Ralph M. Jennings

As a child growing up in Torrington CT, he dreamed of running a radio station in NYC. He studied at Suffield Academy in CT, managed the student radio station WWST at the College of Wooster, and earned his PhD from New York University (1968) in communications. From 1968-1980, he was deputy director in the Office of Communications, United Church of Christ. He worked with director Everett C. Parker to challenge the licenses of radio and television stations practicing racial and gender bias in hiring and programming.

In 1985, Ralph fulfilled his childhood dream when he became general manager of WFUV-FM 90.7, Fordham’s NPR member radio station. He oversaw WFUV’s transformation from a student-run station with little audience into a beloved New York cultural force until his retirement in 2011. See: www.nytimes.com/2011/06/29/nyregion/manager-of-wfuv-at-fordam-ralph-jennings-retires-after-26-years.html

Ralph is survived by his wife Paula Tadlock Jennings, daughter Alma and son Matthew.

A memorial gathering for Ralph will be held Monday, October 14, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10028.

A memorial service will occur from 5:30 PM and a reception will follow until 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ralph's memory may be made to WFUV - FM 90.7.