| N E W S L E T T E R
May 2011
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 | | Berthold Reimers |
Dear WBAI supporters,
As we enter the spring season demonstrations in Wisconsin and similar movements around the country continue to challenge prevailing political schemes being considered by our representatives.
Demonstrations here in New York against banks and wars gives us a glimpse of hope. Yet, mainstream media continues to present a debate mostly between the ultraconservative and the moderate right.
Although more than 70% of the population approves of an increase in taxes for the top earners in the country, our government refuses to even consider the issue. Instead, the debate is framed in terms of what social services should be cut.
Importantly, fracking is a major concern in NY that no other media has covered more than WBAI in the past nine months. We are reaffirming our commitment to offer programming that provides critical analysis that will challenge the status quo and enrich your knowledge of all of the issues mentioned above.
I encourage you to financially support our spring fund drive, submit ideas on how we can better serve your needs, and listen to our special programming available only during the fund drive.
May Announcements:
- WBAI is currently interviewing for the following positions:
- Director of Facility and Technical Operations
- Assistant to the Sation manager | Development Director
- Food Coordinator (temp)
- Tally Coordinator (temp)
Please submit a cover letter and resume' before May 4, 2011 to:
Berthold @wbai.org.
- The WBAI LSB Management Search Committee is currently in the process of filling the permanent position of Program Director.
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From the Public Affairs Director :: Kathy Davis
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It gives me great pleasure to communicate with you this day. First I offer my deepest gratitude for your continued interest in and support of WBAI radio. My work at WBAI is done in service to you and to the greater global community. My hope is that as we grow together we will forge creative relationships and build a harmonious community of many peoples and diverse ideas.
 | | Kathy Davis |
I have served as Public Affairs Director for about 8 years. It feels that at this time WBAI is on the precipice of a new renaissance in radio. I am inspired by the work, dedication and courage of our General Manager Berthold Reimers and Interim Program Director Tony Bates. We have begun to work as a team, expanding the scope of programming and building efficiency into the functioning of WBAI. In truth it is a work in progress. But work is being done and progress is being made. Progress has been possible with the diligence and hard work of the staff including the Operations, Engineering, Business and Premium departments. And we simply could not function without the generous time given by our volunteers and interns. The on-air producers have made all of us proud with their thoughtful, informative programming and sincere efforts to raise financial support for the station. And you, our listeners whose responsiveness makes it all possible.
We have a number of special programs that you will hopefully enjoy. On April 22nd we celebrated Mother Earth Day with programming offered from 6 AM - 6 PM. Check it out on the archive at wbai.org if you missed it. Please don't miss our May Day special Sunday, May 1st from 4 -9 PM. Our Spring Fund Drive goes from Tuesday May 3rd through Monday May 31st. We will feature a number of brand new programs and offers.
Next month WBAI's June special broadcasts includes the Bloomsday Reading of Ulysses on the evening of Thursday June 16th, the Hip Hop Takeover on Saturday June 25th and a special tribute to Gay Pride on Sunday June 26th.
Also in June, WBAI will broadcast live from the Clearwater Hudson River Revival "A Music and Environmental Festival" on Father's Day weekend June 18th & 19th. The festival, being held at Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, features storytellers, music, concerts, and a green living expo. You can join us in the activist area, sit by our stage, and listen to our broadcast. For more information go to: http://clearwaterfestival.org. You can also check our website wbai.org for this and other upcoming events and special programming.
May we all safely navigate the changes to our world and contribute to it being a better place to live..
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- May 3 - 31: SPRING FUN DRIVE
- May 24: Bob Dylan 70th Birthday Tribute Fund Drive -24 hours of Bob Dylan music 6am-6am
- Through May 31 - Host Fest Online Auction - Bid on a dining experience with the host of Wake Up Call, Felipe Luciano. Bid at wbaiauction.org.
