What happened to WVLG

[tophcfa]

I used to very much look forward to listening to WVLG, probable 8 of 10 songs they used to play were songs I very much enjoyed and rarely heard on other radio stations. Fast forward to currently and at best only 1 or 2 out of 10 songs are any good?

Earlier this morning I was sitting in our house up north looking outside at below zero temperatures, with frozen rain blowing sideways, and decided to get a small Villages fix (boy do I wish we were there) so I streamed WVLG. I stuck with the station for an hour despite not hearing one song I would even consider music. If hard pressed, the only semi-good thing I can say about their selection is that at least they did not play any RAP. Finally, I could not take the garbage they were playing anymore and had to turn it off. Apparently, whoever does the programing doesn't care about the stations ratings?

Can anyone recommend a decent radio station that comes in north of 466 that plays golden oldies and classic rock like WVLG used to? Please don't tell me to listen to Pandora or Spotify, I like listening to the radio.

[EdFNJ]

I used to very much look forward to listening to WVLG, probable 8 of 10 songs they used to play were songs I very much enjoyed and rarely heard on other radio stations. Fast forward to currently and at best only 1 or 2 out of 10 songs are any good?

Earlier this morning I was sitting in our house up north looking outside at below zero temperatures, with frozen rain blowing sideways, and decided to get a small Villages fix (boy do I wish we were there) so I streamed WVLG. I stuck with the station for an hour despite not hearing one song I would even consider music. If hard pressed, the only semi-good thing I can say about their selection is that at least they did not play any RAP. Finally, I could not take the garbage they were playing anymore and had to turn it off. Apparently, whoever does the programing doesn't care about the stations ratings?

Can anyone recommend a decent radio station that comes in north of 466 that plays golden oldies and classic rock like WVLG used to? Please don't tell me to listen to Pandora or Spotify, I like listening to the radio.


Check out Sirius/XM. I get it on all my "radios". It's made up of hundreds of "specific" genre music choice stations. I don't listen to WVLG (all my vehicles and streamers have XM) but just because YOU don't like the music doesn't mean everyone else doesn't. Very subjective choices. Like a favorite ice cream flavor. Villages avg age is dropping so the music AND ENTERTAINMENT may need to catch up a bit. Eventually even Rocky and the Elders get a bit too much to handle. One can only take so much 1950's music. :) I don't think WVLG cares about "ratings" as it's coverage is limited and primarily exists to sell homes.

[retiredguy123]

Here are a few suggestions:

Have you tried the IHeart Radio and Radio.com apps? You can search for and play hundreds of radio stations around the country.

Try 105.9 Sunny FM in Orlando

Sirius is now offering free service from now until November 30.

[SIRE1]

I suspect that with all the new areas within The Villages that are being developed, most of the newer villagers are in their early 60's. So I'm sure that The Villages has changed the format of WVLG to be closer aligned with that age group. And their concept of a "golden oldie" is something that was recorded in the 1980's. I know when we first started visiting The Villages in 2001, WVLG was playing songs from the 40's and 50's. Then after several years, they started playing songs from the 60's and those were "our Golden Oldies". So, I guess, time marches on. And someday in the future, WVLG will be playing the "golden oldie RAP" format for the new "millennial" villagers that will be moving here.

[John_W]

Let them know directly from you, the listener.

WVLGRadio@thevillagesmedia.com

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I used to very much look forward to listening to WVLG, probable 8 of 10 songs they used to play were songs I very much enjoyed and rarely heard on other radio stations. Fast forward to currently and at best only 1 or 2 out of 10 songs are any good?

Earlier this morning I was sitting in our house up north looking outside at below zero temperatures, with frozen rain blowing sideways, and decided to get a small Villages fix (boy do I wish we were there) so I streamed WVLG. I stuck with the station for an hour despite not hearing one song I would even consider music. If hard pressed, the only semi-good thing I can say about their selection is that at least they did not play any RAP. Finally, I could not take the garbage they were playing anymore and had to turn it off. Apparently, whoever does the programing doesn't care about the stations ratings?

Can anyone recommend a decent radio station that comes in north of 466 that plays golden oldies and classic rock like WVLG used to? Please don't tell me to listen to Pandora or Spotify, I like listening to the radio. on a smart phone or tv for free if you don’t make Nd a few adds

[retiredguy123]

If you have Sirius installed in your car, you can listen for free until the end of November. The station "50's on 5" has some great oldies music.

