WORT FM

WORT FM Listener-sponsored, volunteer-powered community radio broadcasting to Madison and beyond.
(215)

We are a nonprofit and noncommercial community radio station based in Madison,
and broadcasting to south-central Wisconsin. Founded in 1975, the station is driven by
hundreds of on-air and off-air volunteers, a small staff collective, a Board of Directors, and
many listeners and listener-sponsors. At the core of the WORT mission is the facilitation of community expression. We strive to challenge t

he cultural and intellectual assumptions of our listeners through unique and diverse local programming, and include audiences and programmers underrepresented in other media. Almost all our 24/7 programming is produced by volunteer members of the community. Our
deejays share music across all genres, our reporters cover local news impacting our community,
our talk shows provide a forum for the discussion of public issues, and our public access
programming allows individuals in the community a chance to host a radio show of their own. For more information about WORT, and to listen to our programming, visit our website at
wortfm.org or tune into 89.9 FM. Find the many ways to listen here: https://www.wortfm.org/how-to-listen-to-wort/

Volunteer for WORT by following this link: https://www.wortfm.org/become-volunteer/

11/09/2024

After dealing with wage theft and other forms of labor abuse, Juana and Francisco, two married migrants from Puebla, Mexico, have finally started fulfilling their dreams.

Through organized collective action and with help from Worker Justice Wisconsin, Juana and Francisco formed Los Volcanes Coop, a group of Spanish-speaking migrants who empowered themselves to create their own working conditions.

Juana's dreams as a kid in Puebla, to have her sewing machine to work on, have become a reality in Wisconsin. This is their story.

https://www.wortfm.org/voices-of-resilience-dignity-the-birth-of-los-volcanes-cooperative/

11/06/2024

You make it possible for us to share music that uplifts people and knowledge that improves the lives of people in our community. Today, we are grateful to you for the sense of purpose you give us to do this work.

Polls are open in Wisconsin until 8pm! Are you voting today, or were you one of the over 1.5 million Wisconsinites who v...
11/05/2024

Polls are open in Wisconsin until 8pm! Are you voting today, or were you one of the over 1.5 million Wisconsinites who voted early?

Don't forget to bring your ID. If you're not registered to vote, you can do so at the polls — just make sure you bring acceptable proof of residence.

Find what's on your ballot, where to vote, and what to bring at MyVote Wisconsin ➡️ myvote.wi.gov

10/31/2024

I Hear Voices Fall Thank You T-Shirt

I offer my sincere apology for you not receiving your T-shirt on the date promised.

A little over a week ago, our vendor told us that the I Hear Voices shirt we ordered 6 weeks before was out of stock. There was only one shirt with a color similar to the Seafoam that so many of you liked (it was the most popular color chosen, to our surprise).

The alternative t-shirt came in colors close to those we offered: Black, H**p (Forest Green substitute), Blossom (Pink substitute), and Lagoon Reef (Seafoam substitute).

We received the shirts last Friday, and after counting, inspecting, and sorting them, they will mail this Friday.

The good news is that the substitute shirts, made by Comfort Colors, are garment-dyed, not fabric-dyed. Instead of dyeing large swaths of fabric, then cutting out pieces to make garments, the garments are made first (from 100% ring spun cotton) then dyed the requested colors.

Garment-dyed shirts are softer and have a vintage, lived-in look. You'll also notice they are iridescent. Yes, they are primarily black, green, pink, and blue. But if you move the shirt, you will see another color faintly appear around the folds or seams.

These shirts generally cost almost 3 times as much as the ones we originally ordered, but the vendor is giving them to us at the same price to compensate for their error.

Unfortunately, these shirts are no longer available for order. We order only the requested garments' quantity, sizes, and colors directly after the pledge drive ends. Subsequent orders require a 48-piece minimum.

I'd love to see you modeling your new shirt. Please email me at [email protected] with your photo(s).

Send a message to learn more

Scenes from President Barack Obama and Governor Tim Walz's rally in Madison yesterday.Photo cred: Erik Schwerdtfeger / W...
10/24/2024

Scenes from President Barack Obama and Governor Tim Walz's rally in Madison yesterday.

Photo cred: Erik Schwerdtfeger / WORT News.

The new orange hand towels are here for Bowl-A-Rama! Which color will you choose?Register today at www.wortfm.org!
10/22/2024

The new orange hand towels are here for Bowl-A-Rama! Which color will you choose?
Register today at www.wortfm.org!

