Internet Indie Radio Station WOXY.com Shut Down

Less than a year after moving to Austin from Ohio, popular internet radio station WOXY.com has closed.

The station went silent around 9 am today, and a note on the station's website read: "Due to current economic realities and the lack of ongoing funding for WOXY's operations, we've been forced to suspend our live broadcasts as of March 23rd. We're continuing to explore options to keep The Future of Rock and Roll alive."

After Future Sounds, Inc. bought the station from Lala.com last year, the company moved the WOXY studios from Cincinnati to Austin, setting up shop in the Austin Theater building on South Congress. WOXY's lineup of DJs made the move from Ohio, and Austinist music editor Paige Maguire joined the team as Director of Marketing and Development.

On her site, Maguire called the shutdown a "tremendous blow".

"Though I’ve only had a chance to be there a short time, I’ve learned a ton and come to respect these guys so much, today’s news makes me truly sad," Maguire wrote. "Not only am I losing friends and co-workers that I love and admire, I’m one of many who is losing what is one of the only truly free, independent outlets for music around."

Music director Matt Shiv posted on a note on Facebook about the closing, saying, "It is absolutely mindboggling to me that I have to sit down and write these words: WOXY.com is being shut down today by our owners at Future Sounds."

"Thanks to everybody who has been SO amazing to me and this station over the years. I've been on this wild ride now for 12 years," Shiv wrote. "I am thrilled that I have had a part in helping to program this station since 1998 and am incredibly proud of WOXY's legacy."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jeff Beckham in Arts & Entertainment on March 23, 2010 11:14 AM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

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i agree with you WOXY.com Shut Down OMG.

kenneth1

All ad-based industries are hurting right now. Sounds like WOXY was just too labor-intensive, and Future Sounds gave it a shot, but couldn't get the financing.

I thought they did a great job supporting Austin music, from what little I read & events I attended. Thanks for trying, guys/gal.

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i agree with you WOXY.com Shut Down OMG... i like the radio....

lahipster

theseCincinnati carpet baggers from ohio where clueless did not support austin music scene that why they are gone

craigotron

You know, this is a perfect demonstration of the fallacy of relying on corporate sponsorship as a media business plan. The solvency of an organization depends on the whims of those who are not stakeholders in its continued existence. Anything can bring that down - internal politics, or that sponsor's own economic situation.

Meanwhile those who do care, the listeners, lose out. This same story is being repeated over and over again at magazines, newspapers and other independent stations...

craigotron

All the disappointment and anger won't put money in the bank account. Running popular internet radio isn't cheap - the internet connection, servers etc alone probably cost thousands per month. Then you have to license the music (probably the least expensive thing, sadly) and pay the staff members their wages and benefits.

I have no sure idea, but its probably tens of thousands per month at least to run something like woxy. And woxy isn't NPR - few wealthy supporters or foundational sponsors. So you need a credible business plan to make the numbers add up.

Sounds like corporate sponsor deals fell through. I know how that goes, c'est la vie.

user

i know the future sounds guys, music is definitely their first priority. they did everything they could to save woxy, woxy probably would have been shutdown over a year ago if future sounds did not buy it.

whooo

Contact Future Sounds, Inc. and let them know what you think of this.

http://futuresounds.blogspot.com/2005/07/contact-us.html

Future Sounds, Inc was formed by a club dj and a clothing company. Music is not their first priority.

notnickwhit

This is terrible. Just awful.

mich

I am so sad.

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THe same to you, I'm sorry to hear that...

sillygoose

NO! Seriously, don't do this!

Can't you guys have a fundraising drive or something? I'll gladly donate. Become a member-supported radio station!

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