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Nashville's WSM Chronicled in 'Air Castle'

When radio ruled the airwaves, Nashville station WSM was a broadcasting powerhouse. Started in 1925, it became a cultural force that shaped the future of Nashville, largely because of its signature program, The Grand Ole Opry. The station's story unfolds in the new book Air Castle of the South: WSM and the Making of Music City. The book's author, Craig Havighurst, says WSM almost became a sports-talk station a few years ago, but the community and some music legends convinced management to keep the country format.

Havighurst speaks with John Ydstie

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The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.