Radio Kingston is a non-commercial platform dedicated to a vibrant, just, and healthy Kingston centered around community storytelling, artistic and musical expression, conversation and connection.
In a time of growing polarization, media consolidation, privatization and exploitation of community resources that threaten the basic fabric of local communities, Radio Kingston demonstrates that a radically different path is possible. We’ve created a space for residents to build renewed trust, empathy and connection, while celebrating our shared strengths and creativity, and deepening a truly local conversation about creating a community that works better for everyone.
Through music, conversation, spoken-word performances, educational programming and more, Radio Kingston reflects and celebrates one of the city’s greatest strengths – its diversity – and is guided by a commitment to lifting up voices not often heard in other media. Together, its programs offer a chance for all residents to engage, listen to, and learn from each other.
Radio Kingston reflects and connects the community it is part of with storytelling, music, conversation, and news. We envision a community ethic rooted in the inherent values of benevolence, equity, compassion, and love and one that tells you where you are and who is there with you.
WKNY went on the air on December 16, 1939 at 8:15 PM from the auditorium of Kingston High School before an audience of approximately 100 people with authorization to broadcast at just 250 watts at a frequency of 1490 kHz. In 1959 the FCC authorized WKNY to increase its daytime power to 1,000 watts, and in the 1980s, permission was given to broadcast at that power 24 hours a day.
In the 1940s, WKNY moved to the second floor of the Community Theatre Building at 601 Broadway (now UPAC) and later to 212 Fair Street. From its Fair Street studios, WKNY became Ulster County’s most-listened-to radio station.
Noted former personalities include “Morning Mayor” Ward Todd, who commanded the lion’s share of WKNY’s audience, then focused in Northern Dutchess and Ulster Counties.
WKNY also aired New York Yankees baseball for many years.
In 1986 WKNY moved into its present studio and offices at 718 Broadway and in 2013 Townsquare Media took over management of WKNY.
On August 2, 2017, a new non-profit, Radio Kingston Corporation, announced an agreement was reached with Townsquare to purchase the radio station and move it to non-commercial status. Jimmy Buff, former program director and morning host for WDST/Woodstock and 30-plus year broadcast veteran was named executive director of Radio Kingston. On October 31st, 2017 the sale between Radio Kingston Corp and Townsquare was completed.
A new broadcast tower replaced the original structure in March 2019 and an FM signal began broadcasting a simulcast of the AM signal on March 26th, 2019.
In July 2021, WKNY moved into permanent studios at 693 Broadway, in the historic Bonesteel House, an octagonal house design built in 1855. A private residence for many years, the house became home to several businesses including an appliance store, the Fountain Lounge, and most recently Tangles Salon. Studio design and architecture were done by the Walters-Storyk Design Group with Equinox Construction doing the general contracting.
The new studios have state-of-the-art audio as well as solar panels on the roof. Combined with the solar at the tower site, WKNY can stay on the air during emergencies and in fact received a citation from Ulster County for its service passing along important community information during the Ice Storm of February 2022.
Made in Kingston, NY