[tophcfa]

I suspect that with all the new areas within The Villages that are being developed, most of the newer villagers are in their early 60's. So I'm sure that The Villages has changed the format of WVLG to be closer aligned with that age group. And their concept of a "golden oldie" is something that was recorded in the 1980's. I know when we first started visiting The Villages in 2001, WVLG was playing songs from the 40's and 50's. Then after several years, they started playing songs from the 60's and those were "our Golden Oldies". So, I guess, time marches on. And someday in the future, WVLG will be playing the "golden oldie RAP" format for the new "millennial" villagers that will be moving here.

We are in our early 60's and bought in the Villages in our mid 50's. Six years ago we loved the music WVLG played and now we can't stand it. The change in music selection has been dramatic. Our current age is very much in their target market for new homebuyers, but the music they play is not what anyone I know that is our age prefers listening to?

On another note, according to the WVLG D.J.'s, is there ever a day that is NOT a great day to tour an open house?

[vintageogauge]

They have to play music for everyone so they are playing songs from the 1950's through I would assume early 1990's. Although I was in high school during the first 4 years of the 1960's I also enjoy 1970's music and keep my sirius radio on the 50's, 60's, and 70's. There are times I too don't like what is being broadcast but an hour later and they are back to what I consider the good stuff. Also, there were plenty of songs out in the later 60's that I really don't enjoy but that is just me.

[C4Boston]

IMO it's all about the money. Royalties need to be paid each time a song is played. The more popular a song the more the royalty. Play tunes less liked = less cost. check out this layman's description of royalty payments. Soundcharts | Market Intelligence for the Music Industry (https://soundcharts.com/blog/radio-royalties) Feel free to enlighten me (us) if you have inside info.

[EdFNJ]

IMO it's all about the money. Royalties need to be paid each time a song is played. The more popular a song the more the royalty. Play tunes less liked = less cost. check out this layman's description of royalty payments. Soundcharts | Market Intelligence for the Music Industry (https://soundcharts.com/blog/radio-royalties) Feel free to enlighten me (us) if you have inside info. Great link to that excellent webpage. Very informative. I had always (incorrectly) thought that after x?x?x number of years (not sure how many) music becomes "public domain" for radio stations to play without royalty fee. I'd be curious to know what the "blanket fee" WVLG or any small local station like them pays. Wondering if it's thousands or tens of thousands. Also the cover bands we always hear have to pay royalties as well. Wonder how many do.

[UpNorth]

I would guess that the decade that most people like to listen to is the one that they heard in high school. In that case, if you are looking for 50's doo-wop rock and roll stuff, you are probably deep in your 70's or 80's. WVLG would be pretty dumb to stick with that dying market segment, especially since much of their broadcasting is around promotion of open houses in the newer areas. My age would qualify me to prefer 60's music, but just like 50's music, I can only stand so much of the "old stuff". I've always loved electronic synth music and now listen mostly to stuff produced by today's technology, not yesterday's nostalgia. Perhaps WVLG will catch up to what I like to listen to 30 years from now. But luckily, there are many more ways to get the music you want besides the AM airwaves,

[Thetwisted2]

When I came back earlier this year I noticed the awful change, that was one of the things I enjoyed about the Villages and now it's gone.

[La lamy]

I get your desire for radio, I've always enjoyed hearing an announcer talk about various subjects while also listening to music. A few commercials are bearable for this feeling of live 'company'. Here are 2 radio stations that are not too far from TV that you could hopefully get here.

95.5 FM WYND Classic Rock 24.3 miles Silver Springs, FL
92.9 FM WMFQ Oldies 12.2 miles Ocala, FL

[La lamy]

Just as an addition to my post, I listen to live radio on line through my computer and plugged in speakers (computer audio output is horrible on its own). That way you can listen to anything from anywhere in the world. But I'm sure you already know this.

[am.zinger@aol.com]

If you use xfinity, channel 830 is SOLID GOLD OLDIES and very good. Many classic oldies of the 50's.

[Bass56]

Your right, the music is horrible. 8 of 10.

