“The music that made 92.7 WLIR / WDRE and KROQ World Famous.” That’s quite a claim isn’t it? Today, we are going to delve into the story of WDRE-FM.
WDRE-FM is a radio station that has taken on many forms over the years. It existed at 92.7 FM in Garden City, New York, from 1987 to 1996. The station became known for playing alternative music. WDRE-FM was more than just a radio station. It became a cultural touchstone for many listeners.
Before it was WDRE, 92.7 FM was WFME-FM. In 1987, the station changed its call letters to WDRE. With this change, WDRE-FM became the home for alternative music. It was a haven for those seeking something different from mainstream radio.
WDRE has changed frequencies and locations over the years. WRWB-FM in Ellenville, New York, used the WDRE call sign from 1981 to 1984. Later, WPHI-FM in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, adopted the WDRE call sign from 1996 to 1997. From 1997 to 2004, WBZO in Westhampton, New York, was WDRE. From 2004 to 2009, WPTY in Calverton-Roanoke, New York, used the WDRE call sign. WVIP in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, broadcasted as WDRE from 2013 to 2025. Currently, WDRE is a radio station at 1570 AM licensed to Riverhead, New York.
Listeners can still find WDRE online. WDARE.FM is New York’s Original Alternative Station. It keeps the spirit of WDRE alive. You can even listen through the Online Radio Box app.
WDRE-FM’s history in Garden City is well-documented. Recordings of WDRE-FM from 1988 to 1992 are available. These recordings offer a glimpse into the station’s impact during its peak years. The archived broadcasts are more than just audio. They are time capsules. They transport us back to an era when alternative music was breaking into the mainstream.
WDRE-FM holds a special place in radio history. It was a station that dared to be different. It brought new music to the airwaves. Its legacy lives on through online streams and archived recordings. WDRE-FM remains an important part of New York’s radio landscape. It is a testament to the power of alternative music.