Bart Walker and WGNS Staff Keep Good Neighbor Promise After 79 Years

Editor’s Note: During my 58 years—well, 59 years come January 11th—I’ve seen a lot, learned a lot, and watched this community grow. Many would say we’re growing too fast. I would be in that category. But even with all the challenges we face, from traffic congestion to mental health struggles, from addiction to alcoholism, if there’s one constant that Rutherford County can depend on for information and truth—no fake news—it’s WGNS, “The Good Neighbor Station,” working hard to bring you the truth.

I now have two grandbabies—Grace, 3 years old, and Henry, who’s a year old—and to be brutally honest, I’m worried to death about what the future holds for them. Can they afford a home? Will crime increase? Can they afford to pay taxes on a home? Will the mental health and addiction problems continue to rise? When their adult will they even drive into Nashville to work and back and be safe, and not spend 4 hours a day commuting?

Ronald Reagan said it best: “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” I know I’m ranting, but someone needs to rant—this country is $38.40 trillion in debt and growing, and we’re leaving it to our great-grandchildren.

If you’ve ever tuned your radio to AM 1450 or FM 101.9 in Murfreesboro, or to FM 100.5 in Smyrna, you’ve heard the heartbeat of Rutherford County. WGNS, the Good Neighbor Station, begins its 79th year with the ringing-in of 2026!

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN – If you’ve ever tuned your radio to AM 1450 or FM 101.9 in Murfreesboro, or to FM 100.5 in Smyrna–you’ve heard the heartbeat of Rutherford County.  WGNS, the Good Neighbor Station begins its 79th year with the ringing-in of 2026!

On December 31, 1946, Rutherford County’s first radio station began. At 10:00 p.m., the static faded and WGNS rang in the New Year of 1947 with a strong, clear signal. The call letters stood for “Good Neighbor Station,” a promise that still holds true today. Back then, the county was home to just about 8,000 people, and the arrival of its first radio station was a big deal.

WGNS has always been about local news, local sports, and local history. The station started in Cecil Elrod’s French Shoppe on the town square, moved to its own building at 306 South Church Street in 1960, and has been family-owned since the beginning. The Walker family has carried the torch since 1984, with Bart Walker saying, “We love Murfreesboro and we love the broadcast business.” That shows in the station’s longevity—with that family having the radio station longer than all previous owners combined.

SPORTS

Sports has always been a big part of WGNS. Cecil Elrod hired Ray “Swish” Duffey, whose Boston accent and catchphrases like “Hold onto the bedsheets grandmama!” became local legend. Duffey’s passion led him to become Murfreesboro’s first Parks and Recreation director. Another local star, John Hood, got his start at WGNS as a high schooler, thanks to an on-the-job training program.

WGNS is the Heart of Tennessee’s Blue Raider affiliate, broadcasting MTSU games and local high school sports since 1947. The tradition continues today with Bryan Barret being the voice of local high school sports. Plus, the radio station continues its popular coverage of the Atlanta Braves games that began in 1981.

MIRROR OF COMMUNITY

WGNS is more than sports. It’s a mirror of the community, hosting popular shows like Swap’n Shop, Good Neighbor of the Day, Birthday Club, Outstanding Emergency Responders, Volunteer Tributes and local obituaries.  In addition, political leaders and local movers and shakers are featured regularly on the station’s popular local talk shows that dive deeply into issues that matter to Rutherford County.

WGNS IS THERE FOR EMERGENCIES

WGNS has always been there in times of crisis, connecting residents with emergency responders during ice storms, floods, and tornadoes. Live coverage has helped countless people through tough times, making WGNS a true lifeline for the community. In fact, WGNS has received the Tennessee Emergency Management Agencie’s “Station of the Year” award several times for its tornado and ice storm coverage.

THE LOCAL TRADITION CONTINUES

As WGNS embarks on its 79th year, the station remains committed to serving Rutherford County with integrity, innovation, and the local spirit that has defined it for generations—continuing to be the trusted voice and heart of our community, today and for years to come!

WGNS broadcasts on AM 1450 and FM 101.9 in Murfreesboro, as well as FM 100.5 in Smyrna with 24/7 broadcasting since 1984. In addition, the Good Neighbor Station offers worldwide streaming at https://WGNSradio.com, as well as podcasts–WGNS reaches listeners everywhere!