[HiHoSteveO]

Closest thing to WVLG that I've found is

Home (https://www.ourgenerationsclassichits.com/)

(Click the little "Play" triangle near the top)

[44Apple]

I'm in the minority, but music pre-Beatles is and was terrible. Good riddance to crap music, i.e., oldies.

[ruralgoddess]

I used to very much look forward to listening to WVLG, probable 8 of 10 songs they used to play were songs I very much enjoyed and rarely heard on other radio stations. Fast forward to currently and at best only 1 or 2 out of 10 songs are any good?

Earlier this morning I was sitting in our house up north looking outside at below zero temperatures, with frozen rain blowing sideways, and decided to get a small Villages fix (boy do I wish we were there) so I streamed WVLG. I stuck with the station for an hour despite not hearing one song I would even consider music. If hard pressed, the only semi-good thing I can say about their selection is that at least they did not play any RAP. Finally, I could not take the garbage they were playing anymore and had to turn it off. Apparently, whoever does the programing doesn't care about the stations ratings?

Can anyone recommend a decent radio station that comes in north of 466 that plays golden oldies and classic rock like WVLG used to? Please don't tell me to listen to Pandora or Spotify, I like listening to the radio.

Use the Pandora app and create your own station! It's great or subscribe to Sirius Radio which is equally great... you'll find the music station you're looking for there for sure.

[MandoMan]

I suspect that with all the new areas within The Villages that are being developed, most of the newer villagers are in their early 60's. So I'm sure that The Villages has changed the format of WVLG to be closer aligned with that age group. And their concept of a "golden oldie" is something that was recorded in the 1980's. I know when we first started visiting The Villages in 2001, WVLG was playing songs from the 40's and 50's. Then after several years, they started playing songs from the 60's and those were "our Golden Oldies". So, I guess, time marches on. And someday in the future, WVLG will be playing the "golden oldie RAP" format for the new "millennial" villagers that will be moving here.

I still prefer songs from the forties and fifties. Also the thirties. Alas! Not many of us do. For those who do, if you have Sirius XM, try Siriusly Sinatra, channel 73, I think. Great music! It’s known as The Great American Songbook: the greatest American songs. Bring them back!

[toeser]

I used to very much look forward to listening to WVLG, probable 8 of 10 songs they used to play were songs I very much enjoyed and rarely heard on other radio stations. Fast forward to currently and at best only 1 or 2 out of 10 songs are any good?

Earlier this morning I was sitting in our house up north looking outside at below zero temperatures, with frozen rain blowing sideways, and decided to get a small Villages fix (boy do I wish we were there) so I streamed WVLG. I stuck with the station for an hour despite not hearing one song I would even consider music. If hard pressed, the only semi-good thing I can say about their selection is that at least they did not play any RAP. Finally, I could not take the garbage they were playing anymore and had to turn it off. Apparently, whoever does the programing doesn't care about the stations ratings?

Can anyone recommend a decent radio station that comes in north of 466 that plays golden oldies and classic rock like WVLG used to? Please don't tell me to listen to Pandora or Spotify, I like listening to the radio.


My problem with WVLG is more basic. I can't listen to it at all. I stream all of my radio through my phone. I have found WVLG streaming only through The Villages App. Unfortunately, after 5, 10, 15 minutes the stream stops 100% of the time. I have the most expensive Android phone made and it NEVER drops any other stations, so the problem appears to be solely with The Villages App. I wish they would either fix it, or have WVLG streamed through another streaming source.

[Villages Kahuna]

As the average age in The Villages is declining, WVLG is modifying its playlist accordingly. There are several excellent suggestions for alternatives in this thread. Not only will you get music you like, but you’ll avoid the endless and mindless ads soliciting you to visit the hundreds of open houses conducted by The Properties of The Villages, the station’s main advertiser.

[bandsdavis]

Great link to that excellent webpage. Very informative. I had always (incorrectly) thought that after x?x?x number of years (not sure how many) music becomes "public domain" for radio stations to play without royalty fee. I'd be curious to know what the "blanket fee" WVLG or any small local station like them pays. Wondering if it's thousands or tens of thousands. Also the cover bands we always hear have to pay royalties as well. Wonder how many do.

