Northeast Indiana Public Radio’s jazz coordinator and longtime volunteer, Doug Gruber, notified station management this week he will no longer host his popular music program, “All That Jazz,” and will step away from his other station duties, as well.
He says health concerns drove his decision to take time away from the station.
Gruber played a major part in NIPR’s growth and Fort Wayne’s radio history. After working as a disc jockey and sports announcer at stations in Michigan and Central Indiana, he joined Fort Wayne’s WOWO as a mobile news and features reporter. He eventually took on many jobs at WOWO, including assistant program manager, afternoon DJ, and more. He left the station in 1967 to take on what he calls “a real job” in telecommunications.
After retirement, Gruber began volunteering at NIPR as a classical music host, eventually becoming one of the premier voices on both 89.1 WBOI and 94.1 WBNI.
As host of “All That Jazz” and WBOI’s jazz coordinator, Doug kept his finger on the pulse of the jazz community in Northeast Indiana and around the country, bringing a unique blend of new and classic songs to listeners every Saturday afternoon.
Over his 17 years volunteering at NIPR, Gruber also filled in as host of “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” and could be heard regularly through his sports reporting on WBOI.
NIPR’s President and General Manager, Peter Dominowski, says Gruber’s expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication to the station and its listeners will be missed.
"Doug has been an integral part of 89.1 WBOI and Classical 94.1 WBNI for nearly twenty years,” Dominowski said. “Whether being a host for jazz or classical music, or reporting on the TinCaps or Komets, Doug’s distinctive voice was welcomed and trusted by our listeners.”
“Our stations – and our community – are a better place because of his many talents as a broadcaster,” he added. “No one could possibly replace his unique talents.”
Gruber’s decision to step down means the January 11th edition of “All That Jazz” marks the end of the program.
On Saturday, WBOI will feature “WBOI Presents” at 3:00 p.m. and “BBC Newshour” at 4:00 p.m. while the NIPR programming staff considers permanent replacements.
More information on WBOI’s program schedule can be found at www.WBOI.org.