Cover of the June 1994 WNYC Program Guide.

(WNYC Archive Collections)

Before the Internet and web pages, many WNYC listeners eagerly waited for the arrival of our monthly and bimonthly program guide to know what would be broadcast. These guides, a treasure trove of historical information, were traditionally posted booklets available annually for a nominal fee. In the early 1950s, they could be obtained for a mere 20 cents in postage stamps, a small price for a glimpse into the future. 

First published in 1935, the guide was known as The Masterwork Hour. It was named after radio's first regularly scheduled program of recorded music, launched in 1929 under the guidance of WNYC music director Herman Neuman. The Masterwork Hour guide informed listeners of classical music highlights and other programs slated for airing each day, along with an update on what was happening at the station. In 1938, The Masterwork Hour became The Masterwork Bulletin.   

One of our most notable subscribers was the renowned physicist Dr. Albert Einstein. In September 1976, the long-used narrow folio 'bulletin,' the size of a business letter envelope, was replaced by a broader booklet or 'guide.' This transition marked a significant shift in how we disseminated program information. From 1987 to 1993, the guide took on a more magazine-like format called Wavelength. With additional revisions, we continued to publish these 'analog' mailings of program information until the fall of 2000, when WNYC.org filled the information gap, ushering in a new era of digital communication with our listeners.

To delve into our extensive collection of guides (1938-2000), please visit WNYC PROGRAM GUIDES

Cover of WNYC's new program guide from September 1976.

(WNYC Archive Collections)