Actually, the bands don't usually pay the royalties, the venues do. So in the Squares and any other Villages owned properties like Savannah Center, The Villages Entertainment Dept is responsible for the royalties. They may pass that cost on to someone renting a facility (a producer) but the band does not pay the royalty unless they are also the producer of the event, that is, if any ticket sales proceeds go to the band directly. The Villages Pops Chorus has a Concert license with the major royalty companies (ASCAP/BMI) but we are also the producers of our events. If someone hired us to perfrom somewhere, they would be responsible for royalties through the venue. I had an extensive discussion about this with the people at ASCAP when we first started. If the band makes a recording, then yes, they are responsible for getting the rights to record the song, as well as paying royalties on any sales.

[wamley]

Don't know what your financial situation is, but if you can get your hands on a internet radio you will be able to access any type, style genre of music your heart desires with just a WIFI connection. Around the world. My wife loves her internet radio and has found other music she didn't think she'd care for and plays that some times. Literally hundreds if not thousands of stations.

[Bilyclub]

Their playlist has definitely moved up a few years in the last few months.

[Otis64]

VERY good!!

[NormLawhorn]

I used to very much look forward to listening to WVLG, probable 8 of 10 songs they used to play were songs I very much enjoyed and rarely heard on other radio stations. Fast forward to currently and at best only 1 or 2 out of 10 songs are any good?

Earlier this morning I was sitting in our house up north looking outside at below zero temperatures, with frozen rain blowing sideways, and decided to get a small Villages fix (boy do I wish we were there) so I streamed WVLG. I stuck with the station for an hour despite not hearing one song I would even consider music. If hard pressed, the only semi-good thing I can say about their selection is that at least they did not play any RAP. Finally, I could not take the garbage they were playing anymore and had to turn it off. Apparently, whoever does the programing doesn't care about the stations ratings?

Can anyone recommend a decent radio station that comes in north of 466 that plays golden oldies and classic rock like WVLG used to? Please don't tell me to listen to Pandora or Spotify, I like listening to the radio.

I agree 100% with your sentiments about the WVLG radio station. I'm about to eliminate it from my pre-set station list. Most of the music has become unrecognizable and there are far too many ads. I'm glad others have noticed this change besides myself. Thank you.

[kendi]

I suspect that with all the new areas within The Villages that are being developed, most of the newer villagers are in their early 60's. So I'm sure that The Villages has changed the format of WVLG to be closer aligned with that age group. And their concept of a "golden oldie" is something that was recorded in the 1980's. I know when we first started visiting The Villages in 2001, WVLG was playing songs from the 40's and 50's. Then after several years, they started playing songs from the 60's and those were "our Golden Oldies". So, I guess, time marches on. And someday in the future, WVLG will be playing the "golden oldie RAP" format for the new "millennial" villagers that will be moving here.

We are new villagers in our early 60s and do not like much of the music played on WVLG. Love the golden oldies.

The station talks about having a much larger inventory of songs than other stations. And that they can’t be narrowed down to one genre. My guess is they’re trying to please everyone but instead few are pleased.

[BlackhawksFan]

Do a forum search this was all hashed out a few months ago

[SeaCros]

I think they take request. As there are so many folks in the Villiges I am sure that WVLG wants to cater to everyone. You could always stream radio from anywhere around the US.
Good luck

[EdWilliams]

Try WQBQ-AM 1410 on the AM Dial. Ask Alexa to "Tune in WQBQ" or go to WQBQ1410.com on the internet. mostly local talk in the morning and good recognizable music all afternoon. Nice local radio station.


I used to very much look forward to listening to WVLG, probable 8 of 10 songs they used to play were songs I very much enjoyed and rarely heard on other radio stations. Fast forward to currently and at best only 1 or 2 out of 10 songs are any good?

Earlier this morning I was sitting in our house up north looking outside at below zero temperatures, with frozen rain blowing sideways, and decided to get a small Villages fix (boy do I wish we were there) so I streamed WVLG. I stuck with the station for an hour despite not hearing one song I would even consider music. If hard pressed, the only semi-good thing I can say about their selection is that at least they did not play any RAP. Finally, I could not take the garbage they were playing anymore and had to turn it off. Apparently, whoever does the programing doesn't care about the stations ratings?

