Larry Vojtko to retire from WVIA, WVIA Radio announces updated radio lineup, and the addition of WVIA Arts Radio

PITTSTON, Pa. – Following a long career of public service and broadcasting, WVIA Radio programming director Larry Vojtko has announced his retirement, effective Friday, June 3^rd, 2023. 

Vojtko, who started with WVIA in 1982, served as WVIA Radio Programming Director and afternoon classical music host in addition to being the host for additional radio programs including the Simply Grand music series. 

“I am so grateful to our listeners for welcoming me into their lives for over 41 years,” said Vojtko. “My years here have been full of more amazing experiences and memories than I can list and I thank you for tuning in with us each day.”

Larry will continue to serve as moderator for WVIA television’s Keystone Edition Reports.

“We are beyond thankful to Larry for sharing his voice, his talents, and his classical music expertise with our community for so many decades. He has truly enriched the lives of generations of listeners. Now with his departure, we wondered what will WVIA Radio afternoons be in his absence?” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President and CEO. “As always, we turned to our listeners and the mission of our station for guidance.” 

Beginning June 5^th, WVIA Radio will expand its offerings from NPR and WVIA’s digital radio channel HD2 will be rebranded as WVIA Arts Radio. The updated schedules are below: 

WVIA Radio Weekday Schedule (as of 6/5/23):

5 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Morning Edition 

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Classical Music with Lisa Mazzarella

12 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. – ArtScene with Erika Funke

12:15 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Classical Music with Erika Funke 

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Here & Now 

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. –  All Things Considered 

6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Marketplace 

6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. – The Daily 

7 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Fresh Air

8 p.m. to 9 p.m. – All That Jazz with George Graham

9 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Mixed Bag with George Graham

10 p.m. to 5 a.m. – BBC World Service

WVIA Arts Radio Weekday Schedule (as of 6/5/23):

12 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Classical 24

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Classical Music with Lisa Mazzarella (simulcast)

12 p.m. to 12:15 p.m. – ArtScene with Erika Funke (simulcast)

12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Classical Music with Erika Funke

2 p.m. – Performance Today

4 p.m. – Classical 24

“WVIA has compared years of ratings data, tallied audience surveys, combined with feedback from listening sessions across our region to ensure we will be delivering the very best radio content for our audience,” said McCabe. “The advantage of having multiple digital radio channels allows us to provide more programming options than ever before. Our audience told us they wanted more NPR programs, more classical, and more local content, we are excited to provide exactly that!”

“We’ve been assessing our service to the community for some time; it just so happens that this shift in service coincides with my retirement,” said Larry Vojtko. “I am excited that beginning this June, WVIA will be offering more NPR programs and more arts programming than ever before.”

For questions and feedback listeners are encouraged to visit wvia.org, call WVIA at 570-602-1297 or email customerservice@wvia.org

About WVIA

WVIA is the PBS and NPR affiliate serving over 22 counties in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. For over 50 years WVIA has been committed to serving the people by offering informational, educational, and entertaining content that enriches and expands viewpoints and serves as a catalyst for positive change. WVIA television channels include WVIA TV, WVIA PBS Kids 24/7, and WVIA Create. WVIA’s radio channels include WVIA Radio, WVIA HD2, and the Chiaroscuro Channel. WVIA’s programs can also be found streaming live and on-demand on wvia.org and the WVIA app. 

WVIA Mission

WVIA educates, inspires, entertains, and fosters citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community.

Photo Caption: Larry Vojtko to retire from WVIA. WVIA Radio announces updated radio lineup, and the addition of WVIA Arts Radio.