Thriving in its tenth year, this Wisconsin LPFM offers an exemplary model for community radio broadcasting
Celebrating a Decade of Local Radio: 98.7 WVMO(LP) Turns 10
In the heart of Monona, Wisconsin, a community-owned and locally-programmed radio station has been making waves for a decade. 98.7 WVMO(LP), known as "The Voice of Monona," is a beacon of hyper-local radio excellence, celebrating its 10th anniversary on August 14, 2025.
Established in 2015, WVMO operates out of Monona City Hall and has become a hub of local pride and participation. With over 30 diverse music programs produced by nearly 40 volunteers, the station offers original, community-focused content unavailable elsewhere on the dial.
The station's product, according to co-founder Nimmow, gives WVMO a "leg-up" in its requests with the city. This community-centered approach has been rewarded with multiple accolades, including five Station of the Year awards from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and two Local Radio Station of the Year honors from the Madison Area Music Association.
WVMO's programming includes a broad variety of music genres, such as roots music and Latin music spanning from the 1950s onward. The station heavily promotes its online stream and reflects every song and artist played in its Radio Data System (RDS). One of its unique features is the "adopt-a-watt" fundraising campaign, where listeners can pledge to "own" one of its 100 watts for $250, renewable for $100 each year after.
The station's studio, located within Monona's City Hall, allows it to capitalize on the community connection. Shows like the "'VMO Show," hosted by Martin, feature local officials, including current mayor Nancy Moore, who also hosts a segment, "Moore About Monona," where she describes city events.
The station's weather man, Dean Rothman, is a computer-generated voice creatively named after the intersection of Rothman Place and W. Dean Ave. in Monona. The station's biweekly segment, the "Monona Bird Report," hosted by Mary Murrell since January 2018, is another testament to WVMO's commitment to local programming.
The station's co-founder, Lindsay Wood Davis, is a member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. WVMO's jingle package, crafted by local musicians, adds a personal touch to the station's sound.
As Lake Monona, where 98.7 WVMO(LP) is situated, boasts 13 miles of shoreline and is well-known in Madison, Wisconsin's capital city, the station continues to serve its community with pride and dedication. Here's to another decade of local radio excellence for "The Voice of Monona."
[1] WVMO(LP) 10th Anniversary Special, WVMO(LP) Radio, August 14, 2025. [2] The Voice of Monona: A Decade of Community Radio, Monona City Times, August 10, 2025. [3] WVMO(LP) at 10: A Look Back at a Decade of Local Radio, WKOW-TV, August 12, 2025. [4] WVMO(LP) Celebrates 10 Years of Community Radio, Wisconsin State Journal, August 14, 2025.
- The unique "adopt-a-watt" fundraising campaign of 98.7 WVMO(LP) invites listeners to pledge ownership of one of its 100 watts for $250, renewable yearly for $100.
- With over 30 diverse music programs produced by nearly 40 volunteers, WVMO offers original, community-focused content unavailable elsewhere on the dial.
- In its Radio Data System (RDS), WVMO reflects every song and artist played, showcasing a broad variety of music genres such as roots music and Latin music from the 1950s onward.
- As a beacon of hyper-local radio excellence, WVMO has been celebrating its 10th anniversary on August 14, 2025, with several special events and media coverage.
- The station's co-founder, Lindsay Wood Davis, is a member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, reflecting the station's commitment to the broadcasting industry.
- Local musicians crafted WVMO's jingle package, providing the station with a personal touch and a strong connection to the community.
- Shows like the "'VMO Show" feature local officials and community events, representing WVMO's dedication to promoting the Monona lifestyle and home-and-garden interests, as well as entertainment, music, and news.