Can anyone recommend a decent radio station that comes in north of 466 that plays golden oldies and classic rock like WVLG used to? Please don't tell me to listen to Pandora or Spotify, I like listening to the radio.

[caljeff]

As has been noted above, music tastes/likes are extremely subjective. I happen to lean towards jazz/R and B; even the new stuff not the rap. However; I occasionally tune into WVLG for the music variety and sometimes the talk. I enjoy the station. I still cannot get used to the fact that this community can support (very well it seems) its own station.

[Dana1963]

I used to very much look forward to listening to WVLG, probable 8 of 10 songs they used to play were songs I very much enjoyed and rarely heard on other radio stations. Fast forward to currently and at best only 1 or 2 out of 10 songs are any good?

Earlier this morning I was sitting in our house up north looking outside at below zero temperatures, with frozen rain blowing sideways, and decided to get a small Villages fix (boy do I wish we were there) so I streamed WVLG. I stuck with the station for an hour despite not hearing one song I would even consider music. If hard pressed, the only semi-good thing I can say about their selection is that at least they did not play any RAP. Finally, I could not take the garbage they were playing anymore and had to turn it off. Apparently, whoever does the programing doesn't care about the stations ratings?

Can anyone recommend a decent radio station that comes in north of 466 that plays golden oldies and classic rock like WVLG used to? Please don't tell me to listen to Pandora or Spotify, I like listening to the radio.
The Villages subscribes/buys programming from internet music much like MUZAK they don't have music inventory on the premises. You get what pay for I would rather listen to music than open house info.

[Kahuna32162]

The Villages subscribes/buys programming from internet music much like MUZAK they don't have music inventory on the premises. You get what pay for I would rather listen to music than open house info.

First, this is not true. WVLG uses a wide orbit automation system and all their music is stored on network servers at the station. The music is then scheduled by the Program Director whose job it is to maintain the overall sound of the station.

Second, just like the Daily Sun, the radio station is a marketing tool that is owned and operated by The Villages. They are not competing for listener shares like other broadcast outlets do. They do sell advertising and, of course, serve as the main outlet for The Villages Realty efforts. Whether you like the music or not, doesn't really concern them.

They now broadcast on 3 separate signal, 1 AM and 2 FM to be able to adequately cover the expanding areas where the newer homes are being built. The also stream on a number of various services. The bottom line is, "it is what it is".

[Topspinmo]

Most cable services provide music choices.

[Topspinmo]

Old and classic country for me. Few it any in Florida radio. But, Comcast xfinity provided 834. And 830 when I need solid oldies. When I really want specific Utube.

[UpNorth]

Your right, the music is horrible. 8 of 10.

It used to be a lot worse years ago...

[LiverpoolWalrus]

The more popular a song the more the royalty. Play tunes less liked = less cost.

Aha! That explains why I most certainly DO like WVLG!!! I am not fond of hearing songs on the radio that I've heard hundreds of times before. In the year or so I've been listening to WVLG, I appreciate that they play way more obscurities than any other oldies station.

Quite often a good but overlooked song will come on and I'll think, "I haven't heard this song in 40 or 50 years." Keep it up WVLG!

[EdFNJ]

Do a forum search this was all hashed out a few months ago As have been the topics of 99% of all the other threads posted here and will continue to be like that unfortunately. No one chooses to or is familiar with search. Kind of like a topic that gets 50 identical answers to a question because no one reads the 49 identical replies that preceded their post. :D

[LiverpoolWalrus]

No one chooses to or is familiar with search. Kind of like a topic that gets 50 identical answers to a question because no one reads the 49 identical replies that preceded their post. :D

Au contraire. I do a search if I think a topic has probably been discussed before, specifically to avoid complaints telling me I should have done a search first.

As for repeating the same answers that are in previous posts, I agree, that's a bit annoying, but it comes with the territory.

As I've gotten older I've learned it's more fun NOT to give people an opportunity to complain. It beats them at their own game and I don't give them the satisfaction!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

There’s a rumor that the government used the villages radio station to torture terrorist prisoners, its so mind numbing they will say anything to stop it, satellite radio $87 for year, Pandora in home for nothing set up for 12 different kinds of music grow a little branch out I’m still finding new music to like at 82

[EdFNJ]

and we feature LOCAL news with weather forecasts right down to specific villages. That's something you just won't find on SiriusXM. You hire someone in each village to look out their door? :D That's the ONLY way those reports could be right. I have a couple apps with "hyper local weather forecasts" as well as my own weather station up on the roof. Other than sticking ones head out the door those reports are rarely right. Hey, it's pouring in Mallory and the sun is shining in Amelia! (Just funnin' ya!)

