© 2026 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Nashville's WSM Chronicled in 'Air Castle'

When radio ruled the airwaves, Nashville station WSM was a broadcasting powerhouse. Started in 1925, it became a cultural force that shaped the future of Nashville, largely because of its signature program, The Grand Ole Opry. The station's story unfolds in the new book Air Castle of the South: WSM and the Making of Music City. The book's author, Craig Havighurst, says WSM almost became a sports-talk station a few years ago, but the community and some music legends convinced management to keep the country format.

Havighurst speaks with John Ydstie

Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Tags
Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.