FAIRFIELD, CT – WSHU Public Radio -- the principal source of NPR programming and classical music for western Connecticut and for Suffolk County, Long Island -- broke ground Wednesday, Nov. 18th on a new, state-of-the-art production and studio facility on the campus of Sacred Heart University.
“This well-equipped, fully digital facility will give us the tools we need to work toward our vision: to become a premier producer of compelling new public radio programming and to distribute it beyond radio,” said WSHU General Manager George Lombardi. “We are grateful to our extraordinarily generous supporters who have contributed $7 million of the $9.4 million required to build this facility.”
“At a time when many news organizations are consolidating and reducing the amount of local content they produce, WSHU is committed to our award-winning regional news and locally-produced classical music programs, as well as highly acclaimed NPR programs like Morning Edition and All Things Considered,” Lombardi continued. “We are evaluating options for new content ranging from news magazines to entertainment, storytelling, local news, and talk shows which we will deliver via multiple platforms. This new facility deepens our already strong roots in our listening community … and will allow us to even better serve that community.”
For the past 28 years, WSHU Public Radio, which is licensed to Sacred Heart University, has operated out of a rapidly aging, 1950’s wood-frame bungalow. The needs of radio have changed dramatically during that time, and the inadequate space and analog equipment have not kept pace. “Producing and engineering radio programming is a staff-intensive and equipment-intensive business,” said WSHU Program Director Tom Kuser. “To meet the needs of the 21st century, an organization like ours requires a vast amount of digital equipment and specialized studios, and needs to be properly sited in relation to satellite dishes and transmitters.”
An 18,500-square-foot, glass and steel facility has been designed to support the high-tech demands of today’s on-air and online broadcasting, and the needs of a professional staff that works around the clock. With more and better-equipped production studios, digital equipment, and dedicated space for producing on-air content, WSHU’s editors, hosts and on-air talent will be able to record interviews and ambient sound, edit material quickly, and broadcast finished pieces faster. Listeners will hear more breaking news and long-form features more quickly, and with higher sound quality.
The new facility will feature a 150-seat Assembly Hall which will accommodate music performances, dramatic readings and lecture events. The Assembly Hall, along with a Boardroom, will be available for use by WSHU’s community partners and other local organizations.
WSHU has already raised $7 million of the $9.4 million required to construct and outfit the new facilities. Sacred Heart University contributed a very generous, lead gift of $2.5 million, and a number of committed WSHU supporters have pledged significant gifts.
The facility will also house Sacred Heart University’s Public Safety Department and will feature a state-of-the art communication and dispatch center and many other amenities that WSHU Public Radio Group will enhance the department’s service needs, responsibilities and requirements. Special features will include a 24/7 emergency power backup to facilitate the needs of emergency response teams as well as the on-air requirements for radio broadcasts.