Resident Hopes to Develop a Community Station

By Colleen Gundlach

With internet radio and streaming services available, do people turn the dial to listen to old-fashioned radio these days? Norfolk musician, writer and content producer Michael Cobb answers that question with a resounding “yes.”  

Cobb, who was a disc jockey at the Berkshire School’s radio station, WBSL 91.7, back in the 1980’s, has been researching the possibility of a Norfolk-based radio station. He wants says to develop a local station that would be a community resource to “celebrate Norfolk’s unique community.”

Although there are nearby radio stations—WSBS in Great Barrington, WZBG in Litchfield, WQQQ in Sharon—Cobb wants to focus a station on Norfolk by combining music with talk shows highlighting Norfolk’s people, culture, art and environment. 

A graduate of the University of Oregon, Cobb gained additional experience in the radio industry when he spent three years as a DJ and producer at the university’s radio station, KWVA. He also had his own podcast for four years and worked on a project called the Oral History of American Music for Yale University. He moved back to Norfolk in August 2023 and began working to make a Norfolk radio station a reality.

While researching the project, Cobb discovered that Norfolk already has a radio station—or at least a transmitter tower. Located atop the Alfa Romeo garage on Greenwoods Road West, the tower serves WSGG. According to the website Radio Box, it is licensed to serve Norfolk and owned by Revival Christian Ministries Inc. It airs a Spanish-language contemporary Christian music format. Attempts to contact WSGG management went unanswered, but the station can be heard at 100.1 FM.

Cobb explains that Norfolk’s station he envisions could take a form like that of WAPJ, Torrington’s non-profit, commercial-free radio station, which broadcasts at 89.9 and 105.1. “I have been in contact with John Ramsey, the general manager at WAPJ, and he has been very helpful. He gave me some guidance in what is involved in starting and running a radio station, and it is intimidating.” 

Cobb also recently met with the staff of the Berkshire School. He toured the radio station, discussed infrastructure requirements. He says everyone has been responsive and helpful. In Norfolk, he has had informal discussions with members of the Economic Development Committee and the Norfolk Hub about space.

Cobb still needs to develop a business plan, including investigating zoning regulations and costs of infrastructure and recruiting staff and/or volunteers. Right now, he is looking for like-minded residents. “We will need people who can help develop a business plan, work with grant writing or marketing and those who have experience in broadcasting, radio engineering or just a passion for radio. I want to see how much interest there is out there,”  he said.

Cobb admits that the cost of physical office space, equipment and for the transmitter and tower might be prohibitive at the outset. “Maybe we would need to start out as an internet radio station and build from there. It would be a place to start, and we can expand from there. In three years, there will be a window of opportunity to obtain a radio station license from the Federal Communications Commission. We want to be ready.”

“Radio is a great connector,” says Cobb, “The airwaves reach out to people and anyone can participate.” He says he wants to be able to share Norfolk’s arts, volunteer organizations and natural beauty through his broadcasts. “Together we can put Norfolk on the air.”  

Anyone interested in becoming involved in this project can contact Cobb at michaelcobb70@gmail.com.