The news is out, and it’s a bit of a bummer: the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is closing its doors. This means a serious gap in federal funding for public media, and for many communities, it feels like losing an old, reliable friend. Public radio and TV stations, especially in smaller towns, are facing a tough road ahead.
But before you start mourning the loss of your favorite shows, let’s talk about the unsung hero that’s ready to swoop in and save the day: community radio!
Community radio stations are built differently. They aren’t run by big corporations or federal grants. They’re powered by people just like you—passionate locals who want to tell their own stories. And right here in Brunswick, we have a fantastic example: WBWK 95.7 LPFM – The Kraken.
While its name might sound a little intimidating, the station is anything but! The “Kraken” is a fun way to think about a powerful, homegrown force rising up to serve our community. It’s a new kind of media that’s ready to do things the big networks can’t.
Here’s how WBWK can fill that void and become our new favorite station:
- All Local, All the Time. Forget national news. The Kraken is all about Brunswick. We’re talking hyper-local coverage of city council meetings, school board decisions, and every festival, concert, and art show that makes our town special. It’s news that’s actually about us.
- Your Voice on the Air. This isn’t just a station for professional journalists. WBWK is a platform for you. Local musicians, artists, students, and community groups can all have a show. It’s a place to share your passions and hear from your neighbors, making our town feel even more connected.
- Built by Us, for Us. WBWK’s funding model isn’t built on federal checks. It’s built on local support—donations from people and businesses right here in Brunswick. This means the station is directly accountable to the community it serves.
So, how can you help keep The Kraken on the air?
- For Individuals: A personal donation, no matter how small, goes a long way. Every dollar helps keep the lights on, the equipment running, and the local voices broadcasting. You can donate directly through the station’s website.
- For Businesses: You can become an underwriter! Underwriting is a great way for local businesses to support a vital community resource while also getting their name out to a dedicated local audience. It’s a win-win that shows your commitment to Brunswick.
So while the loss of CPB funding might feel like the end of an era, it’s really the start of a new, exciting chapter for us. With a station like WBWK 95.7 LPFM – The Kraken, we can prove that the most powerful media isn’t a national broadcast—it’s the one coming from our own backyard.
