WESM recognized as “best jazz station in region”
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (Feb. 17, 2011)- A recent commentary in Radio World, a leading radio industry magazine read by broadcast radio owners, managers and engineers, describes WESM 91.3 FM as the best jazz station in the region that includes New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Norfolk and Richmond.
Pete Simon, the author of the article, “NPR Should Look Beyond the Beltway,” chastises public radio stations around the country “hung up on the conformity of an audience-building mindset at the expense of possessing a spirit of spontaneity, innovation and true passion for what should be a unique form of radio.” He said there is a “sameness” to news and music being played.
A beacon in the sea of “sameness” is WESM. Simon writes that “The best jazz station I’ve heard in this part of the country, in terms of content and presentation, is WESM (FM) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Its remote locale has insulated them from major-market pressures and over-analysis that have crippled WRTI and many other “big-city” stations.”
Stephen Williams, WESM’s interim general manager, said, “We’re very grateful to see WESM being acknowledged in a national publication. We’re passionate in our commitment to offer the Eastern Shore and surrounding areas the best jazz, blues, news content and other programming available.”
“This trust is reflected in the hard work and dedication of every one of our staff 
members and volunteers – and the critical financial support of UMES and our listeners," Williams said, adding, “Unfortunately Congress is looking at deep cuts in funding for public broadcasting, which would significantly limit our impact to serve the community.
"So we’re hoping that Mr. Simon’s article will bring to light the importance of federal support for public radio – support we cannot survive without,” he said.
Simon, an announcer on KUVO (FM) in Denver, Colo., has worked in public and community radio since 1974.
Commentary published by Radio World does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Radio World.
Captions:
Top right, WESM talent, from left, are Angel Resto Jr., operations manager; Brian Daniels, webmaster and radio host; Daphne Chatham, administrative assistant; Yancy Carrigan, music director and radio host; and Stephen Williams, interim general manager.
Above, Steve Williams manages WESM on the UMES campus.
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Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
Bill Robinson, director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-621-2355, wrobinson3@umes.edu.