In 2015, I invited music lover and Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg to be a guest host on WFMT.

In 2015, I invited music lover and Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg to be a guest host on WFMT.

Selected press

  • Chicago’s Notable 2018 LGBTQ Executives (Crain’s): The featured leaders have “..demonstrated that they are advancing their industries, workplace equality and civic engagement in Chicago.”

  • The kids are all right, but will they listen to classical? WFMT's David Polk hopes so (Chicago Business Journal): “WFMT [management] apparently believes Polk is the man to help effect change at WFMT.”

  • Meet David Polk (WNET): “As a Digital Lead, Content and Strategy, for American Masters, David Polk’s mission is to help grow the audience for American Masters on all platforms…”

  • Guest on the “Skip the Repeat” podcast with Kai Talim: “David Polk is a tour guide. They discuss the LGBT community in classical music… and how he became an integral part of Chicago's classical and folk music station.”

  • Classical Stations Set Pace for Listening Growth in Early May PPM Trends (Spark News): “[Management] at WFMT is probably popping a bottle of champagne now” [because of dramatically increased ratings].

  • Music, radio are David Polk's passion, profession (from the “A Gay in the Life” column, Windy City Times): “"I don't have to tell anyone that the arts are important for many members of the LGBT community, whether as artists or appreciators. Perhaps it's because the longing to find something to connect with when one feels closeted and alone early in life is even stronger.”

  • Chorus notes Bernstein at Legacy Walk (Windy City Times): “Members of The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus…performed Leonard Bernstein's ‘Somewhere’ in a live pop-up performance as part of WFMT Radio's celebration of the composer's birth.” The performance was broadcast live from the sidewalk using new technology.

  • WFMT’s New Blood (WTTW, Chicago PBS): “The station just announced that it’s new Program Director is 30 year-old David Polk.”

  • Young maestro to program WFMT (The Daily Herald): “David’s promotion is very exciting — his reverence for WFMT’s history and accomplishments, combined with his passion for all things radio, will ensure that we continue to remain vital and relevant in an ever-changing media environment.”

  • Who Keeps Chicago in Tune (NewCity): Management “…attributes much of this success to his new wunderkind program director David Polk…”

  • …what WFMT’s David Polk is doing this weekend. (Chicago Magazine): “Up next in our series of weekend plans from notable, in-the-know locals—a.k.a. people we like: David Polk, host and founding producer of the WFMT program Introductions.”

  • Program Director David Polk shares his favorite musical memories from his 14 years at WFMT (WFMT): “After nearly 14 years at WFMT, I’ve decided to move on... On this, my last day here, I want to share with you just a few of my favorite musical gems that I’ll be taking with me in spirit.”