WFUV New York Announces New Lineup

Chuck Singleton, general manager of New York's Rock & Roots public radio station WFUV (90.7 FM/wfuv.org), announced today that Corny O'Connell will be WFUV's permanent morning show host. O'Connell, the station's longtime evening host, has been hosting mornings from 6-10 a.m. on an interim basis since last October. At the same time, Singleton announced that Carmel Holt, music director and air personality at WDST in Woodstock, NY, will take over the midday (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) shift, while Darren DeVivo moves to evenings (6-10 p.m.). Finally, Russ Borris has been promoted from Assistant Music Director to Music Director, a vacancy created when Rita Houston became program director.

"With these changes, one of the nation's most significant sources for musical discovery just got even better," said Singleton. "We're very pleased to see Corny in this new role. He's been such an invaluable member of the FUV team in so many ways."

A Westchester County native and a graduate of NYU Film School, Corny O'Connell came to WFUV in 1989 while he was a student at Fordham Law School. He never practiced law, but has used his powers of persuasion as the producer of WFUV's membership drives, in addition to his regular air shift.

"Corny has really grown into the demanding role of morning show host," added Houston. "He's got a friendly and often funny way to convey all the music and information listeners need to get their day started, including a very creative approach to the Question of the Day. As for Carmel, she's a very welcome addition to the FUV staff. She's always said working at FUV was her dream job, and as a fill-in host she's instantly connected with listeners with her vibrant personality and passion for music."

Raised in Connecticut, Carmel Holt has a degree in music composition and vocal performance from Bard College. She joined the staff of WDST in 1995, working her way up to become host of a very popular weekly acoustic show, the midday host, and now an award winning music director.

"I am honored and beyond excited to be joining the FUV team!" said Holt. "To be on the air on my favorite radio station in my favorite city in the world - what could be better? I've never played the lottery, but I imagine that this is what winning would feel like."

Russ Borris came to WFUV in 2001 as assistant music director from WBJB (90.5 FM The Night/ Brookdale Public Radio), where he had served as on-air host and music director. He can be heard nightly from 10 p.m.-12 midnight on The Alternate Side on WFUV, as well as 9-11 a.m. on The Alternate Side on 91.5 FM WNYE and throughout the day on www.thealternateside.org.

"Russ has a great ear, and he's been instrumental in shaping our music mix on both FUV and The Alternate Side," said Houston. "I have total confidence in his being the go-to guy at FUV for musicians and people in the music business."

New York radio veteran Darren DeVivo first joined WFUV in 1984 as a Fordham student. DeVivo is a much-loved radio personality, known to listeners across WFUV's schedule, most recently as midday host.

"We're grateful to Darren for nearly 30 years of contributions to WFUV," said Singleton. "We're excited to bring his talents to a new venue, and share his incomparable music knowledge with evening listeners. These changes reflect a commitment to excellence and growth on our part, enabling WFUV to reach the potential we all know it has."