End of an Era: Plattsburgh’s WIRY Radio Shuts Down After 75 Years

Plattsburgh‘s WIRY Radio to Shut Down After 75 Years

Updated: 8:54 PM EDT Mar 13, 2025

After 75 years on the airwaves, WIRY, Plattsburgh’s local radio station broadcasting on 1340 AM, is ceasing operations. Station management attributes the closure to shifts in how audiences consume media.

The Changing Media Landscape

The official announcement highlights the challenges faced by traditional radio in the digital age.The station’s statement reads, in part: “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.”

Factors Contributing to the Closure

• Digital Platforms and Social Media: The rise of these channels has significantly impacted traditional radio listenership.
• Rising Music Royalty Costs: Increased expenses related to music licensing have strained the station’s finances.
• Shrinking Media Sales Force: Difficulties in maintaining a robust sales team have affected revenue generation.
• Decreasing Profit Margins: Overall profitability has declined, making continued broadcasting unsustainable.

A Message of Gratitude

Despite the closure, WIRY expresses deep thankfulness for its community.The station’s statement continues: ” 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 End of an Era

WIRY’s closure marks the end of an era for local radio in Plattsburgh. After decades of service, the station will be missed by its loyal listeners. While the AM signal might be going silent, supporters expect the “spirit of WIRY will live on in the music, voices, and moments we’ve shared.”

What are your memories of WIRY? Share your thoughts and favorite moments with the station in the comments below.

How did WIRY’s “Warm hearts Radiothon” benefit the community?

The End of an Era: Remembering WIRY Radio with Station Manager, Sarah Miller

Published: March 14, 2025

After 75 years of serving plattsburgh, local radio station WIRY is signing off. To understand the impact of this closure, we spoke with Sarah Miller, the station’s manager, about WIRY’s legacy and the challenges facing traditional radio in the digital age.

WIRY’s Legacy and the Changing Media Landscape

Archyde: Sarah, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. WIRY has been a staple in Plattsburgh for 75 years. What are your thoughts as the station prepares to close its doors?

Sarah Miller: It’s incredibly bittersweet. WIRY has been more than just a radio station; it’s been a community institution.we’ve been the voice of Plattsburgh for generations. Seeing it come to an end is heartbreaking, but we also recognize the changing media landscape.

The Challenges of Traditional Radio

Archyde: The official announcement cited digital platforms,rising music royalty costs,and other financial challenges as contributing factors. Could you elaborate on how these impacted WIRY?

sarah Miller: Absolutely. The rise of digital platforms like Spotify and social media has drastically altered how people consume music and news. This directly affected our listenership. Concurrently, music royalty costs have skyrocketed, squeezing our already tight budget. Maintaining a competitive sales team in this environment also became increasingly difficult. These factors combined made the station unsustainable.

The Importance of Local radio

Archyde: WIRY provided local news, weather updates, and community data. What do you believe Plattsburgh will lose with the station’s closure?

Sarah Miller: Plattsburgh will lose a vital source of local connection. We were frequently enough the first to report on local events, town meetings, and even school closures. We provided a platform for local voices and kept the community informed. While online news exists, that personal, immediate connection is harder to replicate.

Memories and Gratitude

Archyde: What’s one memory you’ll cherish from your time at WIRY?

Sarah Miller: There are so many, but one that stands out is the annual “Warm Hearts Radiothon,” were we raised money for local families during the holidays.Seeing the entire community come together to support their neighbors was truly special. It showcased the power of radio to unite people.

Archyde: What is your message to the loyal listeners and advertisers who have supported WIRY over the years?

Sarah Miller: From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Your loyalty has meant everything to us. We are grateful for every listener who tuned in, every advertiser who believed in us, and every community member who supported WIRY. While the AM signal might potentially be going silent, the spirit of WIRY will live on in the memories we’ve created together.

Looking Ahead

Archyde: What do you hope the legacy of WIRY will be?

Sarah Miller: I hope WIRY will be remembered as a station that truly cared about its community and helped to build a stronger, more connected Plattsburgh. We hope our commitment to local radio and community service will inspire others.

Archyde: what are your thoughts on the future of radio in the face of digital disruption, and the importance of local news?

Sarah Miller: It’s clear that radio needs to adapt to survive. Finding new ways to engage audiences through digital platforms, podcasts, or hybrid models might be the key. But, the need for local news and information remains critical. Local news creates informed and engaged citizens and is essential for a healthy democracy. As we see shifts in media usage, one must find the future of local news and information.

Archyde: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights.

sarah Miller: Thank you.

What are your favorite memories of WIRY? Share your thoughts in the comments below.