wfly signed on in 1948 as the radio station of "the troy times record" newspaper, published by frank loyd york. the station was originally experimental and intended to use an fm signal to broadcast a radio-facsimile image of that day's paper to subscribers with the equipment to receive it. the station was programmed with classical music, news and local interest programs. upon sign on, it had an effective radiated power of 5.4 kw. beginning in 1949, it was a member of the rural radio network, receiving network programming via an over the air relay of wvcv in cherry valley. the rural radio network dropped most of its farm content and switched to mostly classical music, which was originated at wqxr in new york city. this was received via over air relay from wkip-fm on mount beacon. this affiliation lasted until 1960, when the rural radio network folded. the classical music continued as locally produced programming.