Evansville's Oldest Radio Station WGBF-AM to Shut Down

The AM signal that first hit the airwaves in 1923 will go silent on December 31st.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:45pm

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A dramatic, abstract black and white silhouette of a vintage radio tower, conceptually representing the iconic WGBF-AM signal going dark after over a century on the air.The impending shutdown of Evansville's historic WGBF-AM radio station marks the end of an era for local media.Evansville Today

After over a century on the air, Evansville's oldest radio station WGBF-AM is preparing to sign off for good. Current owner Townsquare Media has announced plans to shut down the AM signal on December 31st, marking the end of an era for the city's local media landscape.

Why it matters

WGBF-AM holds a special place in Evansville's history as the first radio station to broadcast in the city, dating back to 1923. Its closure represents the continued decline of AM radio and raises questions about the future of local media as audiences shift to digital platforms.

The details

Townsquare Media, the current owner of WGBF-AM, has decided to shut down the station's AM signal at the end of this year. The company is actively seeking a buyer for the frequency, but details about potential offers remain undisclosed.

  • WGBF-AM first went on the air in 1923.
  • Townsquare Media announced plans to shut down the AM signal on December 31, 2026.

The players

Townsquare Media

The current owner of WGBF-AM radio station in Evansville, Indiana.

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What’s next

Townsquare Media is seeking a buyer for the WGBF-AM frequency, but it remains unclear if the historic station will find a new owner or be silenced permanently.

The takeaway

The closure of WGBF-AM, Evansville's oldest radio station, marks the end of an era for local media in the city. This development highlights the broader challenges facing AM radio as audiences migrate to digital platforms, raising questions about the future of community-based broadcasting.