Vinylthon, the annual celebration of vinyl records and the art of radio, is opening a bold new chapter in April 2026. For the first time ever, Vinylthon will be completely free for all radio stations to participate—welcoming commercial and non-commercial stations alike from around the world to take part in the global event.
FREE radio station registration for Vinylthon 2026
This shift marks a major milestone for Vinylthon. Historically rooted in college and community radio, the event is now expanding its reach, inviting commercial broadcasters to join the celebration without any participation fee. The goal is simple: bring together the global radio community around a shared love of vinyl, storytelling, and the power of music—while raising money to support the very future of the radio industry.
While commercial stations will no longer be required to pay to participate, they are encouraged to support Vinylthon’s mission by helping with an on-air fundraiser benefiting the foundation’s Next Step Radio Scholarships. These scholarships directly support students who are interested in pursuing careers in the radio industry, helping the next generation gain access, training, and real-world opportunities in broadcasting.
By combining a worldwide vinyl celebration with a meaningful educational mission, Vinylthon 2026 aims to unite stations of all formats and sizes around a common purpose: celebrating radio’s past while investing in its future.
More information about Vinylthon 2026, including how stations can get involved and register for FREE, is available at vinylthon.com
