Local radio station WNAM to cease broadcasting after 78 years
After nearly eight decades of broadcasting, avid radio listeners in the Appleton and Oshkosh areas are bidding farewell to WNAM 1280 AM. The station released an official statement on its website (https://www.1280wnam.com/2025/12/17/wnam-says-farewell/) on December 17, 2023, announcing its closure on December 31, 2025.
The statement reads, "After careful consideration, we must share that WNAM 1280 AM will cease broadcasting on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at midnight. This difficult decision comes in response to evolving listener habits and economic realities that have reshaped the media landscape."
WNAM 1280 AM's journey began on May 23, 1947, with a unique blend of programming. The original broadcast included four news breaks, a segment called "Voices of the Army," two hours dedicated to a Cincinnati vs. Chicago Cubs game, and an hour of "Dinner Melodies," offering "the world's finest music for your dinner hour enjoyment."
Over the years, the station has been a staple for local businesses, delivering breaking news, and providing coverage of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers baseball games for the past 16 seasons. The statement reveals that the Timber Rattlers coverage will continue on its sister station, WOSH 1490 AM.
As the station prepares to sign off, it invites listeners to continue tuning in during its final days on the air. The post concludes with a heartfelt message: "From all of us at WNAM 1280 AM — thank you for listening."
This announcement marks a significant moment in the history of local radio, leaving a lasting impact on the community it served for nearly eight decades.