It's gonna be the biggest & best one EVER⚠️With WORT DJ Cardinal Din❗COSTUME CONTEST!📣 Concert Ticket Prizes! & much mor...
10/21/2024

It's gonna be the biggest & best one EVER⚠️With WORT DJ Cardinal Din❗COSTUME CONTEST!📣 Concert Ticket Prizes! & much more... Y'all don't want to miss out -
sign-up is super-easy this year-ONLINE!- 🎳 Scroll to the registration link here:
https://www.wortfm.org/bowl-a-rama-registration-is-live/?fbclid

The WORT Bowl-A-Rama returns to Dream Lanes (13 Atlas Ct.) on Sunday, October 27th — Just in time for Halloween! Proudly sponsored by Union Cab of Madison Cooperative. Check-in begins […]

Every other week on the Local News, carpentry instructors John and Allie guide us through the wide world of home improve...
10/03/2024

Every other week on the Local News, carpentry instructors John and Allie guide us through the wide world of home improvement.

Having an issue with your sump pump, water heater, or something else at home? Chances are John and Allie have it covered.

https://www.wortfm.org/author/the-house-always-wins/

If they haven't, send your request for a future episode by writing in at [email protected].

This afternoon, join us for a special Journey Into Jazz.
10/02/2024

This afternoon, join us for a special Journey Into Jazz.

On Wednesday October 2, Journeys into Jazz host Chuck France and his guest UW Afro American Studies Professor Ethelene Whitmire present a look at the Nordic Utopia? exhibit at the Chazen […]

I Hear Voices: The Intimacy of RadioDo you ever listen to WORT at night with the lights off?I do.Mel & Floyd, Musica Ant...
09/23/2024

I Hear Voices: The Intimacy of Radio

Do you ever listen to WORT at night with the lights off?
I do.

Mel & Floyd, Musica Antiqua, Hejira, the blues shows -- almost every WORT show, depending on what calls to me, broadcast or archives.

I feel connected to the hosts. They talk to me. I trust them.

In fact, radio is one of the most trusted sources for entertainment, news, and information in America, according to a recent survey by yougov.com.*

We trust radio because it's live, local, and listener-focused. Over time, the hosts become our friends. They’re sources of information that can be counted on to provide us with up-to-date local news and music.

WORT hosts and reporters create conversations, content, music, and culture that are important and relevant to our lives.

Thank you for trusting them to do that, for supporting them so they can, and for letting them know you appreciate them with your calls, letters, emails, and donations.

For nearly 50 years, WORT has relied on wonderful volunteers and grateful listeners to keep WORT going and growing. Whether you are a volunteer or donor, we are deeply indebted to YOU.

Our on-air Fall Fundraiser ended Monday, September 16, and the online-only portion ends Tuesday morning, 9 am, September 24, at 9 a.m

Until then, all thank-you gifts are available, including the popular new shirt designed by Lauden Nute. And every year, monthly donors are entitled to thank you gifts equivalent to the total of your annual monthly contributions. Donate and find out more at wortfm.org/donatee.

Generous donors have offered to match donations made before Tuesday, September 24, to help a slow drive. If you can help us double your donation, great. And if this isn't a good time for a donation, sit back and enjoy the shows!

THANK YOU for supporting WORT!

*The most trusted national source? The Weather Channel

~Susan, Donor Relations

09/22/2024

WORT's Underground Rock stage is canceled today 😠 And the parade 😓 Main stage is still happnin' prolly around 1 🎶 💕

Vice President Kamala Harris made a campaign stop Friday evening in Madison. Her supporters flocked to the Veterans Memo...
09/21/2024

Vice President Kamala Harris made a campaign stop Friday evening in Madison. Her supporters flocked to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center by foot, by bike, by bus, and by car – jamming up traffic on John Nolen Drive for most of the afternoon and evening. The venue was at capacity at 10,500 attendees, according to a Harris campaign official.

But not everyone was a staunch Harris supporter. A handful of pro-Palestinian protesters also made an appearance, holding up signs while folks waited in bumper to bumper traffic outside and later interrupting Harris’ speech.

WisDems Chair Ben Wikler, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, interim Dane County Executive Jamie Kuhn, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Governor Tony Evers, and Wisconsin Teamsters Joint Council 39 President Bill Carroll all gave speeches before turning over the podium to Vice President Harris.

Her speech touched on a range of issues – from investing in the middle class, to affordable housing, to health care. But she spent the most time on reproductive rights, vowing to restore Roe v. Wade should she be elected president in November.

Tune in to the Local News on Monday for more details on the Harris rally.

Image courtesy: Erik Schwerdtfeger / WORT News.

