Radio Catskill Announces Programming Revamp and Honesdale Studio Closure

Radio Catskill is updating its programming and consolidating operations in response to the permanent elimination of federal funding for public media. The changes take effect October 4, 2025, and aim to maintain the station’s award-winning local, regional, and national coverage while introducing new voices and timely stories.

These changes are part of a careful plan to focus on content that delivers the most impact and relevance for the community in an era of reduced federal support. The new lineup will bring listeners even more stories that spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and celebrate what makes the Catskills, Northeast Pennsylvania, and beyond so vibrant.

Highlights of the new schedule include:

Kaatscast with Brett Barry: the award-winning podcast becomes a weekly radio show. Host/Producer Brett Barry brings listeners stories and conversations rooted in the heart of the Catskills –culture, history, sustainability, literature, the arts, and more. Produced by Silver Hollow Audio.

The Capitol Pressroom: A daily program with the latest insight and analysis from the New York State Capitol with host David Lombardo, broadcast from the Legislative Correspondents Association Pressroom in Albany. The show features interviews with state representatives and important newsmakers. Produced by WCNY.

In tandem with the programming changes, Radio Catskill will also consolidate its operations and close its satellite studio in Honesdale, PA, located in The Cooperage. The decision is a direct response to the loss of federal funding, which has forced the station to make difficult, but necessary choices about how to steward its resources.

Despite the closure, Radio Catskill will continue to serve listeners in Wayne and Pike counties with local news, culture, and community voices.

“Although we’ll no longer have a physical studio in Honesdale, our commitment to Northeast Pennsylvania remains unwavering,” said Radio Catskill General Manager Tim Bruno. “Listeners there will continue to hear stories and programming that reflect their communities.”

The following shows will be retired from the schedule: Fresh Air, The TED Radio Hour, Jazz Night in America, Living Jazz, Le Show, Bioneers, New Urban Jazz Lounge, and Upfront Soul.

Helpful Links:

Daily and Weekly Schedule

Local Shows

Podcasts

You can listen live at 90.5FM and you can also enjoy your favorite Radio Catskill shows anytime, anywhere on your computer, phone, the free Radio Catskill mobile app, or ask your smart speaker to play “Radio Catskill.”

The following changes take effect on October 4, 2025

Program | New Time | Change Description
With Good Reason | Saturday @ 6am | New addition
51% | Saturday @ 6:30am | Moved from Mondays @ 8pm
Kaatscast w/Brett Barry | Saturday @ 11am | New addition
Jazz Lives w/David Dann | Saturday @ 12pm | New addition
Return to the Source | Sunday @ 8pm | Moved from 9pm
The Capitol Pressroom | Monday-Friday @ 1pm | New addition
Hidden Brain | Monday @ 2pm | Moved from 1pm
The Janus Adams Show | Monday @ 8pm | Moved from Saturdays @ 11am
La Voz en Breve | Monday @ 9pm | Moved from 10pm
Freakonomics | Tuesday @ 2pm | Moved from 1pm
Ambient Barn | Tuesday @ 9pm | Moved from Friday @ Midnight
Radiolab | Wednesday @ 2pm | Moved from 1pm
Virtual Soundscapes | Wednesday @ 9pm | Moved from Thursday @ 10pm
Latino USA | Thursday @ 2pm | Moved from 1pm
Soul Deluxe | Friday @ Midnight | Moved from Sunday @2am
The Mainstream | Monday-Thursday @ 10p | Moved from Midnight
BBC World Service | Monday-Saturday @ Midnight | Moved from 2am

Image: Detail of Nya Reebe’s Winning Radio Catskill 35th Anniversary T-Shirt Design (Credit: Nya Reebe)