When The Jewish Link first wrote about Nachum Segal leaving WFMU 91.1 in the mornings (Nachum Segal’s “JM in the AM” Radio Program Moves to Online-Only, Sept 22), readers learned the exciting news that JM in the AM is now JM 24-7. As the voice of Jewish radio, a steadfast friend of Israel and someone in the know with Jewish music and musicians, Segal’s loyal- and widespread- fanbase prepared for the digital move, eager to see what the new platform would bring.
For many people, the idea of listening to Segal’s program on the radio on the way to school or work had become as much a part of a morning routine as checking the weather and traffic. Of course, the disappointment one would feel when they get back in the car at 9:02 only to find their favorite Jewish station done for the day is now a thing of the past with radio replaced by the ever available app. For weeks leading up to the December 1 transition, Nachum Segal and his crew reminded fans to prepare for the switch by downloading the app, accessing their “listener line,” a web-radio purchase and other options.With the new choices available, they will soon discover an expanded list of options for their Jewish music and programming.
For Richard Kirsch of West Orange, the digital transition has made JM in the AM a family affair. “He walks around the house with his phone streaming the morning show for all of us to hear,” remarked Kirsch’s wife, Jill. “Everyone gets to listen to the music, interviews and Nachum during our morning routine.”
Many listeners embraced this change as a move to the future that they were excited to be a part of. Gone are the days of frustration for the multiple locations that did not get a strong signal for WFMU to come in clearly. “Nothing is more frustrating than listening to a favorite song come in where the static is louder than the song,” said another listener, referring to the choppy reception on 91.1. “It’s nice to know that the app will have a nice, clear sound.”
Rachi Garb misses the morning show during her morning carpool run, but now that she has the NSN app, which connects to Wi-Fi where available (her gym for instance), she has found new places to catch her favorite—and expanded—programming. “I love the extended channels now available,” Garb remarked, “And the fact that there is always something available at all times on the app.”
Though this is an adjustment for local listeners, for those outside of the New York and New Jersey area, not much has changed. As technology has narrowed the distance between states, listeners can now be found across the United States, and, truth be told, across the world. The Nachum Segal Network (NSN) first launched in 2012, enabling listeners anywhere to hear Segal’s unique programming. For these listeners, the digital platform is the only one they have ever had, and it has been an exciting option for them from the start. The irony is that while the East Coast has long been looked at as a trailblazer in Jewish trends, in this case they had to catch up to everyone around them already using the app for their favorite Jewish radio station.
In the meantime, tweets have been coming in from users who made the transition to the digital platform praising the “crisp, clear sound” as well as the listen anywhere abilities. The NSN staff responds to questions and there is an email address available for troubleshooting, should anyone need it.
The interviews with music personalities will still be there, as will a host of new programs and interviews. Charlie Harary, Allison Josephs of Jew in the City, plus cooking shows and Israel profiles are all part of the expanded lineup offered on the NSN app.
Of course, the trademark warmth and love of Israel that has drawn listeners for over 3 decades will still be what distinguishes Segal’s programming more than anything else. The Jewish Link of New Jersey and all of the listeners look forward to this new journey for Segal and the NSN team.
By Jenny Gans
