By Fred Sowder, WGOT Station Coordinator
It was a busy 2018 for WGOT as we opened our studio inside the Civic Media Center. We’re still seeking volunteers to host live radio shows in the afternoons and evenings. Please consider becoming a volunteer by contacting us through Facebook (which has been blowing up lately!) or emailing info@wgot.org. Unlike a pre-recorded show or podcast, live radio is fun and immediate, getting instant reaction from the listening audience. Even if you’ve never done it before, we’ll gladly show you how. We’re also always in need of behind-the-scenes volunteers for everything from program scheduling to graphic design. Our next board meeting is at the CMC on Sunday, January 27th at 2pm for those interested in getting your feet wet with community radio.
We’re also excited about the newest program in our lineup: Connect the Dots. Hopefully you’ve been checking out the great music shows this collective has been bringing to the CMC. Now, it has an accompanying show in partnership with the music blog LVL to the Room. CtD features a wide variety of independent music from both non-binary and cis-gender musicians and artists. Hosts Manu Osorio and Natu Tweh cover the local and regional music scenes in a revolutionary way. Like the other local programs in our lineup, it airs multiple times each week. View the full program schedule on wgot.org.
Connect the Dots and several other shows feature music from local bands and artists while the program Gargsville features full-length conversations with many of them as well. Hit us up on Facebook Messenger or email music@wgot.org to begin the process of getting your music heard.
2019 will be the year that WGOT will again reach the world via online streaming. We’re putting the final plans in place to cover our licensing fees, including applying for local grants, to make this happen. We could still always use your help with donations, either via mail or in person at the CMC, through GoFundMe, or with Patreon for a sustaining donation. Local businesses can also help get the word out about them by sponsoring programming on WGOT via underwriting. However you decide to help, we’re most grateful.
Events are also always a big part of the CMC’s community radio station. Come help us celebrate 11 years on the air at The Atlantic (15 N. Main St.) on Saturday, February 2nd at 9pm with great local bands Bite Marks, Palimony, Shark Anatomy, and HaveWeMet. There’s a suggested sliding scale donation of $7-10 at the door. Also, we’re again participating in International Clash Day on February 7th along with countless other radio stations and record stores around the world. Tune in as we feature music from the London punk legends throughout the day.
These local programs and events combined with nationally syndicated programs such as Democracy Now!, Afropop Worldwide, Alternative Radio, and more will help WGOT continue to grow into 2019. Our growth also couldn’t continue to happen were it not for outstanding staff of volunteers. Thanks for your continued support!