Getting by in Rochester (New York): Broadcast media

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When a blizzard arrives, or other significant news hits, Rochesterians turn en masse to radio station WHAM, 1180 AM. George Eastman himself came up with the catchy call letters for Rochester's 50,000-watt clear-channel station. It remains the local gold standard for school closings and other emergency information. In calmer times, WHAM runs a lineup of syndicated and local conservative talk programs, including Rush Limbaugh from 2PM-5PM.

For the morning drive-time, locals who want some strong radio with their coffee turn to WFXF, "The Fox", 95.1 FM, and listen to long-time radio personality Brother Wease, the outspoken morning host who doesn't shy away from the tough topics. Some of Wease's former colleagues from his many years at WCMF (96.5 FM) are still on their morning show, known as the Break Room. Those looking for less intense morning fare go with Beth and Chet on WHAM, or Tony Infantino on WRMM, Warm 101.3 FM.

WGMC, Jazz 90.1 FM, is one of the last remaining full-time jazz stations in the country, although on the weekends they mix in some ethnic flavor.

For specific genres of radio:

• National Public Radio: WXXI 1370 AM
• Classical: WXXI 91.5 FM
• Jazz: WGMC 90.1 FM, WJZR 105.9 FM
• Country: WBEE 92.5 FM
• Easy listening: WRMM 101.3 FM
• Oldies: WLGZ 102.7 FM
• Classic rock: WFXF 95.1 FM, WCMF 96.5 FM
• Modern rock: WZNE 94.1 FM
• Top 40: WPXY 97.9 FM, WKGS 106.7 FM
• Urban: WDKX 103.9 FM
• College: WITR 89.7, WRUR 88.5 FM