Remember that first broadcast in 1983? WFNX-FM started with The Cure’s “Let’s Go to Bed”. Right here on this very spot in Lynn Massachusetts WFNX redefined Boston radio.
WFNX wasn’t just a radio station. It was a cultural phenomenon. It championed alternative rock before it was cool. It played bands like Violent Femmes and R.E.M. long before they hit the mainstream. This small station in Lynn had a huge impact.
WFNX had a pirate radio vibe. It refused to play the same old tired songs. It was unafraid to take risks. This rebellious spirit earned it a spot in Rolling Stone’s “10 Stations That Don’t Suck”. It even won awards from the Gavin Report. WFNX proved Boston was a broadcasting leader.
WFNX was part of the Phoenix Media Communications Group owned by Stephen Mindich. He started The Boston Phoenix newspaper in 1972. His son Brad helped him decide to focus on new rock edgy rock and indie rock. This decision shaped the station’s identity.
The station gave Nirvana’s “Nevermind” its world premiere. It broke other grunge acts like Pearl Jam. It even sponsored a Green Day concert that ended in a riot. WFNX was a force. It also played a significant role in the LGBTQIA+ community. It launched “One in Ten” a program dedicated to LGBTQIA+ issues. It was a first for a commercial station.
WFNX also had a fantastic Sunday Jazz Brunch hosted by Jeff Turton. This show ran for 26 years. Its cancellation disappointed many including legendary promoter Fred Taylor. He felt it showed a lack of acknowledgement for Boston’s arts community.
Many famous artists appeared on WFNX. Deejay Julie Kramer took photos of many of them. Her photos are a testament to WFNX’s legacy. The musicians would hang out in Lynn after their performances. They went to the Capitol Diner or the beach. The atmosphere was unique.
WFNX started with a weak signal but improved it over time. FCC regulations limited its power early on. The move to One Financial Center improved its reception drastically. This upgrade showed WFNX’s commitment to its listeners.
The station expanded its reach by creating the FNX Radio Network. It added stations in Maine New Hampshire and Rhode Island. This network showed Mindich’s ambition and foresight. However the Internet changed everything. Commercial pressure forced WFNX to follow trends instead of setting them.
The Boston Phoenix struggled financially. The newspaper and WFNX both had cash-flow problems. The Great Recession made things worse. Mindich sold WFNX to Clear Channel in 2012 for $14.5 million. The final broadcast ended with The Cure’s “Let’s Go to Bed” the same song that started it all. The station then became an adult hits station and later an EDM station.
The loss of WFNX saddened many people. People expressed their feelings on social media. They acknowledged the station’s role in introducing them to new music. The station was unique and its absence was felt. Peter Wolf a former WBCN DJ commented on WFNX’s dedication to its identity. Julie Kramer pointed out the irreplaceable experience of terrestrial radio.
WFNX may be gone from the airwaves. Its impact on Boston’s music scene remains. Its legacy lives on in the memories of its listeners and the artists it helped launch. WFNX-FM. A station that truly rocked the boat.