Edit: Your app is pretty nice! Still prefer my XM but I am sure many will like it.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The people moving into The Villages now are from ages 55-65. That means that on average, they were teenagers in the mid to late seventies. Those of us that were teenagers in the mid to late sixties, are not going to like much of the music that these young whippersnappers listen. It's going change as time goes by. I hate to see it but that's the way that it's going to be. In 30-40 years they're going to be playing Justin Beiber and Taylor and yes, Rap.

Download all fo your favorite music and play what you like.

[Bilyclub]

I still listen maybe because my garage radio is set to WVLG and it's easier to just hit the on/off button. Some of the stuff is pretty obscure, but they don't play two of those back to back.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

So for many of you there’s just a set amount of songs and a certain number of years music and no other music before or after ??? I Can’t Tell You How Sad That Is , there is so much different music to be heard all over the world now and in the past

[JP]

So for many of you there’s just a set amount of songs and a certain number of years music and no other music before or after ??? I Can’t Tell You How Sad That Is , there is so much different music to be heard all over the world now and in the past

One of my best friends is like that. I agree with you. Sad. It's like they are frozen in that time period. Maybe that was their "best time of their life"?

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Your Right . Having a life that went from being shot at in.Vietnam and Algeria in the 1950’s to Pakistan in the 90’s at 82 the best time of my life will be all the years I have coming and the new adventures I’ll have when Covid is gone

[bobdeb]

It's all been touched upon relentlessly. Music is subjective.

I'm in my mid 70s. Loved big band music, some sixties, some seventies, a lot of eighties and big time Sinatra fan.

Moved here in 2009 and WVLG music was painfully dated then. Lots of 50s stuff. I'm not a big fan of the marketing messages anyway.

So many great alternatives were posted here. Some I knew and use. Thanks for the new ones.

I guess WVLG evolved to appeal to the newbies coming to TV.

[Bay Kid]

Every now and then I hear a song that really touches me. Love wvlg.

[Papa_lecki]

Station needs to cater to people spanning 4 decades - definitely 2 generations, some into a 3rd generation, and all across the country (regions that like blues, country, disco, boing band, etc).
NO WAY, they can make everyone happy

[Packer Fan]

The people moving into The Villages now are from ages 55-65. That means that on average, they were teenagers in the mid to late seventies. Those of us that were teenagers in the mid to late sixties, are not going to like much of the music that these young whippersnappers listen. It's going change as time goes by. I hate to see it but that's the way that it's going to be. In 30-40 years they're going to be playing Justin Beiber and Taylor and yes, Rap.

Download all fo your favorite music and play what you like.

I have always liked your posts, but now you are my favorite. I am 57 and I guess a "young wippersnapper"... I love it! Seriously, I have noticed the move to newer music, and love hearing more 70s and 80s music- but I still love the oldies. But- bring on some Styx, Boston, REO Speedwagon, and Elton John.... :)

[xcaligirl]

I suspect that with all the new areas within The Villages that are being developed, most of the newer villagers are in their early 60's. So I'm sure that The Villages has changed the format of WVLG to be closer aligned with that age group. And their concept of a "golden oldie" is something that was recorded in the 1980's. I know when we first started visiting The Villages in 2001, WVLG was playing songs from the 40's and 50's. Then after several years, they started playing songs from the 60's and those were "our Golden Oldies". So, I guess, time marches on. And someday in the future, WVLG will be playing the "golden oldie RAP" format for the new "millennial" villagers that will be moving here.
Most of the music I've heard, whenever I do turn it on, are mainly in the 40's! I don't listen to it anymore either. There is a station GOLD 99.7 that is good and plays a ton of oldies. There is a new oldies station in Ocala..True Oldies Y100 which is REALLY good but seems to fade in and out. Not a strong signal but I do listen to it for the majority of the day. (not strong in the early morning and later in the evening..and when it's stormy)