Woodstock Nation, Indeed

In a move that could be a game-changer for independent radio stations, Triple A mainstay WDST (Radio Woodstock)/Woodstock, NY is radically altering its revenue model and is now hyper-focused on becoming local business and listener-supported. On Friday, March 3, Radio Woodstock finished a five-day Supporters Drive, asking listeners to pledge $100.10 to help independent radio survive and thrive in the Hudson Valley. Over 300 listeners responded and became Radio Woodstock Supporters during the drive.

Gary Chetkof, who has owned Radio Woodstock since 1993 noted that the station needed to make a major shift in order to survive among the large corporate radio groups. He remarked, “Our supporter drive is breaking new ground for commercial radio. As an independent, standalone commercial radio station, we do not have other radio stations in the market or a national corporation supporting us (like the other radio stations in the Hudson Valley). This puts us at a tremendous disadvantage for many reasons, including the ability to amortize expenses.”

PD Jimmy Buff added, “The shift to listener and local business supported provides a much more varied and interesting programming experience. We are no longer ratings-driven programming. Our focus is now on super-serving the listeners who support us.” Radio Woodstock is consulted by veteran programmer Dennis Constantine, who commented, “Radio Woodstock’s listeners are passionate about the station’s programming and its core values; it’s the logical next step to create a community of listeners and local businesses that financially support the station.” As Constantine later explained to RAMP, “Our spot-breaks are short and local. Listeners get a better sounding radio station, and our business clients get their message out in an uncluttered environment. It’s a win-win for everyone!”