Since 2013, Toledo Integrated Media Education (TIME) has been creating a community-based radio station for the greater Toledo area. With an FCC programing license, a stable of shows, and a call sign, 106.1 WAKT is ready to broadcast talk and music programming created in Northwest Ohio. But before it can power on in July, they have a couple of bills to take care of.
“We are a few thousand dollars shy of being able to cover all of our startup costs,” explained Sean Nestor, board member of TIME. To cover those costs, TIME will host the ‘Power the Tower’ fundraiser and concert at the Original Sub Shop on June 15.
Making airwaves
“WAKT’s mission statement is to bring a voice to underrepresented perspectives in the Toledo area,” said Nestor. “As an independent media outlet, we will be empowering Toledoans to talk to each other which in turn will build a stronger community.” WAKT’s locally-produced programs will cover a variety of topics, and this diversity will allow WAKT to be differentiated from other Toledo stations.
To give listeners a taste of WAKT, TIME has put a few audio pilot episodes online, focusing on local music, as well as a wide variety of talk shows, from the parenting-focused Transparency to the environmentally conscious Black and Green Radio. These pilot episodes can be found on TIME’s YouTube page and Soundcloud channel.
But TIME is bringing more than just local programs to Toledo. “We will also be syndicating some popular programs that don't currently air in Toledo— Democracy Now!, Thom Hartmann, and Union Edge – as part of our daytime programming block through the week,” Nestor explained.
A party for power
The June 16 fundraiser looks to raise funds to turn on the radio tower and get WAKT on the air. During this month’s Summer Spectacular Art Loop, the Original Sub Shop on Broadway will host the bands Shmotel, Kid Kris, Seven the Outlaw, and Huntor Prey, as well as local food trucks and beer vendors, to bring in money for WAKT.
Most importantly, “attendees will also be able to find out more about the effort,” said Nestor: “how they can get involved, volunteer for the station, or even have their own show.” If you can’t make it to the fundraiser, you can still donate to the cause, learn more about the station and how to apply for your own radio show on WAKT’s website, waktlp.org
5:30-9pm Wednesday, June 15.
$5.
Original Sub Shop, 402 Broadway St. | 419 243 4875
www.wakt.fm | facebook.com/waktradio
