WKNY-A/Kingston, NY To Become Radio Kingston With Jimmy Buff As Exec. Director

Jimmy Buff

RADIO KINGSTON has reached an agreement to purchase WKNY-AM/KINGSTON, NY and will launch a new noncommercial platform offering programming centered around community storytelling, artistic and musical expression, conversation and connection.

JIMMY BUFF, who recently stepped down after over a decade as PD and host at WDST/POUGHKEEPSIE-WOODSTOCK, NY has joined RADIO KINGSTON as Executive Director, overseeing the overall mission and will host a show beginning later this year.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to imagine and build a new community asset for the CITY OF KINGSTON,” said BUFF. “Radio is an intimate and powerful medium that offers the opportunity to rediscover our common story, shared meaning, and renewed connection to our home and to each other.  This new platform is dedicated to KINGSTON stories told by KINGSTON people -- and the difference it makes could be transformative.”

RADIO KINGSTON plans to host a series of community meetings in the fall to gather ideas for new programming, and will also set up a website and digital platforms to foster continual conversation and feedback in real time.  It expects new programming to begin to emerge in early 2018.

“This is a great day for KINGSTON,” said Mayor STEVE NOBLE. “Community-based media is an essential part of any thriving and inclusive city.  This new, robust platform will be an incredible resource for our community, led by our residents.  I look forward to experiencing the diverse voices, stories and passion of our community through RADIO KINGSTON.”

“RADIO KINGSTON will come alive through the voices, expression, and creativity of its residents, reflecting this city’s rich diversity, imagination, and sense of community for all residents to hear,” said MARIEL FIORI, board member of RADIO KINGSTON.

RADIO KINGSTON is an independent local organization and will receive support from THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS OF THE HUDSON VALLEY, through a grant from the NOVO FOUNDATION.  The NOVO FOUNDATION, co-created by JENNIFER and PETER BUFFETT has a long history of support for community initiatives in the HUDSON VALLEY in collaboration with the NEW WORLD FOUNDATION.  GUEST TECHNOLOGY represented RADIO KINGSTON in the transaction as technical advisers and broker.

“This new station can serve as an anchor for a hyper-local conversation about an equitable, healthy and connected KINGSTON community.  We’re so excited to see it come to life,” said MICAH BLUMENTHAL, board member of RADIO KINGSTON.

“We are excited to support such an imaginative and important investment in the future of KINGSTON,” said MARCH GALLAGHER, CEO of THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS OF THE HUDSON VALLEY. “This is a promising time for the city and all of its residents.”

“RADIO KINGSTON is grounded in the belief that communities know what’s best for themselves and their future,” said BUFFETT, who will serve as board chair for RADIO KINGSTON.

In the coming weeks, RADIO KINGSTON will launch a website – radiokingston.org – to post information and updates about community meetings, share ideas, and to solicit feedback.

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