In 2008, the FCC granted the Williamsport Guardian a construction permit to build our own non-profit radio station, where we’d be free to air our own peculiar opinions, play everything from folk to hip-hop, and respond to what local listeners would like to hear without worrying about whether it will bring in the big bucks. And maybe, just maybe, it can be a model for what community radio can still do in this high-tech digital age–bring people together for a common purpose, mobilize people to fight for what they believe in, and reclaim the airwaves that rightfully belong to us, we the people, not to them, the giant corporate media hogs.

Sounds great, huh? But now have to get down to the hard work of making it a reality. We have just until June 201l before our permit runs out and we turn into pumpkins. We’re currently forming committees to work on the nitty gritty. Are you good at talking people into opening their wallets? Join the Fundraising Committee. Good at pulling people together? Hop on the Organizing Committee. Are you a self-confessed geek? Join the Tech Committee. A smooth talker? Join the PR Committee. Carpenter or electrician? Join the Building Committee. Have an idea for a radio show? Join the Programming Committee. Got other ideas? Let us know.

We have bandwidth reserved for us at 88.5, currently occupied by Rejoice Radio, from Pensacola, Florida. But our station would take precedence because we’re local. So mark this date: January 11, at 7:00 p.m., location TBA. We’ll have a general meeting and then break into committees.

In the meantime, contact Alison or Cynthia for more info or to give us your ideas. Email: wmsptcommradio@gmail. com OR Snail mail: The Williamsport Guardian, 1307 Park Ave. #1, Williamsport, PA 17701.