Hellenic Public Radio COSMOS FM 91.5 traces its origins to “Ελληνικό Ραδιοφωνικό Περιοδικό” (Hellenic Radio Magazine), a program founded by Thanasis Tzouvelis (also known as Alexandros Velmos) and Cleanthis Bakalis, originally broadcast on WNYE in New York.
When the program temporarily ceased broadcasting, Thanasis Zesimopoulos — then Editor-in-Chief of The National Herald — intervened. With the support of Archbishop Iakovos, the program returned to the air as a two-hour prerecorded Sunday evening broadcast. Zesimopoulos quickly recognized that the Greek-American community needed a strong, consistent radio voice — one that could become an institution and provide a platform for professionals and volunteers from all walks of life to serve both the community and the broader New York public.
In 1987, he incorporated the nonprofit organization Greek American Educational Public Information System, Inc. (GAEPIS) and assumed responsibility for the weekly broadcast. “Hellenic Radio Magazine” evolved into Hellenic Public Radio (Ελληνικό Κοινωφελές Ραδιόφωνο).
Soon thereafter, during an early-morning brainstorming session with Nick Andriotis and Grigoris Maninakis — founder of the popular Astoria boîte Mikrokosmos — the name COSMOS FM was born. From “Microcosmos” to “Cosmos,” the name reflected a broader vision — and it proved to be an inspired choice. Kostas Angeloudis helped make the venture financially viable by securing the first sponsors.
In its earliest days, programs were recorded under modest conditions in private homes and later in a small office in Long Island City. Within a few years, Zesimopoulos, working with Phil Lewis, Managing Director of WNYE, secured three additional Sunday morning hours to broadcast live Greek soccer matches. Soon after, another eight hours were added, bringing the total to thirteen hours per week. COSMOS FM had reached a major milestone: it was now broadcasting daily on New York’s FM airwaves.
One of COSMOS FM’s earliest innovations was its carefully curated music programming. Initially selected by Maria Zafirakopoulou, the station introduced New York audiences to a wide spectrum of Greek music — traditional, contemporary, and popular — balancing artistic quality with broad appeal.
Zesimopoulos’ vision extended beyond serving only Greek-speaking audiences. He sought to bring the Greek voice into the mainstream, serving English-speaking Greek-Americans as well as the broader New York public. At a time when such a move was controversial, he dedicated weekday airtime to English-language programming — drawing criticism from some who feared it would dilute the Greek language. Instead, the decision expanded the station’s reach and relevance.
In 1994, seeking to engage distinguished Greek-American intellectuals and business leaders, COSMOS FM established the Phidippides Award. The inaugural ceremony was held at the United Nations — a symbolic affirmation of the station’s broader cultural mission.
Over the decades, COSMOS FM has grown and evolved. What began in a small garage-front studio has become a fully digital, computerized broadcast facility in Astoria. The original handful of pioneers has been succeeded by approximately fifty dedicated volunteers — students, professionals, clergy, educators, physicians, professors, and community leaders — who contribute their time and expertise to produce programming and sustain the organization.
Technology has transformed the media landscape. The rise of the internet and satellite broadcasting has changed radio’s traditional role as a primary source of news from Greece. As the Greek-American community evolves, issues of identity, education, and local cultural engagement increasingly define COSMOS FM’s mission for future generations.
Today, COSMOS FM 91.5 remains the only Greek-American radio program broadcasting daily on the FM airwaves in the Greater New York area, while also reaching audiences worldwide through digital streaming at www.cosmosfm.org.
In recent years, COSMOS Hellenic Media was established as an umbrella organization, expanding beyond radio to include podcasting, vodcasting, educational outreach, and additional cultural initiatives — ensuring that the Hellenic voice continues to evolve across modern media platforms.
Much has changed since 1987. One thing has not.
The founding vision of a member-supported, fully independent public radio station — sustained by its members, sponsors, and volunteers — remains unwavering.
Ενημέρωση – Πολιτισμός – Ψυχαγωγία
Information – Culture – Entertainment
These were the cornerstones of COSMOS FM more than three decades ago. They remain so today — and will continue to guide this Hellenic voice in Greek and English, on the airwaves, online, and through whatever new technologies the future may bring.
Please stay tuned.
