Local always wins in communities such as Batavia, Lockport, Olean, Dunkirk-Fredonia and similar markets. Local, local, local... oh, and LIVE, LIVE, LIVE as much as possible. With technology being what it is, owner-operators need to realize there are so many possibilities not only in voice tracking but by being LIVE as much as possible. (ISDN, "Hotline," cell phones, Marti shots and good ol' phone lines.)
It seems owners of local stations, especially in markets such as Batavia, need to do exactly what Dan's doing: Live in the community and become part of it. The rewards can be handsome, beyond being monetary (although it certainly is a prime consideration.)
WBTA puts a dent into the theory that the so-called "Mom and Pop" operations are a thing of the past. Local is extremely important and always will be in radio.
I remember the days in Corning with the live remotes and promotions. That is when going to work in radio was actually fun and didn’t consist of babysitting a board to switch from one syndicated program to another.
Unfortunately a number of small market stations these days are opting for the same regurgitated formats the bigger markets are doing. You know what I mean. The same music, same syndicated talk programming, same jockless formats, little to no local news outside of reading from the daily newspaper or wire service.
From what everyone is writing it sounds like WBTA would be a great place for someone to either start their career in radio, or for some old vet to spend their last few years doing what they love best. It’s nice to read that WBTA is doing so well. Unfortunately I can not hear the station where I live and work. But I also wish the owner and staff well. 
