Despite setbacks, WGOT hopes to stream in 2019

By Debi Martinez, WGOT Financial Director, and Fred Sowder, Station Coordinator

It’s been a busy 2019 for your community radio station. Our 11^th birthday bash was a great party. Thanks to the Atlantic for hosting us every year as well as to the bands for donating their time and talents: BiteMarks, Palimony, Shark Anatomy, and HaveWeMet. We’re looking forward to our 12^th next year. Our next benefit show is coming up on Friday, April 26 at Loosey’s Downtown. We’ve also participated in events including International Clash Day, VegFest, Active Streets and the Gainesville Mini Maker Faire. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and wgot.org for more news.

Community radio isn’t always about the music and the talk shows. At times, it’s about the energy put into the station by the volunteers. If it weren’t for those who engage in people-powered endeavors like event participation, social media outreach, and technical maintenance, WGOT would be a shell of what it is. Please join us in our effort to foster independent media in your community. Our next volunteer and board meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Public & General Restaurant & Tavern, 1000 NE 16^th Ave., at 6pm. We’ll be outside, weather permitting. 

Perhaps WGOT’s biggest long-term goal is to begin streaming online in 2019. Despite receiving bad news regarding a grant to which we had applied, we continue to develop tech and software that will allow this to happen in the coming months. Our GoFundMe crowdfunding effort is less than $2,000 from our goal. No tax-deductible donation is too small: http://goo.gl/my3kR3. We’re also soliciting vinyl donations for a future record sale event. Tune in to 100.1 FM for details on that.

Finally, we could use help covering monthly expenses. The easiest way is to become a sustaining member for as little as $1 per month via Patreon <http://goo.gl/GjejZA>. Sustaining patrons receive access to exclusive content and bonus shows by our local show hosts that aren’t aired. Plus, if you’re a small business owner, hit us up at underwriting@wgot.org to find out about getting the word out about your business or event while supporting community radio for as little as a $50 tax deductible donation a month. Thanks for helping make WGOT the best community radio station in North Central Florida!