The 8 Best Rochester Radio Stations

From morning news radio on your commute to classic and soft rock tunes to get you through the afternoon, these are the best Rochester radio stations.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
From independent talk radio on 100.9 WXIR to new country music on 107.3 The Bull, these are the eight best radio stations in Rochester.
A great radio station inspires you throughout the day. Whether you’re listening to the latest breaking news coverage on your morning commute or turning up the volume on your favorite pop hits to get you through afternoon errands, you’ll find plenty of fantastic radio stations that deliver the latest music, news, and hot topics of the day in Rochester. 
We know that a good radio station is an important part of your driving experience. That’s why we’ve created this guide on some of the best Rochester radio stations.
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The best news and talk radio stations in Rochester

When you’re behind the wheel, the radio can act as a bridge between you and the wider world. Whether you’re looking for news, sports talk, weather, or traffic updates—these are the local radio stations you should tune into. 

WRUR 88.5 FM: Different music

Call sign: WRUR
Frequency: 88.5 FM
WRUR 88.5
is a member-supported service of the University of Rochester, in partnership with the WXXI Public Broadcasting Council, Inc. It’s an excellent source for discovering alternative music, from rock and blues to roots and folk music, with an emphasis on promoting local and regional artists. Additionally, WRUR airs regional news coverage and popular NPR programs such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

100.9 WXIR: Extreme independent radio

Call sign: WXIR
Frequency: 100.9 FM
100.9 WXIR
is Rochester’s urban alternative radio station. Their goal is to serve underrepresented communities through radio programming that depends on volunteer hosts and DJs. Start off your mornings by getting the latest on politics with Democracy Now! and end the evening with lively conversations, music, and hot topics on The Static Hour

WXXI News: NPR member station

Call sign: WXXI
Frequency: 1370 AM
For public radio fans,
WXXI News
has you covered on local and national news coverage 24/7 as an NPR member station. Enjoy weekly local newscasts and talk programming like Connections with Evan Dawson as he discusses all things Rochester. Like WRUR, WXXI News also provides NPR programming from Morning Edition and Fresh Air in the evening. 

95.7 The Fan: For sports fans only

Call sign: WROC
Frequency: 95.7 FM / 950 AM
Want to keep up with the Buffalo Bills?
95.7 The Fan
is your one-stop shop for all things sports-related. From sports play-by-plays to national sports programming from CBS Sports Radio to local favorites like The Sports Bar with Danger & Battaglia—the only Rochester sports show on the FM dial—you’ll easily keep up with the latest sports coverage. 

The best music radio stations in Rochester

News and talk radio keep New Yorkers updated on the latest happenings, but music stations are just as vital to inspire residents throughout the day. From the classic rock to the pop music of today—if you’re looking for the best of Rochester’s on-air music, here are some radio stations to check out. 

KISS 106.7: Rochester’s new hit music

Call sign: WSRV
Frequency: 97.1 FM
KISS 106.7
is all about the music of today! Tune in to listen to Rochester’s best top 40 and pop music radio station. Kiss 106.7 is also home to the popular Elvis Duran and the KISS Morning Show as well as other local news coverage, on-air programs from Ryan Seacrest and Ethan Cole, and contests and giveaways for local listeners. 

Radio 95.1: Classic rock and real talk

Call sign: WAIO
Frequency: 95.1 FM
Radio 95.1
is where classic rock and talk radio collide. Start your day with on-air programs like Brother Wease and Newman and The Mayor or stay up all night listening to The BOB & TOM Show. But if you’re all talked out, why don’t you jam out instead with classic hits that play in between, like Van Halen, Aerosmith, and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Sunny 102.3: Soft rock radio

Call sign: WVOR
Frequency: 102.3 FM 
Do you like your music a little on the softer side? Well,
Sunny 102.3
is for you! 
Listen to classic pop hits from Cyndi Lauper or Ace of Base to contemporary pop hits from Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd. However, when November rolls around, it’s going to sound a lot like Christmas with the start of holiday music until January. In addition to music, you can also check out on-air shows from local hosts such as Terri Ann, John Tesh, and more. 

107.3 The Bull: Rochester’s new hit country

Call sign: WNBL
Frequency: 107.3 FM 
107.3 The Bull
is Rochester’s #1 radio station for new country music! For in-depth interviews with your favorite country stars, tune into Country Top 30 Countdown on The Bobby Bones Show or stay up all night listening to AfterMidnite with Granger Smith
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How to save money on car insurance in Rochester

Whether you’re tuning into your favorite independent talk show on WRUR 88.5 or jamming out to classic rock hits on Radio 95.1, a great radio station can drastically improve your daily commute. But you know what can make your ride even better? Finding a great insurance policy at a low rate with the #1-rated insurance app
Jerry
But how does it work? After you download the Jerry app, answer a few basic questions, and in 45 seconds you’ll be provided with customized quotes from our top insurance partners. If you decide to switch, Jerry’s team will handle all the paperwork and even help you cancel your old policy—so you can just sit back and listen to your favorite radio show. 
How much can you save? On average, Jerry users save about $887 a year when they switch policies with us.  
“I was nervous to buy insurance for my first car because I had heard horror stories about the insurance prices in New York. After not even two minutes, I found four quotes from
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under $125/month. By the end of the night, I was on the road safe and insured!” —Reuben R. 
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FAQ

Yes! A couple of Rochester radio stations play throwback hits, from Radio 95.1 with classic rock to Sunny 102.3 with soft rock hits from the 80s to today.
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