WRTI is proud to announce that Gregg Whiteside has been selected as the new weekday morning host after a nationwide search. For those of you who have been listening to WRTI in the morning over the last six months, you've already become familiar with Gregg as interim host. What you may not know is that thousands of listeners around the country have also enjoyed his personality over the last 30 years during his esteemed career as a classical host for WQXR in New York City, as the national voice of live broadcasts of the New York Philharmonic, as the commercial voice of The Metropolitan Opera, and more.
Gregg's decades of experience as a classical host along with his enthusiasm and passion for excellence in broadcasting will be a strong asset to WRTI's talented classical music team. "I'm so pleased to be a part of a station that sees itself as a leader in 21st-century classical and jazz public radio,” says Gregg. “The desire to change, to be more interactive with listeners, more informative and exciting is key to our success."
Gregg feels that radio is so much more that just playing music. “It's deepening people's connections with it – making it relevant to their lives. I look forward to many years of giving classical music the setting that entices people to enter this special, beautiful world."
WRTI General Manager Dave Conant knows that classical music radio is facing a crucial time. "We must think differently about how people listen, and what they want from the service we provide. Consequently, we are now pouring our energy into connecting with listeners in new and more meaningful ways."
Over the last six months, Gregg’s presence has already elicited a very positive response from the WRTI audience; Dave is confident that listeners will continue to be inspired by his passion for classical music and dedication to our community. "Gregg's work will surely strengthen service to our listeners and help WRTI fulfill its role as one of the Philadelphia region's most influential cultural institutions."
"You have to start somewhere with classical music, and public radio is a great way in,” Gregg insists. “Together with my colleagues, Jack Moore and Jill Pasternak, we strive to make everyone more comfortable with classical music – to demystify the concept that it's not for everyone. It is! There's so much there that is so transforming; it has the ability to change our lives for the better.”
We welcome Gregg Whiteside to the WRTI staff and invite you to share your comments below.