Hudson, NY – Today, Congressman Scott Murphy (NY-20) announced that WGXC was awarded a grant of $71,486 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration through their Public Telecommunications Facilities Program, which will fund half the equipment needed for the station to go on the air on 90.7 FM. WGXC will be a 3,300-watt non-commercial community radio station, with shows about agriculture, local history, the arts, education and local issues. WGXC will broadcast from a studio in Hudson, and at the Catskill Community Center.  This will bring the first public radio signal to more than 12,500 people.

“This funding will help bring an essential new resource for residents in the Hudson-Catskill region by helping to provide them with access to important news and information through the radio,” said Rep. Murphy.  “In addition, this funding will improve the infrastructure of the region that is critical to rebuilding our economy and improving the quality of life for its residents.” 

Kaya Weidman, a member of the WGXC Radio Council, and founder of the Germantown Community Farm, said: “The station will provide programming for farmers and rural people to exchange ideas and information, share resources, hear regionally specific news, market price reports, as well as weather, crop, pest, and disease information. This resource will strengthen our local food system, support our area farmers, keep people informed of environmental issues, and ultimately contribute to our vibrant rural community.”

Hudson Talbott, a member of the WGXC Radio Council and Vice-President of the Catskill Community Center and Thomas Cole House, said: “The Catskill Community Center is thrilled to be hosting WGXC. Catskill is in the process of re-imagining itself and the community center is at the heart of the new vision. We are sharing information, participating in activities, and joining together for local events as never before. The radio station brings exactly what our revitalized community needs right now - a voice.”

WGXC will need to match the funds in the PTFP grant before the station’s debut next summer.