Buffalo Toronto Public Media Launches New Commercial Talk Station

Nonprofit broadcaster converts 94.5 WNED-FM to commercial license, blending local news, public affairs, and music

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:53am

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An abstract illustration featuring bold, geometric shapes in red and white, conceptually representing the transition of a public radio station into a commercial talk format.BTPM's bold move to blend public service and commercial interests in its new talk station reflects the evolving landscape of local media.Jamestown Today

Buffalo Toronto Public Media (BTPM) is transforming one of its stations into a full-service, commercial talk powerhouse. The nonprofit broadcaster is converting 94.5 WNED-FM from a non-commercial to a commercial license, allowing it to introduce advertising while still retaining its public service mission. The new station will feature a diverse lineup of local, national, and international content, including news, public affairs, cultural programming, sports, and music.

Why it matters

This move is a strategic response to a $2.2 million annual funding cut from the federal government. BTPM is using this challenge as an opportunity to rethink how it serves its community while safeguarding essential public media services. The conversion to a commercial license is controversial, as it raises questions about the balance between public service and commercial interests.

The details

To make this transition, BTPM is moving classical programming from 94.5 WNED-FM to 88.7 WBFO, which will continue to air popular NPR shows. Meanwhile, 94.5 will become the home of the reimagined full-service talk station, supported by both members and advertisers. BTPM insists it will introduce advertising gradually, with category restrictions and a clear separation between editorial and sales operations.

  • BTPM plans to roll out the changes as early as May 2026, though no firm date has been set.
  • The federal funding cut that prompted this move occurred in 2026.

The players

Buffalo Toronto Public Media (BTPM)

A nonprofit public media organization serving the Buffalo-Toronto region, operating multiple radio stations.

Tom Calderone

President and CEO of Buffalo Toronto Public Media.

94.5 WNED-FM

One of BTPM's radio stations, which is being converted from a non-commercial to a commercial license.

88.7 WBFO

Another BTPM radio station that will continue to air NPR programming.

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What they’re saying

“The federal funding cut put us in a difficult position, but we're using this moment to think creatively about how we serve our community while safeguarding our essential services.”

— Tom Calderone, President/CEO, Buffalo Toronto Public Media

“Advertising will be introduced gradually, with category restrictions and a clear separation between editorial and sales operations.”

— Buffalo Toronto Public Media

What’s next

BTPM emphasizes that its nonprofit status, mission, editorial standards, and public service commitment remain unchanged, but the changes could spark further debate about the balance between public and commercial interests in public media.

The takeaway

This move by BTPM is a bold experiment in redefining what public media can be, as the organization seeks to adapt to a changing media landscape and secure its long-term financial sustainability. While the conversion to a commercial license is controversial, BTPM insists it will maintain its public service values and mission.