Low-Power WCSQ/Cobleskill, NY, Specializes In Local Programming

Radio Cobleskill

WCSQ-LP (105.9 FM), a new low-power radio station in COBLESKILL, NY, has hit the airwaves specializing in local programming and an "eclectic range of music stretching back to the '80s," it was reported by the local DAILY GAZETTE.

RADIO COBLESKILL GM MICHAEL NEVRADAKIS has been involved in producing radio since 2003 and has hosted a radio show aimed at the GREEK-AMERICAN community since 2010.

“Radio was always something I loved and it continues to be my favorite medium,” said the 32-year-old, who moved to COBLESKILL from NEW YORK CITY with his parents five years ago.

When the FCC announced the availability of a low power license in SCHOHARIE COUNTY, NEVRADAKIS applied to the agency in 2013, recruiting four fellow board members made up of area residents, who conducted fundraising efforts and put up their own cash to make the station a reality.

The FCC granted them a construction permit in 2014 and it took two years to procure equipment and get the project off the ground. RADIO COBLESKILL officially began broadcasting NOVEMBER 16th and offers music and news updates from the U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE for the region’s farmers, as well as two weekly jazz shows, radio theater and a philosophy broadcast called “New Dimensions.”

The station is designated as a non-profit and cannot air traditional ads, but can accept underwriting support from businesses and other institutions that are namechecked during broadcasts.

A sample playlist shows hits from contemporary artists like ED SHEERAN and ARIANA GRANDE and older acts like TOTO and CHRIS ISAAK.

The station has an operating power of 100 watts and is able to reach all of COBLESKILL and RICHMONDVILLE as well as a stretch of I-88 and much of SCHOHARIE COUNTY. 

NEVRADAKIS hopes to launch more public programming next year and open the station to local governments, schools and civic organizations as well as private citizens interested in hosting their own shows with dedicated, weekly time slots.

NEVRADAKIS said the station grew out of his GREEK-themed radio show “Bialogos,” which means “dialogue” in GREEK and is aired in CHICAGO and LONG ISLAND, as well as in several foreign countries.

More information can be found at www.radiocobleskill.org.

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