Plattsburgh NY Radio: Hometown WIRY Signs-Off

WIRY AM, a beloved radio station broadcasting at 1340 kHz in Plattsburgh, NY, is shutting down after 75 years of operation, marking the end of an era for the Champlain Valley’s "Hometown Radio." 

Since its inception in 1950, WIRY has been a local institution, delivering a full-service variety format that blended adult contemporary, country, and oldies music, alongside extensive local news, sports coverage, and community-focused programming.

The decision to close stems from a combination of challenges in the evolving media landscape. Station management highlighted the rise of digital platforms and social media, which have shifted how audiences consume content, leading to a decline in traditional radio listenership. 

To Our Loyal Listeners and Valued Advertisers, It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of WIRY. After serving our community for 75 years, the challenges of an evolving media landscape have made it increasingly difficult to continue operations. The rise of digital platforms and social media has changed the way audiences consume content, leading to declining traditional radio listenership. Coupled with rising music royalty costs, a shrinking media sales force, and decreasing profit margins, we have reached a point where it is no longer viable to continue broadcasting. We want to express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff, advertisers, and—most importantly—our listeners, who have supported us throughout the years. Your loyalty has meant the world to us, and we cherish the memories we’ve created together. Though our AM signal may soon go silent, the spirit of WIRY will live on in the music, voices, and moments we’ve shared. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives. With sincere appreciation, WIRY

The station first hit the airwaves in 1950, founded during a golden age of AM radio when families gathered around bulky sets for entertainment and news. Licensed to Plattsburgh, WIRY adopted a full-service variety format, blending adult contemporary, country, and oldies music with a strong emphasis on local content. It broadcast in C-QUAM AM stereo through a Valcom whip antenna—a rare technical choice even among its peers—serving Clinton County, parts of Essex County, northwestern Vermont, and southern Quebec. Early on, it established itself as a community hub, offering everything from nostalgic tunes to weather updates sourced from the National Weather Service.

For decades, WIRY thrived under local ownership, adapting to changing times while staying rooted in its mission. By the 1990s, it was a fixture in the North Country, known for its eclectic playlist and live local programming. In 2016, it expanded its reach by leasing FM station WPLB, rebranded as WIRY-FM, to simulcast its AM signal—though sports often stayed on AM due to affiliate preferences. This FM experiment ended in 2020 after a change in ownership.

A pivotal moment came in late 2019 when Bill Santa, the station’s long-time owner, sold WIRY to a group of local stakeholders dubbed the "Four Amigos": News Director Dave Andrews, Clinton County Sheriff David Favro, Joey Trombley of Kavanaugh Realty, and County Legislator Mark Henry. The $287,500 deal, finalized on December 27, 2019, after FCC approval, aimed to preserve the station’s legacy.