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Community input is needed for WRFA-LP radio station's path forward.
WRFA-LP is a non-for-profit, low-powered, 100-watt radio station licensed to the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, which first went live, on-air, in 2004 and broadcast on 107.9 FM. Since 2009, the station's operating budget has been more than half-funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's (CPB) Community Service Grant. However, CPB has changed its granting formulations and criteria, thus making WRFA ineligible to receive funding in the future.
Trying to find a navigational way forward, WRFA will host an open-public forum, on Tuesday, Aug. 22, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Reg Lenna's Multimedia Studio, during this meeting the financial status, programing changes and other radio-centric items will be discussed.
"Sixty percent of our operating funds come from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's Community Service grant," said Jason Sample, the general manager of WRFA. "Hence, we now need to undergo a strategic plan to find a pathway forward -one of sustainability.
Moreover, WRFA request community involvement, support and input as it navigates these murky waters.
"We really need community and stakeholder's input, ideas and thoughts," said Sample. "Like do we continue our 'arts' coverage or our public affairs news, what does our community want and like to listen to."
In order to help facilitate the input and factual data collections, WRFA and Sample have started consolidating input- prior to the above-mentioned meeting.
"Part of this process involves an online survey, which can be found at www.WRFALP.com," said Sample.
However, if one doesn't fill out the survey that shouldn't preclude, he or she from attending the scheduled information meeting.
"We want input from current and past underwriters, contribution doners, listeners, website visitors and those who follow us on social media," stated Sample. "Community input is essential."
For more information on the upcoming meeting or WRFA call 716-664-2465.