Press Releases

Classical 89.5, KMFA's Thank Goodness It's Familiar! Grand Prize Runner-up at Fine Arts Radio International Awards

AUSTIN Texas - Classical 89.5 is pleased to announce that the syndicated program TGIF! - Thank Goodness It's Familiar! was named official runner-up for the Grand Prize in the 2004 Fine Arts Radio International Awards. Each year the competition recognizes individuals and radio programs for their contributions to classical music education. Winners are selected by the Klassix Society board of directors. First place went to The Creole Romantics from WILL-FM of Urbana.

Thank Goodness It's Familiar! has been part of the regular KMFA lineup since 2004 and can be heard Friday nights at 8 through the end of May. Host and producer of the program, David Ford brings a unique and insightful mix of witty commentary for each program during an hour-long review of popular classical music chestnuts and warhorses.

Judges of the Fine Arts Radio International Awards found TGIF! "engrossing, informative, and quite out of the ordinary." TGIF! was selected because of its "strong educational value and research," cited judges, as well as its, "overall, very listenable, cogent insights with well-executed and integrated music illustrations." KMFA General Manager Jack Allen comments, "TGIF! is a gateway program for the new classical music listener and a delight to those who already know the great works but may not know the story behind the hit."

This is not the first time Classical 89.5 has been nationally recognized for one of its programs from the Fine Arts Radio International Awards. Mind Your Music won the grand prize in the 2001 competition along with honorable mention for The Basics.

About Classical 89.5, KMFA: Since 1967 (over 38 years), KMFA has been Austin's only listener-supported, pure format, classical music public radio station, providing Central Texans with local and nationally syndicated programming that reflects the great beauty and diversity of the genre. Additionally, KMFA highlights and promotes a wide variety of local performing arts groups and events as part of its commitment to public service.