TONITE! Tonight is the night To Rock! WORT FM Benefit ⚠️PRIZE ALERT!💥 Update for tonite's RAFFLE! - There will be 3 draw...
09/20/2024

TONITE! Tonight is the night To Rock! WORT FM Benefit ⚠️PRIZE ALERT!💥 Update for tonite's RAFFLE! - There will be 3 drawings with these Awesome Prize packages:
Pairs of CONCERT TICKETS! :
⭐️BILLY BRAGG - 10/6 @ Barrymore ($100 value/pair)
⭐️JOHN HIATT - 10/13 @ Barrymore ($110 value/pair)
⭐️*ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE - 10/13 @ High Noon [$50 value/pair] ➕ *CONNIPTION & IRON METAL JACKSON 12/21 - @ Crystal Corner [$20 value/pair] *heavy rock/metal package ($70 total value)
✨PLUS gift certificates from MAD CITY MUSIC, ROOTED in SANITY Kava Lounge, VIDEO STORE INK T-shirts, and more!
*Giveaways will happen between bands.
**Donations at the door of $10 or more will receive a raffle ticket (more raffle tix will be available for purchase)
GIT YER B***Y TO The WISCO & YOU COULD BE WINNER! 🤘https://www.facebook.com/events/1218097379389038

It’s a Monday night in downtown Mount Horeb. Inside Brix Cider, a farm-to-table restaurant with a homestyle feel, people...
09/20/2024

It’s a Monday night in downtown Mount Horeb. Inside Brix Cider, a farm-to-table restaurant with a homestyle feel, people are snacking as they wait for a time-honored political tradition in election season: a candidate forum.

At the front of the room are two chairs, but only one candidate is here. Sitting across from Elizabeth Grabe, a Democrat running against five-term incumbent Todd Novak, is an empty chair — save for a beer growler filled with purple flowers and an empty cup.

Wisconsin has new voting maps this November. In collaboration with Isthmus, we examine how those new maps have spurred competition and organizing in advance of November.

Listen to our half-hour audio special here: https://www.wortfm.org/democracy-day-special-assembly-district-51/

With audio by Abigail Leavins, production by Chali Pittman, in collaboration with Isthmus Community Media. This reporting is funded in part by Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on September 15 in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces.
More at http://usdemocracyday.org/

Image courtesy: Liam Beran / Isthmus.

⚠️PRIZE ALERT!💥 Update for Friday night's RAFFLE! - There will be 3 drawings with these Awesome Prize packages:Pairs of ...
09/19/2024

⚠️PRIZE ALERT!💥 Update for Friday night's RAFFLE! - There will be 3 drawings with these Awesome Prize packages:
Pairs of CONCERT TICKETS! :
⭐️BILLY BRAGG - 10/6 @ Barrymore ($100 value/pair)
⭐️JOHN HIATT - 10/13 @ Barrymore ($110 value/pair)
⭐️*ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE - 10/13 @ High Noon [$50 value/pair] ➕ *CONNIPTION & IRON METAL JACKSON 12/21 - @ Crystal Corner [$20 value/pair] *heavy rock/metal package ($70 total value)
✨PLUS gift certificates from MAD CITY MUSIC, ROOTED in SANITY Kava Lounge, VIDEO STORE INK T-shirts, and more!
Stay tuned to WORT for more details...
*Giveaways will happen between bands.
**Donations at the door of $10 or more will receive a raffle ticket (more raffle tix will be available for purchase)
GIT YER B***Y TO The WISCO FRIDAY & YOU COULD BE WINNER! 🤘https://www.facebook.com/events/1218097379389038

⚠️PRIZE ALERT!💥 Update for the night's RAFFLE! - There will be 3 drawings with these Awesome Prize packages:Pairs of CON...
09/18/2024

⚠️PRIZE ALERT!💥 Update for the night's RAFFLE! - There will be 3 drawings with these Awesome Prize packages:
Pairs of CONCERT TICKETS! :
⭐️BILLY BRAGG - 10/6 @ Barrymore ($100 value/pair)
⭐️JOHN HIATT - 10/13 @ Barrymore ($110 value/pair)
⭐️*ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE - 10/13 @ High Noon [$50 value/pair] ➕ *CONNIPTION & IRON METAL JACKSON 12/21 - @ Crystal Corner [$20 value/pair] *heavy rock/metal package ($70 total value)
PLUS gift certificates from MAD CITY MUSIC, ROOTED in SANITY Kava Lounge, VIDEO STORE INK T-shirts, and more!
Stay tuned to WORT for more details...
*Giveaways will happen between bands.
**Donations at the door of $10 or more will receive a raffle ticket (more raffle tix will be available for purchase)
GIT YER B***Y TO The WISCO FRIDAY & YOU COULD BE WINNER! 🤘https://www.facebook.com/events/1218097379389038

Address

118 S Bedford Street
Madison, WI
53703

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when WORT FM posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to WORT FM:

Videos

Share

Our Story

WORT 89.9 FM is a noncommercial, non-profit radio & webcast emanating from Madison to South Central Wisconsin via broadcast, and available worldwide through online streaming and archives. We provide an outlet for communication, education, free expression, entertainment, training, and access for the purpose of sharing music, cultural experiences, and news over the airways and internet. Please visit our website at www.wortfm.org for information on how to submit news tips or music, get in touch with the music or news departments, volunteer for WORT, contact individual program hosts, etc. Back Porch Radio Broadcasting Inc (dba WORT) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit.

Nearby media companies


Other Broadcasting & media production in Madison

Show All