Radio Free Nashville, Inc.
Programs
Budget
$59,000.00
Description
Radio Free Nashville believes access to the media, and the ability to use the media to advocate, educate and foster social change is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Six major corporations now control the broadcast airwaves, and they are motivated by profit and not the public interest, act as gatekeepers to information, This does not serve the public interest and our democracy suffers as a result. You cannot be a fully active participant in a democracy without being an educated citizen. RFN gives to the people an important tool, one that is needed to assure that our citizenry is fully informed and represented in our democracy, with maximum ability to control how they choose to live and move forward.Education is a core functions, and a primary aim is to provide a space for community members, particularly young people, to learn to produce programming, learn broadcast technology, and learn through direct experience that the airwaves belong to them.
Program Areas Served
None
$59,000.00
Description
Radio Free Nashville believes access to the media, and the ability to use the media to advocate, educate and foster social change is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Six major corporations now control the broadcast airwaves, and they are motivated by profit and not the public interest, act as gatekeepers to information, This does not serve the public interest and our democracy suffers as a result. You cannot be a fully active participant in a democracy without being an educated citizen. RFN gives to the people an important tool, one that is needed to assure that our citizenry is fully informed and represented in our democracy, with maximum ability to control how they choose to live and move forward.Education is a core functions, and a primary aim is to provide a space for community members, particularly young people, to learn to produce programming, learn broadcast technology, and learn through direct experience that the airwaves belong to them.
Program Areas Served
None
CEO/Executive Director/Board Comments
| RFN's biggest challenge has been keeping a full time broadcast operation up and running on a daily basis, with an all volunteer staff, and limited funding. It is a big task. RFN's physical plant was built from the ground up. We poured the foundation, built the station building, hand pulled up the tower. We raised money and sought donations for the equipment we needed to create a working studio. We solicited programming from all over the area, trained hundreds of people to use a broadcast equipment, record interviews and music, and create an actual show. We attended community events, meetings and social gatherings to tell people about RFN and how RFN could work for them and with them. We held benefits and sold t-shirts to pay licensing, keep the lights on, and keep everything in working order. We oversee anywhere between 50 and 100 programmers at any given time, monitoring content, offering advanced training and making sure we don't have dead air. It can be monumental. There is never really a break. But we love it. Because we see how RFN impacts lives, both of the programmers involved, and the listeners who are exposed to new and different music, information, and visions. It has been difficult in the past to raise consistent funding, primarily because the signal reach was so limited, a function of FCC rules and regulations regarding LPFM. Since we have gone citywide, and can be heard everywhere, we have redoubled our efforts to raise awareness of RFN and what it offers Nashville. And we are stepping up fundraising efforts to be able to transition from all volunteer to at least a part time paid staff. Regardless, we will survive, and succeed. Because we are dedicated to our mission and believe it is vital to the future of our democracy. |
