Durham Loses Its Only Local Radio Station Just As It Did 36 Years Ago

Durham Loses Its Only Local Radio Station, Just As It Did 36 Years Ago

by Grant Goddard

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	970 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	14 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Durham is losing its only local radio station, WDUR, just 36 years after the city lost its previous local station, WDNC. This is a major blow to the community, as WDUR has been a vital source of news, information, and entertainment for decades.

WDUR first went on the air in 1957 as a student-run station at Duke University. In 1969, the station became independent and began broadcasting to the entire Durham community. WDUR quickly became a popular station, known for its eclectic programming and commitment to local news.

In 1986, WDUR was sold to a group of investors who changed the station's format to country music. The new format was not popular with listeners, and the station's ratings plummeted. In 1988, WDUR was sold again, this time to a group of local investors who returned the station to its original format.

WDUR has continued to be a popular station in Durham for the past 36 years. The station has won numerous awards for its news coverage, and its DJs are well-known and respected in the community. However, the station has faced financial challenges in recent years, due to the decline of traditional radio advertising.

In 2022, WDUR was sold to a new owner who plans to change the station's format to all-news. This has angered many listeners, who fear that the station will lose its unique identity. A group of former WDUR DJs has started a petition to save the station's original format, but it is unclear if their efforts will be successful.

The loss of WDUR is a major blow to the Durham community. The station has been a vital source of news, information, and entertainment for decades. It is unclear what the future holds for the station, but it is clear that Durham will be a less vibrant city without it.

Timeline of Durham's Local Radio Stations

• 1957: WDUR goes on the air as a student-run station at Duke University.
• 1969: WDUR becomes independent and begins broadcasting to the entire Durham community.
• 1986: WDUR is sold to a group of investors who change the station's format to country music.
• 1988: WDUR is sold again to a group of local investors who return the station to its original format.
• 2022: WDUR is sold to a new owner who plans to change the station's format to all-news.

Images of WDUR

Audio Clips of WDUR

Durham Loses Its Only Local Radio Station, Just As It Did 36 Years Ago

by Grant Goddard

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	970 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	14 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE