by Darcy Casteleiro, WBAI Development Coordinator (Temporary)
As a WBAI listener, you value independent, progressive media. No doubt you were outraged at the FCC’s recent vote allowing media ownership to shift to even fewer communications conglomerates. We certainly don’t have to tell you that these media monopolies are devastating our democracy. We’ve all seen how they pushed a reluctant public into supporting the invasion of Iraq by distorting and omitting facts. And how they’ve consistently avoided reporting the truth about issues you care about: peace and social justice, racism, the environment, and exploitation of workers the world over, to name a few.
We can resist these communications monopolies by expanding WBAI. The last thing the Bush administration and its corporate allies want is an independent, progressive voice like WBAI’s to draw a larger audience. And it can! WBAI has the potential to reach 18 million people. Our signal is strong, our listening area covers a 60-mile radius around lower Manhattan, and we’re the only independent major radio station in the area.
Growing WBAI will require improvements and initiatives, some already underway. People worldwide visit our revamped Website. WBAI’s studios, offices, and newsroom have been computerized. The outreach office has a packed schedule of neighborhood visits throughout the signal area. The station now offers classes for a new generation of journalists and technicians. It’s a strong start—with exciting innovations to come, including:
A wireless mobile unit to make WBAI a presence on the streets. Imagine a WBAI van at demos, rallies, and community meetings!
More staff for increased news and public affairs coverage
A fully staffed development office—it takes money to raise money
Improved technical capabilities, including digital editing equipment and a digital transmitter
Expansion of the outreach office, the heart of WBAI’s Million Listener Campaign (see article at right)
Increased bandwidth and staffing to maximize the Website’s potential
A series of public forums on “The Crisis in U.S. Democracy”
Greater capacity to broadcast remote and in-studio arts programs.
The total cost for these improvements? Almost $1 million. Unlike the media giants, WBAI’s resources are limited. We need your help to grow. Don’t wait until the next fund drive to contribute. You can make a general donation or earmark your gift for one of the projects above now.
