WGDR/WGDH History
In the summer of 1970, Goddard College hosted the landmark Alternative Media Conference, sending ripples of inspiration around the campus for independent media creation.
Three years later, in 1973, Goddard acquired an FM full-power license for a radio station: WGDR at 91.1 FM. Since then, WGDR has broadcast out of the bottom floor of the Elliot Pratt Center (library) on Goddard Campus, co-creating with the community an alternative, progressive calendar of public affairs and music programs. In 2010, the station expanded its reach into the Northeast Kingdom by acquiring WGDH, Hardwick at 91.7 FM.
In 2021, after 48 years as a college/community station owned by Goddard, WGDR/WGDH is preparing to go independent as a community station, under the new non-profit Central Vermont Community Radio (CVCR).
CVCR will carry the station’s mission forward and maintain the two broadcast signals at 91.1 FM and 91.7 FM, which reach 25 Vermont cities and towns, across 6 counties. For years, over 50 community volunteers contribute to each week’s broadcast, providing programming that reflects the unique and independent spirit of the Central Vermont community. During COVID-19, a dedicated 30 programmers have submitted shows remotely, ensuring our content remains current and in some cases, done safely, still live from the studio.
Make your donation today to support independent community radio.
If you would like to become a WGDR volunteer or programmer, please contact us!
WGDR Programming and Community
The station actively supports program content related to women’s issues; itinerant agricultural workers in Vermont; the LGBTQ+ community; housing insecure folks; young people; Native Peoples; and the poor. Our very popular Indie Kingdom project has helped countless young Vermonters make audio stories and get on the air. We proudly broadcast “Democracy Now” and other Pacific Radio Network programming as a member station and are part of the National Federation for Community Broadcasters.
Funding
WGDR is funded by donations from listeners like you, underwriting by local organizations and businesses, and partnerships with the community.
