WSLR is a low-power radio station in Sarasota, FL, that features original music and public affairs shows programmed by community volunteers.
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09/22/2025
YOUR PHOTOS NEEDED! The next issue of Critical Times focuses on environmental issues like stormwater management, land preservation, and clean water. We want to publish a collage of photos taken by our community that illustrates all of the beautiful natural areas that are worth saving.
Interested in having your photo published in Critical Times? Email one high-res photo of your favorite natural spot or outdoor activity in Sarasota or Manatee counties to [email protected] and include your name (for photo credit) and a sentence that describes the place in the photo and what it means to you. Photos needed by end-of-day Tuesday!
09/22/2025
đ»NEW SHOW ALERT! The Melody Matrix hosted by Neil Rubado launches tomorrow (Tuesday) from 7-9 a.m.
Melody Matrix presents music ranging from rock to folk, encompassing R&B, pop, Americana, soul, reggae and indie. Youâll find pop from the â80s alongside new releases from upcoming artists. The program is a platform for the past, present and future, featuring many lesser-known but awesome performers.
Greg Cruz, the cofounder of Streets of Paradise who was recently fired, is on the air now with Cathy Antunes for The Detail - On Sarasota Politics. Tune in!
09/16/2025
09/05/2025
đ»Our listeners tell us they love beginning the weekend with Latin Explosion, which airs every Friday from 7-9 a.m.
If you miss an episode of this incredible show that highlights 20th Century salsa, Latin jazz & Afro Cuban music, you can always catch up on the archive: https://archive.wslr.org/
Her solo exhibition, "Selina RomĂĄn: Abstract Corpulence," is on view now through March 29 at Sarasota Art Museum. The Florida-grown artist also teaches photography at Ringling College.
Don't forget to tune in to WSLR on alternating Mondays at 9 a.m. for more compelling conversations with visual artists and curators, and hear the music that is fueling their creative practice!
09/01/2025
4:30 p.m. UPDATE: The issue has been resolved and we are back on the air.
đĄWe are experiencing technical difficulties with our terrestrial signal. In the meantime, please stream WSLR at wslr.org or listen on the free app!
Thank you and Happy Labor Day!
08/27/2025
âïžMusician and WSLR programmer kid red will share some personal stories about New Orleans (pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina) on today's edition of Louisiana Gumbo, which airs every Wednesday from 2-4 p.m.
08/25/2025
UPDATE: we're back on the air! Thanks for your patience, Sarasota.
đ»7:53 a.m. technical difficulties: we're currently off the air due to issues at our transmitter site. But you can still stream the always delightful "Blues to Bluegrass" from wslr.org while we troubleshoot.
Up next: Voices Up with Shannon and Andrew.
08/22/2025
đTonight (Friday) at 6:30 immediately after WSLR News: We are thrilled to welcome "A Woman's Place" to our compelling lineup of public affairs programs.
Hosts Scott Osborne (Through Women's Eyes) and Ashley Brown provide a deep dive into the state of women today â in Florida, the U.S., and around the world. Whether youâre looking to stay informed, find support, feel empowered, or just get the facts about how policy changes affect half the planet, "A Womanâs Place" is your friend.
Tune in to WSLR on alternating Friday evenings as Scott and Ashley break down the issues, clarify the facts, engage in thoughtful discussions, and provide insights that matter.
08/20/2025
đ» Thanks to Indie Psychâs Alecia for letting us know that today, August 20th, is National Radio Day! So a very Happy National Radio Day from the staff and volunteer programmers of YOUR community radio station: WSLR, which stands for (Wow) Sarasota Loves Radio!
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when WSLR 96.5 Community Radio posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
In 2000, five non-profit groups filed applications for low power frequency 96.5 during the FCCâs four day window.
In 2003, Bo Bentele and Sarah Kell, acting on behalf of the New College Student Alliance (NCSA) negotiated a settlement agreement with David Beaton, acting on behalf of the Gulf Coast Sanctuary. In this agreement, the Gulf Coast Sanctuary agreed to withdraw their application in exchange for creation of a governing Board that would consist of community members and student representatives. This settlement agreement allowed the NCSA application to prevail.
In February 2004, the NCSA was awarded a construction permit for a low power station.
An interim board was established consisting of community representatives David Beaton, Robert Salzberg, Darlene Sparks, Jason Boehk and Arlene Sweeting and New College representatives Bo Bentele, Sarah Kell, Rebecca Nelson (NCF) and David Bryant (head of Alumni Assn). It was agreed that we would form a new 501c3 organization, WSLR, and that the WSLR board would be the governing board for the station.
The board met for a year and a half establishing bylaws and procedures by which the station would be governed and raising money to get the station on the air. The bylaws approved on 10/20/2004 called for a simple majority of the Board seats to be reserved for New College affiliates â students, alumni, faculty or staff.
WSLR applied for and received 501c3 status in June 2005. Until we were formally recognized as a 501c3, the New College Foundation set up a Radio Fund where people could make tax-deductible contributions to the station.
Bo Bentele formed a Radio Club on campus to generate interest in the station. The relationship of New College Radio Club and the station continued to be discussed. At no time was anyone officially connected with the NCSA on the governing board. The NCSA was approached and did fund several purchases for the New College Studio. These purchases have since been reclaimed for use by student bands.
At the end of July 2005, Prometheus Radio sent three technical people down from Philadelphia to help us get the station on the air. With the help of 20 volunteers, the studio and the transmission site were constructed in one weekend.
In August 2005, WSLR tested their first live broadcast and filed for a license to cover.
From August 2005 â May 2006, we ran two studios â one at New College and one at Royal Palm. Due to technical issues and lack of consistency and New College concerns with community members coming on campus late at night, this studio was shut down and New College students became one with community members in operating out of the same studio. We also eliminated specific slots for New College students in the programming schedule; opening up any slot for them. Because of the elimination of the âusâ and âthemâ mindset, the requirement that a majority of the Board be New College Representatives was also dropped.
October 2009 â The New College student body voted to transfer the station license to WSLR, Inc. An âunofficialâ license transfer ceremony was held at New College to complete the paperwork and the application was filed online with the FCC. An agreement was reached between the station and the New College students, whereby students would retain a seat on the WSLR Board and on the programming committee; the station would continue to offer student internships; and the station would remain in geographical proximity to the college. The FCC approved the license transfer in February 2011.
In October 2011 WSLR moved into its new digs at 525 Kumquat Court in downtown Sarasota.
