SALAMANCA – A local classic hits radio station will be going off the air later this month.
In a statement posted online, WGWE, a Seneca Broadcasting station owned by the Seneca Nation of Indians, announced Monday after 10-years of operations they are shutting down on March 31.
“Due to the health pandemic, we’ve been forced to make a business decision and unfortunately cease broadcasting at the end of March,” wrote the broadcaster in the statement. “Nya:wëh (thank you) to all our listeners and advertisers.”
The Seneca nation purchased the state’s construction permit in early 2009, with the station first signing on the air in February 2010.
The station’s playlist features a mix of oldies ranging from the 1960s through 1980s, some limited 1990s material, classic rock, native music and classic country.
The radio broadcaster also provides play-by-play coverage of the Olean Oilers collegiate summer baseball, St. Bonaventure Bonnies women’s basketball and other youth football games.
We are heartbroken over this news! We love our 105.9 WGWE! We live in Jamestown, NY and we’ve listened to this station every day for years. Please don’t leave us!! We love having you in our home ❤️🎶💔😢😭
WHAT DOES THE PANDEMIC HAVE TO DO WITH YOU SHUTTING DOWN WGWE.SHAME ON YOU SENECA NATION.ONE LESS THING WE WILL HAVE HERE.
advertising income primarily
loved this station
What would it take fiscally to keep the station on air??
Here in Iowa, it was the citizens of a small town that stepped up to buy the radio station when the owners decided to shut it down. Not sure in this case if there is a window of time to make that happen – the FCC has pretty strict guidelines about a station that goes “dark”. But investment and financial support of the community will be what saves the station.
sigh.. another great station lost to history. For those who might not understand, a lack of advertisers means that you can’t cover your expenses, no matter what you do.. You can only cut so much. WGWE is one of many small town radio stations that have had to make this difficult choice. Its not just the restaurants and bars that suffered over the last year. Many other small businesses also suffered as a direct or indirect result. Thank you for the memories WGWE, you WILL be missed!