About Us

Our Story

WSTA 1340 AM Radio, with its rich and fascinating history, holds a unique place in the cultural fabric of St. Thomas and the broader Virgin Islands. Founded in 1950 by William N. Greer, who had previously worked in wiring radio stations across Puerto Rico, the station began as a personal retirement project. Greer, who had retired to St. Thomas, saw an opportunity to start a small local station in Frenchtown at a time when the island’s radio landscape was nearly nonexistent.

Despite the modest beginnings — the station operated with just 50 watts of power at first — Greer was determined to make it work. He personally built the transmitter by hand, and with help from local volunteers, including the Quetel family, he established the station’s first building, a small concrete structure that would serve as its home for 25 years.

The early days of WSTA were marked by a community-driven spirit. One of the station's first broadcasters, Ron deLugo, a young Air Force man, hosted a popular morning show that became a key part of WSTA’s early identity.

DeLugo, alongside the station, played a role in reviving the Virgin Islands Carnival in 1952, showcasing the station’s role not just as a broadcaster but as a community catalyst.

Despite initial plans for a low-powered 50-watt station, Greer was inspired by competition from a St. Croix station planning to broadcast at 250 watts. Greer quickly filed for a 250-watt license and went on the air a full year before his competitors, marking a significant moment in the station’s development. Over the years, WSTA became an important community hub, providing vital services like fire alerts and acting as a communication lifeline when many islanders lacked phones.

The station also earned a reputation for its resilience.

In the 1970s, as the station outgrew its original facilities, WSTA relocated to a more secure location on the hill overlooking Subbase. In 1984, Ottley Communications Corporation purchased the station and further expanded its reach. A year later, WSTA upgraded its transmission power to 1,000 watts of stereo power, making it one of the most influential radio stations in the region.

WSTA’s role during natural disasters solidified its importance to the Virgin Islands. During Hurricanes Hugo, Marilyn, and Lenny, WSTA remained on air24/7, becoming the sole source of information and comfort for many island residents. The station’s ability to stay connected with the community, even during the most challenging times, helped cement its legacy as the “People’s Station.”

Today, WSTA 1340 AM remains one of the oldest and most beloved radio stations in the Caribbean. Seventy-five years after its inception, it continues to be a powerful and enduring presence, connecting the people of the Virgin Islands and beyond. Through its combination of community service, cultural contributions, and adaptability, WSTA has truly earned its place as a cornerstone of Virgin Islands radio.

About Us

Our Story

The early days of WSTA were marked by a community-driven spirit. One of the station's first broadcasters, Ron deLugo, a young Air Force man, hosted a popular morning show that became a key part of WSTA’s early identity.

The station also earned a reputation for its resilience.

Our Partner

Donna Murphy

Peter Ottley

Ubaldina Ottley

Hosea Ottley

Robert Brown

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