Imagine a small town's radio landscape completely transformed overnight. That's exactly what happened in Brattleboro, Vermont, when Jared Goodell’s Community Media took the reins of two beloved stations, sparking a wave of change that has listeners buzzing. But here's where it gets controversial: Are these format shifts a bold move to revitalize local radio, or a risky gamble that could alienate loyal fans? Let’s dive in.
On January 1, Community Media finalized its $500,000 acquisition of Four Seasons Media’s Hot AC 96.7 WTSA-FM and Rock-formatted “99.5 The Beast” (1450 WTSA/99.5 W258DW). What followed was a dramatic double format shift that has the community talking. WTSA-FM bid farewell to its Hot AC sound and emerged as “Magic 96.7” (https://magic967.com/), embracing a broader Adult Contemporary (AC) format. This isn’t Jared Goodell’s first rodeo in radio—he’s a seasoned pro with a background in on-air roles, sales, and operations, including stints at Saga Communications and as Operations Manager for the syndicated Howie Carr Show. Now, he’s back in the spotlight, co-hosting “Magic Mornings with JJ & Gini” alongside Gini Kernozicky. To sweeten the deal, the station has also added John Tesh’s popular “Intelligence For Your Life” for nighttime listeners.
And this is the part most people miss: The bigger shakeup happened at 1450 WTSA/99.5 W258DW. The station’s Rock format was replaced entirely by “Country 99.5” (https://player.aiir.com/country-99-5/), a bold pivot that has left some fans scratching their heads while others are tuning in with curiosity. Notably, Tom Mayo, the former morning host of WTSA-FM and afternoon host of The Beast, parted ways with the station following the transition, marking the end of an era for many listeners.
These changes raise intriguing questions: Will the new formats resonate with Brattleboro’s diverse audience? Can Country 99.5 fill the void left by The Beast’s Rock legacy? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In an age of streaming and digital playlists, does local radio still have the power to unite communities—or is it fighting an uphill battle for relevance? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Whether you’re cheering for the changes or mourning the old formats, one thing’s for sure: Brattleboro’s airwaves will never be the same.
