, but purchasing this programming has become increasingly expensive. The cost for BBC Newshour and World Service totals about 3% of our entire annual operating budget. This change will reduce programming expenses by about $18,000 over the next twelve months.
International reporting will remain a high priority on 89.1 WBOI with The World; which includes BBC reporting with an American host, Marco Werman. His team of producers brings the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.
“Most importantly,” said Peter Dominowski, President and General Manager of 89.1 WBOI, “we can re-allocate this cost savings toward additional community-based news reporting and events, and exciting new ventures including the New Generation Media project, which will provide job training and a stronger voice to disadvantaged area high school students.”
We welcome any and all programming thoughts and suggestions. Thank you for your support, and we hope you get a chance to check out the new overnight schedule.