WBGO/Newark, NJ Enhances New Digital Initiative, Hires Nate Chinen

Improved Digital

NEWARK PUBLIC RADIO Jazz WBGO/NEWARK, NJ has improved its online footprint and digital operations, in close partnership with NPR. The organization has also hired jazz journalist NATE CHINEN to be Dir./Editorial Content — a new role created in partnership with NPR.

Along with a recent update to its mobile app, the changes will involve a strong new online editorial focus and a redesigned website, launching on JAN. 17th with the support of NPR’s Digital Services. The upgraded WBGO.org will feature expanded content, including streaming on demand of all WBGO on-air programming for two weeks after air date, and a curated selection of exclusive WBGO archival content.

“We’re excited about having someone with NATE’s deep understanding of jazz, as well as his expert ability to communicate information about the music we love,” said WBGO Pres./CEO AMY NILES, who made the announcement last night at WBGO’s Board of Trustees meeting. “This is truly a transformative time in WBGO’s presentation of jazz as we launch our new digital platforms to complement our on air presence and bring new audiences to our music. NATE CHINEN, truly a great editorial voice of our time, was the only choice to lead this new charge. His commitment to jazz, the people who make it, and the audiences who love it are completely aligned with our mission of elevating this great cultural art form. NATE will be an integral part of our JAZZ NIGHT IN AMERICA team in addition to leading our editorial coverage of jazz both locally and globally."

“There isn’t a media organization in the world more dedicated to this music than WBGO,” CHINEN said, “and I aim to draw attention to the incredible work already being done there, while developing a new space for engagement with musicians and the global jazz public. There’s a critical need for authoritative jazz writing online, and I’m excited to join the WBGO team, collaborating closely with NPR MUSIC, to help produce some innovation in that area.”

“We’re thrilled that through our innovative partnership with WBGO, NATE CHINEN will become NPR MUSIC’s lead jazz writer and curator," NPR VP/Programming and Audience Development ANYA GRUNDMANN said. "NATE writes beautifully on the sound of jazz and the state of this crucial American form, as well as genres like hip-hop and folk, and his perspective will help to shape a vital, boundary-breaking conversation about music across public radio and beyond.”

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