(April 20, 2004, New York, NY) - WNYC, New York Public Radio®, today announced that George Preston has been appointed Music Director, after serving in that role in an acting capacity for several months. In his new position, he will oversee WNYC's classical music programs, shaping the music mix and presentational style of the station's unique shows. In addition to working closely with WNYC's music hosts, Mr. Preston will produce live broadcasts and special music offerings across the schedule, pegged to music performances, new releases, and cultural events. Mr. Preston is WNYC's former Overnight Music host and a frequent contributor and occasional guest host for Soundcheck®, the station's weekday talk/music program.

"For four years, George Preston engaged listeners with his lively programming and personable style," said Elena Park, WNYC's Executive Producer for Music Programming. "His passion for music is infectious and his knowledge formidable. As music director, he will be able to share those gifts with a much larger audience and make an even greater impact on the station's music programming.

George Preston said, "I want listeners to come to WNYC confident that they will hear great classical music that speaks to the heart, ears and mind, presented by real, informed, enthusiastic hosts, who take joy in sharing our love for music's transformative power."

Mr. Preston has worked in radio for more than two decades, serving as program host, producer, music director, and program director at various commercial and public radio stations, including WXCR in Tampa and WBUR in Boston. An accomplished singer and actor, he holds music degrees from Oberlin Conservatory, New England Conservatory, and Boston University.

WNYC, New York Public Radio, is New York's premier public radio station, comprising WNYC 93.9 FM and WNYC AM 820. As America's most listened-to public radio stations, reaching more than one million listeners every week, WNYC FM and AM extend New York City's cultural riches to the entire country and air the best national offerings from affiliate networks National Public Radio and Public Radio International. WNYC 93.9 FM broadcasts a wide range of daily news, talk, cultural and classical music programming, while WNYC AM 820 maintains a stronger focus on breaking news and international news reporting.