From a studio in Eugene into homes from coast to coast, KWAX-FM will one day be considered “the premiere non-commercial classical radio station in America,” the station’s new leader believes.

Veteran Oregon broadcaster Greg Raschio has been named interim general manager of the station. KWAX, a listener-supported service of the University of Oregon, broadcasts classical music to more than 40,000 listeners throughout Western and Central Oregon.

“We have a great opportunity to enhance the programming and grow community partnerships going forward and to advance the University of Oregon brand around our extensive listening area,” Raschio said.

The 1977 UO graduate brings more than 35 years of media experience to the station, including eight years as the general manager at KVAL.

Kyle Henley, vice president of university communications, welcomed Raschio as a proven leader in the Oregon broadcast community.

“KWAX is a wonderful community asset and the university is committed to growing and enhancing its classical music programming and profile in Eugene and beyond,” Henley said. “In Greg we have a proven broadcast leader who has the talent and background to help us bolster the station’s infrastructure and business model so that it can continue to be a vibrant and thriving community resource provided by the University of Oregon.”

Raschio takes over for Paul Bjornstad, who retired earlier this year. Henley said he is grateful to Bjornstad for his service to the station and the university.

Raschio joins music director Peter van de Graaff.  Van de Graaff arrived earlier this year from Chicago’s WFMT, where he spent 28 years hosting a daily show and live broadcasts by the Chicago Symphony and Chicago Lyric Opera. The opportunity to work with someone of that caliber is not lost on Raschio.

“We have an amazing resource in Peter van de Graaff and are fortunate to have him here. I look forward to developing our relationship and learning more about the classical genre from him,” Raschio said.
With help from van de Graaff, Raschio has high hopes for the future of the station, including building stronger relationships with the School of Music and Dance and the Oregon Bach Festival.

Raschio started Aug. 16.

—By Molly Blancett, University Communications