94.5 WELY FAQs
Q: What is 94.5 WELY?
A: WELY 94.5 FM is our new 35,000 watt FM serving northeastern Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and part of Canada with a great mix of music.
Q: What frequency can I find WELY FM on?
A: You can tune in to 94.5 FM. You can also stream online at wely.fm
Q: Who owns 94.5 WELY?
A: 94.5 WELY and Hometown Radio 1450/103.9 are now owned by Civic Media, a Wisconsin-based media company dedicated to providing quality radio and digital content. Civic Media acquired both WELY FM and WELY AM in 2025 from Zoe Communications, marking their first expansion outside of Wisconsin. After being silent since late 2022, Civic Media has brought WELY back to the community.
Q: When did 94.5 WELY first start broadcasting?
A: The FM signal was added to WELY-AM in 1992, expanding on the original station that began in 1954. The FM station later moved to 94.5 FM and has been serving the area ever since. After being off the air since late 2022, Civic Media brought WELY back to life in 2025.
Q: What kind of music does 94.5 WELY play?
A: Full Format coming soon!
Q: What special programming does 94.5 WELY offer?
A: We feature a wide variety of shows including Trading Post with Trader Craig, the Polka Show, and Minnesota Vikings football.
Q: What makes 94.5 WELY unique?
A: 94.5 WELY serves one of the most beautiful and remote areas in the country – the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and surrounding communities. We’re known as “End of the Road Radio” because we’re a vital connection for both year-round residents (3,000+ in winter) and the influx of summer visitors (20,000+). We also broadcast essential personal and emergency messages for people in the Boundary Waters.
Q: Why was WELY FM temporarily on 103.9?
A: Due to transmitter and antenna issues with the 94.5 equipment, Civic Media implemented a temporary broadcast on 103.9 FM while completing repairs and installing a new transmitter, coaxial cable, and antennas for 94.5. The company is working hard to restore full service on 94.5 FM.
Q: How can I contact the station?
A: You can reach us by phone at (218) 365-4444 or visit our website at wely.fm. You can also email us at [email protected] to share your WELY stories or get involved with the station.
Q: Where are your studios located?
A: Our studios are located in downtown Ely in a brand new facility. We’re proud to be visible and accessible in the heart of the community!
Q: How can I advertise my business on WELY FM?
A: We’d love to help your business reach the Ely community, outdoor enthusiasts, and Boundary Waters visitors! Contact us at (218) 365-4444 or email [email protected] to discuss advertising opportunities.
Q: Are you involved in the community?
A: Absolutely! As part of the Civic Media family, we’re committed to being a strong reflection of the Ely community. We provide local news, weather updates, emergency information, community event coverage, and programming that celebrates the unique character of northeastern Minnesota and the Boundary Waters region.
1450 WELY FAQs
Q: What is Hometown Radio 1450/103.9?
A: Hometown Radio 1450/103.9 is Ely’s community radio station serving Ely, Babbitt, and the Echo Trail with Oldies from the 60’s and 70s, local programs, and Twins Baseball!
Q: What frequencies can I find Hometown Radio on?
A: You can tune in to AM 1450 or FM 103.9. You can also stream online at wely.fm
Q: Who owns WELY-AM now?
A: Hometown Radio 1450/103.9 is now owned by Civic Media, a Wisconsin-based media company dedicated to providing quality hometown radio and digital content. Civic Media acquired WELY AM and FM in 2025 from Zoe Communications, marking their first expansion outside of Wisconsin. After being off the air since late 2022, Civic Media brought WELY back to life in 2025.
Q: What is WELY AM’s history?
A: WELY AM first signed on the air on October 2, 1954, making it nearly 70 years old! The station has had an incredible journey, including being owned by legendary CBS broadcaster Charles Kuralt in the mid-1990s. WELY was operated by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa from 2005 to 2022 before going silent, and now Civic Media has revived this beloved local institution.
Q: What kind of programming do you air?
A: Hometown Radio 1450/103.9 features a mix of local programming including news, weather, local sports coverage, the popular Trading Post with Trader Craig, the Polka Show, and Minnesota Twins Baseball. We focus on providing the information and entertainment that matters most to our community.
Q: What makes Hometown Radio 1450/103.9 special?
A: WELY is one of only two stations in the entire country with an FCC waiver to broadcast personal and emergency messages for people in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This unique service has made WELY an essential lifeline for residents, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts for decades.
Q: Do you cover sports?
A: Yes! We’re proud to broadcast local high school sports and Minnesota Twins Baseball. Local sports coverage is an important part of our commitment to the community.
Q: How can I contact the station?
A: You can reach us by phone at (218) 365-4444 or visit our website at wely.fm. You can also email us at [email protected] to share stories about what WELY means to you or to get involved with the station.
Q: Where are your studios located?
A: Our studios are located in downtown Ely, right in the heart of the community we serve. We love being accessible to our listeners and visitors!
Q: How can I advertise my business on WELY AM?
A: We’d love to help your business reach the Ely community and Boundary Waters visitors! Contact us at (218) 365-4444 or email [email protected] to discuss advertising opportunities.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone: (218) 365-4444 Email: [email protected] Website: wely.fm Location: Downtown Ely, Minnesota
