About Us
Batavia’s Hometown Voice Since 1941
WBTA signed on the air at 7:00 a.m. on February 6, 1941—just months before the United States entered World War II. From its very first broadcast, the station’s purpose was clear: to bring reliable news and timely war updates to the people of Batavia and Genesee County. WBTA quickly became the community’s most trusted source of information.
More than 80 years later, that mission hasn’t changed.
A Station Built for the Community
WBTA was created to serve Batavia—and we’ve stayed true to that foundation ever since. As the only radio station licensed in Genesee County, our focus is hyperlocal: the stories, events, and voices that matter right here at home.
Our earliest broadcasts provided war developments, local reactions, and community mobilization efforts. Over time, our coverage expanded into government, schools, public safety, agriculture, business, and the daily life of the community.
Local News You Can Trust
Even with today’s digital noise, WBTA remains a dependable source for verified, timely information. Our newsroom continues the tradition established in 1941—reporting the facts, keeping listeners informed during emergencies, and giving Genesee County a reliable, steady voice.
- Breaking local news
- Weather and storm alerts
- Public safety updates
- City and county government coverage
- School and community events
- Obituaries and community notices
- Local business stories
Music, Conversation & Local Entertainment
WBTA blends soft adult contemporary music with the full-service programming listeners have come to rely on. From morning shows and community interviews to high school sports and special local features, our programming reflects the people who live and work here.
Throughout our history, familiar local voices—such as longtime broadcasters Wayne Fuller and Jerry Warner—have helped make WBTA a consistent and comforting presence in daily life.
Supporting Local Business
From the early days of war bond announcements to today’s digital and on-air campaigns, WBTA has always supported local business. Our advertising, promotions, and “Shop Local” initiatives help connect Genesee County residents with the businesses that keep our community strong.
Whether a business is new, growing, or generations old, we’re proud to provide a platform that helps them succeed.
A Legacy of Local Ownership
WBTA has spent nearly its entire existence under local ownership—something rare for an 80-plus-year-old station. In 2023, ownership passed to Majic Tones Communications, led by Batavia native Jim Ernst, ensuring that WBTA remains locally rooted and community-focused.
That continuity of hometown leadership has preserved the station’s identity and strengthened its ties to the people it serves.
Looking Forward
While radio has changed dramatically since 1941, our purpose hasn’t. WBTA now reaches listeners on-air, online, through streaming, mobile devices, and social media—but the heart of the station remains the same: to inform, connect, and serve Genesee County.
Your Hometown Station
For generations, families have tuned to WBTA for trustworthy news, familiar voices, and a reliable connection to home. We are proud to carry on the mission that began during the most challenging days of the 20th century—and we’re committed to serving Batavia and Genesee County for generations to come.