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Host Highlights :: David Kenney
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EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN began on radio in Boston in the mid-1970's under the title "The Great Entertainer." After moving from Boston to New York, in the spring of 1979, producer/host David Kenney approached the Program Director of WBAI-FM about the possibility of bringing a program like "The Great Entertainer" to the New York airwaves.
 | David Kenney
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The program expanded its focus to feature vocal groups and Big Bands, as well as solo performers. In addition to these "feature artist" segments, the show presented an unusual blend of big band Jazz, Swing, Standards, Show Tunes and Contemporary Cabaret. The show was scheduled to debut in June but still lacked a name and theme song. In May, David interviewed PETER ALLEN, then starring on Broadway in his one man show "UP IN ONE." The song "Everything Old is New Again" came up in the conversation and the two decided almost on the spot that the song should serve as the title and theme song for the broadcast. DAVID KENNEY was awarded the BACKSTAGE Bistro Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2004. This Special Award given in recognition of his 25 Years as Host of EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN and for his dedication and promotion of Cabaret.
Some of his celebrity interviews include: Liza Minnelli, Lena Horne, Johnny Mathis, Rita Moreno, Phoebe Snow, Shirley Jones, Keely Smith, and Michael Feinstein.
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"Just a quick note to give you a loud "Bravo" / Kudos to Robert Knight on his incredible coverage of the Fukishima Diaicchi Nuclear Crisis - - it is hands down the best work on this immensely important issue to the world. Robert has the background research & knowledge to ask the most penetrating of questions and to find the most candid and knowledgeable experts on this publicly backwarded subject. He is a 'gem' to the station and to the listening public and rates a top award for radio journalism. Thanks so much."
-Frank Sherwood, Stamford, Ct.
"I am writing as a long-time listener and supporter of WBAI, and as an artist, to protest the title "Artsy Fartsy" for your artistic programing. I find it truly offensive. The humorous and self-deprecating designation is at its core disrespectful and embarassed. Why? This title absolutely sets my teeth on edge. Couldn't WBAI do better than that? As a joke, in passing, it is okay; but as a title for a collection of programming which I am sure will be very interesting, it is an embarrassment."
- Rani Carson
Great idea to send an email with so much program, activism and stimulating content! Tks so much.
-Elizabeth Calvin
"I listen to Robert Knight because his shows (5 o'clock Shadow and Earth watch) are informative and interesting. However, when he starts Obama bashing I find it offensive and extremely overdone. Alright already, I get it and I agree with Mr. Knight that President Obama has become a disappointment to we who voted him into office...." "I'm at a point where I change the station when I feel an Obama-tribe coming on and I know I'm not alone. Please ask/tell Robert to PUT A SOCK IN IT!!!"
- Linda Wilson, Bronx, New York
I stop listening once the music comes on in the morning. Why are your talk programs on so late at night and music on during the day? If you aren't going to change then here is a suggestion. Let your listeners sign up for podcasts they want to hear and create an automated database to send them along with your various pitches. It might be a way to stay in touch with former supporters.
- Jeanne, Scotch Plains, NJ
COOL! I appreciate the newsletter, and will pledge as often as I can.
-J. Steven Jessup,
Here, we all love WBAI. But now please alert listeners so they can understand that "big gas" is planning to poison our NY water (as they did the Pennsylvania water & soil).
Ask them to Twitter & Facebook about this nightmare that will start in June 20ll. It's technically called "hydraulic fracking".
- Lorraine Katen, NY
Please send your comments, complaints, or compliments related to any program subject matter aired this month to andrea@wbai.org. Submissions should be limited to 400 words and please include your full name and location. We reserve the right to edit where deemed necessary.
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IMPORTANT: We are currently seeking volunteers for our May Fund Drive (especially from 6-10am) Please call: 212.209.2826 or email volunteerwbai.org.
Volunteers are always needed in all areas. If you have a specific area of expertise; graphics, audio, word processing, web design, etc. please call to arrange hours at your convenience. (Did we mention how much fun + how satisfying volunteering is?!)
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During May regular scheduled programming will be pre-empted at times
for fund drive related programs. Visit www.wbai.org to see when you can support your favorite hosts.
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