WHBY

What WHBY does

WHBY is an AM radio station broadcasting on 1150 AM that serves Northeast Wisconsin's Fox Valley region, anchored in the Appleton market. Its programming is built around local news, talk, sports, and weather, layered with syndicated national content (notably ABC News Radio affiliation as of 2026) and civic-focused coverage such as election partnerships with WBAY-TV2. The station operates a multi-channel distribution footprint spanning its legacy AM signal, web streaming, iOS and Android mobile applications, smart-speaker integration (Alexa and Google), text/email listener clubs, and the Woodward Podcast Network for on-demand audio.

WHBY is owned and operated as part of Woodward Community Media, a division of Woodward Communications, Inc., a family-owned media group based in the upper Midwest. The station is estimated at 11–50 employees and operates with a free-to-consumer, advertiser-funded business model. Visible commercial relationships include local and regional sponsorships with Miron Construction, Fast Signs Appleton, and ThedaCare, indicating a sales motion oriented toward Fox Valley-based enterprises seeking local audience reach.

Commercially, the station monetizes through traditional spot advertising on its AM signal, sponsorships tied to specific shows and coverage events (e.g., elections), and the newer digital inventory exposed via streaming, apps, smart speakers, and the Woodward Podcast Network. There is no disclosed pricing model beyond standard local-radio ad sales; no subscription or paywall is in evidence. No funding events, acquisitions, leadership changes outside Hall of Fame recognition for on-air talent, or geographic expansion beyond the Fox Valley are documented in the input.

Name

WHBY

Legal name

Woodward Communications, Inc.

Website

https://whby.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

WHBY is an AM radio station (1150 AM) serving Northeast Wisconsin's Fox Valley with local news, talk, sports, weather, and syndicated programming, distributed via broadcast, streaming, mobile apps, smart speakers, and podcasts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Local Radio Broadcasting

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (516110), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYMPAIAEAA

Commercial Terrestrial Radio Broadcasting (AM/FM)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Music & Audio (Recording, Publishing, Streaming)/Radio & Audio Broadcasting (Terrestrial, Satellite, Digital Radio)

SECONDARYMPABABAD

News/Talk Radio Networks

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Broadcasting (TV & Radio)/Broadcast Radio Networks

SECONDARYMPABACAF

Network-Affiliated Local Radio Stations (News/Talk/Sports Syndication Affiliates)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Broadcasting (TV & Radio)/Local Broadcast Stations & Affiliates (TV & Radio)

Keywords

• Local radio broadcasting
• News talk programming
• High school sports coverage
• Community news media
• Podcast distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Appleton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Advertising and Sponsorship: WHBY generates primary revenue through sale of advertising spots and sponsorships to local businesses and national advertisers. The station airs commercials, sponsored segments, and branded content during programming blocks including local news, sports coverage, and talk shows.
2. Contests and Sweepstakes: WHBY conducts regular contests and sweepstakes engaging listeners with prizes provided by sponsors. Contest rules indicate winners may receive prizes valued at $600+ requiring IRS 1099-Misc forms, demonstrating contest prize values and sponsorship relationships.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

WHBY operates AM radio station 1150 serving Northeast Wisconsin's Fox Valley, delivering local news, weather, high school and pro sports coverage, talk programming, and syndicated shows to listeners in the Appleton/Green Bay region. The station extends its broadcast across digital channels — web streaming, iOS/Android mobile apps, Amazon Alexa and Google Home smart speakers, and The Woodward Podcast Network — for 24/7 on-demand access to news, talk shows, and original podcasts. Advertising and sponsorships from local and regional businesses fund free-to-listener programming.

Product overview

WHBY (1150 AM) is a radio station serving Northeast Wisconsin's Fox Valley, owned by Woodward Community Media, a division of Woodward Communications, Inc. The station operates as a local broadcast radio station with integrated digital products. Its core offering is AM radio programming including local news, talk shows (AM Fox Valley, Focus Fox Valley), and syndicated content (Dave Ramsey Show). Digital products include live audio streaming via the SoCast platform, a mobile app for iOS and Android, Amazon Alexa voice skill, and The Woodward Podcast Network for on-demand content. Engagement services include WHBY Insider Email and Text Clubs for community outreach. Content verticals cover Local News, Beyond News (lifestyle/features), Weather Forecast, Election Coverage, and High School Sports. WHBY also offers advertising opportunities for local businesses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Woodward Podcast Network: A network of podcasts powered by Woodward Community Media stations featuring various shows including AM Fox Valley, Focus Fox Valley, WHBY News, and Your News Now on WHBY.

