FM station pivots to education, news and arts programming following parent organization’s 2024 shutdown.
By James Whitfield | The Commonwealth Wire
WERA-FM, the Arlington-based radio station that went dark following Arlington Independent Media’s collapse in 2024, is attempting a comeback with a new focus on educational programming, local news and the arts.
The station, which broadcast at 96.7 FM, ceased operations two years ago when AIM laid off staff and shuttered operations due to financial difficulties. AIM, founded in 2003, had operated as Arlington County’s public access television and radio provider for more than two decades.
Station organizers are now working to revive WERA under new leadership, though specific details about funding and operational structure remain unclear. The effort comes as Arlington County continues to grapple with how to provide public access media services following AIM’s departure.
“We’re looking at a completely different model focused on serving the educational and cultural needs of Arlington residents,” said one organizer involved in the revival effort, who requested anonymity while negotiations continue.
The original WERA launched in 2008 as a low-power FM station serving Arlington and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. It featured local programming, community affairs shows and music not typically heard on commercial radio.
AIM’s collapse left a significant void in Arlington’s local media landscape. The organization had produced Arlington Independent Media News, operated public access television channels and provided media training to residents. Its facilities on Wilson Boulevard served as a hub for citizen journalism and community programming.
Arlington County officials have been exploring alternatives for public access services since AIM’s closure. County Board members have discussed partnerships with other organizations and potentially creating a new structure to fill the gap.
The timing of WERA’s revival attempt coincides with growing interest nationwide in community-based media. Local radio stations have gained renewed attention as sources of hyperlocal news and emergency information, particularly following recent natural disasters and the ongoing consolidation of commercial media outlets.
For WERA to return to the airwaves, organizers must secure Federal Communications Commission approval, establish sustainable funding and build a programming schedule. The station’s low-power FM license allows it to broadcast within a limited radius, typically covering Arlington and parts of adjacent jurisdictions in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Community supporters have expressed interest in volunteer opportunities and local underwriting to support the station’s return. Several former AIM volunteers have indicated willingness to contribute programming expertise.
Arlington County has not announced whether it would provide any financial support for WERA’s revival, though county officials have acknowledged the value of local media in keeping residents informed about government activities and community events.
The station’s organizers hope to begin test broadcasts later this year, with regular programming potentially launching in early 2027.
Key Facts
- WERA-FM went off the air in 2024 when parent organization Arlington Independent Media collapsed due to financial problems
- The low-power FM station at 96.7 served Arlington and Northern Virginia with community programming since 2008
- Revival organizers plan to focus on educational content, local news and arts programming
- Station must secure FCC approval and sustainable funding before returning to broadcast
- Arlington County continues seeking alternatives for public access media services following AIM’s closure
