A Century of the New York Conversation

A Message From Our President

“WNYC launched onto the airwaves on July 8, 1924, with a bold mandate: to serve, in the words of our visionary founder Grover Whalen, as “the voice of New York.” Today that first broadcast echoes as a credo, a challenge, and a resounding call to action.

We hope you'll help us celebrate our first, and next, 100 years, by joining us at some of the exciting events and programs we're hosting. There are many ways to listen in, join in-person, and donate to support our public service mission."

– LaFontaine E. Oliver, President and CEO

In NYC, millions of small and large stories brush past each other every day. Together, they are all part of The New York Conversation — and so is WNYC. Follow the prompts to add your New York stories as we look ahead to the next 100 years. And keep checking back to hear some of those stories.

Unexpected Connections

Tell us about a time in the city when a chance encounter, a shared experience on the subway, or a random conversation on a street corner led to something beautiful, surprising or just plain unforgettable.

Submit a Story

Hidden Gems

Beyond the iconic landmarks, New York City is full of secret spots, unique neighborhoods or unexpected moments of wonder – and every New Yorker has their own. Describe a place that reveals a side of New York most wouldnt know about.

Submit a Story

New Yorkers For Life

New York leaves its mark on you. What’s something you learned or a way you changed after living in the city that you wouldn’t trade for anything?

Submit a Story

Explore Centennial Content

Celebrating a Century of New York News, Culture and Conversation

WNYC and Friends Centennial Celebration at SummerStage in Central Park
WNYC and Friends Centennial Celebration at SummerStage in Central Park

Brian Lehrer hosts an evening of live radio fun at SummerStage in Central Park!

Rhapsody for This Land: The American Odyssey in Music Live from Brooklyn Bridge Park
Rhapsody for This Land: The American Odyssey in Music Live from Brooklyn Bridge Park

Listen to the archive broadcast of "Rhapsody for This Land: The American Odyssey in Music," recorded live from beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.

A Reimagining of WNYC's First Broadcast
A Reimagining of WNYC's First Broadcast

WNYC launched on July 8, 1924, with a bold mandate: to serve as the voice of New York. Today, that first broadcast echoes as a credo, a challenge, and a resounding call to action.

WNYC's 100th Birthday Celebration
WNYC's 100th Birthday Celebration

WNYC celebrates its 100th birthday with a live show at Central Park SummerStage, hosted by Brian Lehrer and featuring WNYC hosts, trivia, live musical performances and more.

100 Pieces of (Street) Art
100 Pieces of (Street) Art

In honor of WNYC's 100th birthday, All Of It is celebrating 100 pieces of art in New York City. Each month we speak with a tastemaker in the arts world.

100 Years of 100 Things: Music on WNYC
100 Years of 100 Things: Music on WNYC

As our centennial series continues, John Schaefer, host of WNYC's New Sounds, takes us through WNYC's musical legacy. 

WNYC Centennial: The New Sounds of 1924
WNYC Centennial: The New Sounds of 1924

Hear the newest sounds from 1924 and somehow John Schaefer was there, broadcasting at the dawn (or 'round midnight) of WNYC radio. Here's a WNYC Centennial edition of The New Sounds...

Take A Dive into the WNYC Archives
Take A Dive into the WNYC Archives

As part of WNYC's centennial celebration, each week we'll share key moments from the from the vast WNYC and NYC Municipal archives.

Support WNYC as we begin our second century

Your donation today will help ensure that WNYC will be here for the next 100 years.

Join us as we celebrate this landmark anniversary, and help us stand strong for another 100 years. There are many ways to support WNYC and New York Public Radio:

  • Become a member of WNYC by making a monthly donation.
  • Make a leadership gift of $50,000 or more to help meet a $5 million challenge grant from one of our leading philanthropic funders, with special recognition in NYPR’s Centennial Circle for supporters who make gifts of $100,000 or higher. Contact giving@nypublicradio.org or 646.829.4130 to learn more.
  • Join us at the Centennial Gala on Tuesday, November 19, at the Glasshouse (660 12th Avenue). The evening will feature a special anniversary program, and an afterparty with DJs and dancing.
  • Include us in your estate plans to help us plan for our future through our Legacy Giving Challenge: 100 Intentions for 100 Years.

Explore WNYC’s First Century

From the WNYC Archives

Reception for Althea Gibson
Reception for Althea Gibson

Right after her first victory at Wimbledon, WNYC aired this official reception for tennis star Althea Gibson.

Kurt Vonnegut on Jailbird, His Watergate Novel
Kurt Vonnegut on Jailbird, His Watergate Novel

Kurt Vonnegut tells us why he abandoned the sketchy sci-fi plot lines in favor of a sharp-eyed political realism of what has come to be known as his “Watergate novel,” Jailbird.

Reception for Nobel Prize recipient Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Reception for Nobel Prize recipient Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate. Hubert Humphrey speaks. Grateful that Dr. King returned safely,...

The Night in 1924 When WNYC Became Real
The Night in 1924 When WNYC Became Real

WNYC’s first official broadcast began just before 9 p.m. on July 8, 1924, and lasted a mere three hours and 26 minutes.

Become a member today

WNYC Centennial Commemorative Tote Bag

Listener support is WNYC's foundation. Give today so we can keep building on our legacy as an anchor of civic and cultural life in New York.

Donate now

Listen on the go with the all new WNYC app

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A Thank You to Our Sponsors

AARP New York City is a proud supporter of WNYC’s Centennial, helping New York’s public radio station reach thousands of engaged listeners who have made WNYC part of their daily routine.

The New Museum, reopening in 2025, is Manhattan’s only dedicated contemporary art museum and a catalyst for dialogue between artists and the public. Learn More at http://newmuseum.org.

Trusted Journalism since 1956.

WNYC’s Centennial is supported by The John Templeton Foundation, funding interdisciplinary research and catalyzing conversations to inspire awe and wonder. Dive deeply into the wonders of the universe at http://templeton.org/.