Products and services

• WHBY Radio Broadcast (1150 AM) Core AM radio broadcast at 1150 kHz delivering local news, talk programming, weather, sports, and syndicated content to listeners across Northeast Wisconsin's Fox Valley, also streamed online via the website player for global access.
• The Woodward Podcast Network On-demand podcast network featuring WHBY-specific shows (WHBY 100, WHBY News, Your News Now on WHBY, Outside the Box) and syndicated programming from sister stations (WAPL, The Score, KISS-FM, etc.) for listeners worldwide.
• WHBY Mobile App Native mobile application on iOS App Store and Google Play Store that lets listeners tune in to WHBY live radio, access on-demand podcasts, receive news alerts, and engage with station content on smartphones and tablets.
• Smart Speaker Skills (Amazon Alexa) Amazon Alexa skill and Google Home integration allowing listeners to start WHBY live streaming via voice commands on smart speakers and Alexa-enabled devices.
• WHBY Insider Text Club SMS subscription service where listeners text CLUB to 920-281-1150 to receive local news updates, community event information, weather alerts, and exclusive contest opportunities via text messages.
• WHBY Insider Email Club Weekly email newsletter providing subscribers with exclusive contests, local news highlights, community events, and station updates from WHBY.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ABC News RadiocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 May 2026WHBY announced partnership with ABC News Radio on May 15, 2026 (effective May 18), bringing ABC News Radio content and coverage to the station, expanding news offerings for listeners in Northeast Wisconsin.
• SoCast (SoCast Digital)coreTechnology or IntegrationWHBY's website and digital platform is powered by SoCast technology, providing streaming, podcast distribution, website hosting, and digital content management capabilities.
• Action Two News / WBAY-TV2minorGTM or Marketing PartnerWHBY partners with local TV station WBAY-TV2 (Action Two News) for election coverage, directing viewers to WBAY for election results. This is a content sharing and cross-promotion relationship.
• Woodward Community Media / Woodward Communications, Inc.coreOthersWHBY is owned and operated by Woodward Community Media, a division of Woodward Communications, Inc. The station is part of a media group that includes other radio stations: WAPL, WCMY/WRCH, WKSZ-WKZY, WZOR-WZOS, WFZZ, The Score, and Razor Wisconsin.
• Miron ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMiron Construction is a sponsor of WHBY's High School Sports coverage and 'Broadcasting from Miron Studio' programming, providing financial support for local sports coverage.
• Fast Signs AppletonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFast Signs Appleton sponsors the High School Game of the Week segment on WHBY and The Score, supporting local high school sports coverage.
• The Score WIcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWHBY partners with The Score WI for high school sports coverage, with cross-promotion and shared streaming/listening platforms. The Score WI is a related Woodward Communications station focusing on sports.
• ThedaCareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThedaCare partners with WHBY for 'Focus on Health' segments, providing health-related content and segments in exchange for brand visibility and community health education platform.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Audacy: Major U.S. radio operator (formerly Entercom/CBS Radio) running news, talk, and sports formats including in Midwest markets. Broad incumbent whose news/talk stations and digital audio assets compete for the same advertiser and listener pools as WHBY.
• iHeartMedia: Largest U.S. radio operator; owns WISN-AM, WTAQ, and dozens of other Wisconsin stations. Broad incumbent that competes with WHBY for both audience share and local/regional advertiser budgets across Wisconsin.
• Cumulus Media: National radio group operating AM/FM stations and networks across the U.S., including Midwest markets. Broad incumbent whose talk/news stations and Westwood One syndication compete directly with WHBY's programming pipeline.

Regional players

• Midwest Communications: Private regional radio operator headquartered in Wisconsin with stations across the Midwest. Comparable as a similar-sized private radio group operating news/talk and music stations in Wisconsin-adjacent geographies.

Direct peers

• WTMJ (AM 620): Flagship Milwaukee AM news/talk station operated by Good Karma Brands. Closest comparable in Wisconsin for AM news/talk format, local news depth, and syndicated talk programming — competing for statewide talk advertisers and political coverage audiences.
• WISN (AM 1130): Milwaukee AM news/talk station owned by iHeartMedia. Direct format peer with local news, talk programming, and political coverage — competing with WHBY for regional Wisconsin talk-ad dollars and audience attention.
• WAPL: Sister FM rock station in Appleton also operated by Woodward Community Media / Woodward Communications. Same parent, same market, shared digital infrastructure — directly comparable as a sister-station peer within the Woodward portfolio.
• WTAQ (AM 1360 / 97.5 FM): iHeartMedia-owned news/talk station serving the Green Bay / Northeast Wisconsin market. Overlaps directly with WHBY's Fox Valley coverage area, competing for local news audiences and the same regional advertiser base.
• The Score WI (WFZZ): Sister Woodward Communications station in Appleton focused on Wisconsin sports, including high school sports coverage. Direct operational peer sharing the same newsroom and streaming infrastructure as WHBY.

Others

• WBAY-TV (Action Two News): Local TV news partner for WHBY's election coverage in Green Bay / Appleton. Comparable as a regional local news competitor for advertiser attention in the same Northeast Wisconsin geography, though distributed via TV rather than radio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/whby
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCrBl5g0_e2iPQCqq7A1r7FA
• Facebookfacebook.com/1150whby
• Instagraminstagram.com/1150whby
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/whby-radio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about WHBY