The 6 Best Gainesville Radio Stations

From college-run variety stations to pop-playing independent broadcasters, radio hasn’t gone out of style in Gainesville.
Written by Max Werner
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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From constant hits on Kiss 104.3 to daily political shows on WGOT-LP, there are plenty of radio stations in Gainesville, Florida to fill the silence and satisfy your ears.
There’s nothing quite like a good radio station. It’s a companion, an entertainer, and a tangible link to your community—all wrapped into one package. The best part? Those with an AM/FM stereo have all the equipment they need.
Don’t turn that dial yet! Here, we’re exploring the best Gainesville radio stations. Just sit back, prime those antennas, and let us give you the rundown.
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The best news and talk radio stations in Gainesville

Radio aficionados know that some of the best content doesn't need music—just the voices of your community. If you use radio to stay connected, current, and entertained, don’t overlook the following frequencies.

WUFT: NPR

Call sign: WUFT
Frequency: 89.1 FM
WUFT 89.1
is the only place to get your NPR fix in Gainesville. Expect NPR mainstays, like Morning Edition, alongside unique local programming. 
Heath in a Heartbeat, created by
UF Health
, is a favorite among healthy-living locals—featuring two-minute segments on the latest research, patient-care news, and trends in the health care industry. 

ESPN: 98.1

Call sign: WRUF
Frequency: 98.1 FM / 850 AM
Do you like professional sports? Florida Gators football? Nationally syndicated athletic radio? If you answered yes to any of the aforementioned questions,
ESPN 98.1
might be a good fit for you.
As with any ESPN station, national broadcasts like The Dan Patrick Show, On Deck, and ESPN radio programming are a given. However, with this particular station, local fans are in for a treat. 
98.1 has more than enough University of Florida athletics shows and broadcasts for any gator to feel at home.
MORE: Your guide to moving to Florida

WGOT-LP

Call sign: WGLOT
Frequency: 100.1 FM
No one does community radio in Gainesville better than
WGOT-LP
. This low-power station exists because of its diversity. Take in the morning with Wake Up Gainesville, listen to the rambling of an award-winning author with Ralph Nader's show, or try something completely new. It’s all here. 
WGLOT programming isn’t limited to talk shows, however. There are a mind-bending amount of music genres on its airwaves—from Latino to indie. Some favorites are Afropop Worldwide and Things Be Blowin’ Around, an electric two-hour block of rock, country, bluegrass, rap, and soul music. Oh—and programming changes daily.
You never know what you’re getting with WGOT-LP—and that’s kind of the point. But with so much variety, you’re bound to find something you just can’t tune out.
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The best music radio stations in Gainesville

If music is the lifeblood of Florida, then Gainesville is the heart—or more like an adjacent artery. By supporting the following stations, you help Gainesville’s music scene keep on beating. 

R&B 94.1

Call sign: WDVH
Frequency: 94.1 FM / 980 AM
Owned by MARC Radio and broadcasting across Gainesville-
Ocala
, 94.1 offers a curated selection of R&B you can’t get anywhere else—and it’s massive. 
Across several programming blocks, 94.1 lets Florida listeners taste every era of R&B history. Bobby Brown, Tina Turner, Miguel—they’re all here! Just tune in to
WDVH
to give them a listen. 
Are you a fan of the quiet storm era? WDVH also has slow jams, perfect for a nighttime cruise or candle-lit sway. And station-wide
contests
help listeners connect with the broader music-loving community. 

Play FM

Call sign: WERF
Frequency: 105.7 FM
Play FM
is a low-power radio station based out of Gainesville—but you already knew that. What didn’t you know? How great combining new and old pop hits could sound? 
Play FM focuses on modern popular music but takes time to sprinkle ‘90s and early 2000s gems across all of its programming. And Saturday Night House Party is a great weekend vibe for those who can’t settle on the right playlist.
If you love superstars like Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift but can’t let the past go, give Play FM a listen. You won’t regret it. 
MORE: Billie Eilish's eclectic car collection totally matches her personality

Kiss 105.3

Call sign: WYKS
Frequency: 105.3 FM
Kiss 105.3
is Gainesville's No. 1 hit music station. It offers a broad selection of pop songs, local news, and oldies—with just a kiss of sports commentary. Gainesville locals have probably heard of this station’s programming but may have overlooked Kiss’ dedication to philanthropy.
Under the “Kiss Cares” initiative, WYKS has given back to its community through various advocacy groups and housing projects.
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How to save money on car insurance in Gainesville

Finding your next favorite radio station might take some work—but we hope this guide helped you out. No matter your listening preferences, protect yourself during your daily drive by finding the right
car insurance
.
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FAQs

Plenty of stations offer a great weekend playlist, but if you’re a popular music fan (or devout people-pleaser), check out Saturday Night House Party. This
Play FM
program is sure to brighten your night and get those hips moving.
Many of the stations listed above take part in charitable events and organizations. However, with its “Kiss Cares” initiative,
Kiss 105.3
is very active in the community—frequently advertising volunteer events to its listeners. If you want to support radio itself, consider donating to Gainesville’s local NPR station
WUFT
.
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