WAMU announces strategy to deepen engagement with Washingtonians through “audio and live experiences”

WAMU 88.5 American University Radio announced a strategy to deepen engagement with Washingtonians. According to a release: “The strategy is centered around audio and live experiences – providing rich programming on-air, online, and on-site. A cornerstone of the strategy will be the development of a new local show, for-, by-, and about Washingtonians. The show will be designed to reflect and represent what makes the DMV area unique and will be designed for broadcast and on-demand audiences. WAMU will also partner with local content providers to amplify their stories and connect audiences with a variety of rich experiences.”

“WAMU has been a leader in purpose-driven media for decades and sits at the heart of this community. We are embracing the future by focusing on what we do best, which is audio excellence, and building deeper community engagement around it,” saidErika Pulley-Hayes, WAMU General Manager.

For more than two years, WAMU has been the No. 1 radio station in the DC market. Its original programs include The Politics Hour, 1A, Hot Jazz Saturday Night and The Big Broadcast, which all lead in their timeslots, states the release.

WAMU’s plan for audience engagement will capitalize on its extensive audio expertise. “We are committed to growing our relationship with current listeners while developing multi-platform approaches that engage new audiences through compelling, top-tier audio storytelling,” said Michael Tribble, WAMU’s Chief Content Officer.

“WAMU is incredibly proud of the work produced for the digital news site DCist.com, which it acquired and has supported since 2018. With the renewed focus on delivering audio-first storytelling, WAMU made the decision to sunset the site and social channels,” states the release.