WQXR expands into Westchester

All-classical music station WQXR is extending its reach into central and northern Westchester after acquiring frequency 90.3 FM.

Nonprofit New York Public Radio, which owns WQXR, bought the signal from WDFH, Westchester public radio, which ceased broadcasting on Monday. The deal was for $400,000, three-quarters of which was funded from a Ford Foundation grant.

New York Public Radio purchased WQXR in 2009 from The New York Times Company, with part of the deal necessitating a move to 105.9 FM in New York City. The frequency meant a lack of signal strength in parts of Westchester that had been accustomed to WQXR”™s programming, according to a press release from Laura Walker, president and CEO of NYPR.

“We”™ve been looking for opportunities to restore that service ever since,” she said. “This acquisition enables us to do just that and to expand even farther.” The 90.3 FM signal will be boosted in the fall to reach beyond its current reach of Armonk and Mount Kisco to towns like Katonah, Bedford and Yorktown Heights, Walker stated.

On Tuesday the local 90.3 FM frequency began broadcasting the same content as the city”™s 105.9 FM, including “New York Philharmonic This Week” and “Carnegie Hall Live.” WQXR said it will grow its partnership with Caramoor Arts Center for Music and Arts and will seek to cultivate partnerships with other leading Westchester arts organizations.