The news we get from GPB is important, but it’s impersonal. We hear about the state legislature, the Atlanta traffic, and the latest on a national level. But we’re left wondering: What about the discussion at the last Glynn County School Board meeting? What about the local artist showcasing new work at an Old Town gallery? What about the sounds of the Gullah Geechee culture that have shaped our community for generations? These are the stories that define us, and they are precisely the stories that a public radio giant, by its nature, cannot prioritize.
This is why Brunswick needs to create its own signal. This is why we need to build WBWK – The Kraken.
WBWK is not a public radio station; it’s a community radio station. This is a crucial distinction. While public radio is often centrally programmed from a large hub, community radio is a platform built for and by the people it serves. It’s a non-profit, volunteer-driven effort that relies on the passion of our neighbors, not the priorities of a large corporate or government entity. The Kraken is being built to be a living, breathing reflection of Brunswick itself.
When you tune into WBWK, you won’t just be a listener; you’ll be an active participant. We’re creating a broadcast schedule that is a direct invitation for our community to get involved. We’re not just looking for news reporters—we’re looking for storytellers, music lovers, and passionate locals to host their own shows.
Imagine programming like:
- “Brunswick’s Pulse”: Our daily news and public affairs show, where we report on local government, community initiatives, and the issues that directly affect our lives.
- “Coastal Georgia Jukebox”: A show hosted by a local music aficionado, playing everything from local bands performing at Jekyll Island’s Jazz Fest to classic soul and blues that have long been the soundtrack of the South.
- “Gullah Geechee Voices”: A show produced by members of the Gullah Geechee community, sharing their culture, history, music, and stories in their own words.
- “Hobby Hour”: A series of short segments where local hobbyists—beekeepers, model airplane enthusiasts, knitters, or historians—can share their knowledge and passion with the community.
- “The Brunswick Kitchen”: A show hosted by a local chef or foodie, featuring interviews with farmers from our local markets, highlighting our best restaurants, and sharing recipes for classic coastal dishes.
WBWK isn’t just about what’s on the air; it’s about who’s on the air. It’s about empowering Brunswick residents to share their own voices, their cultures, and their unique interests. It’s a place where a retiree can host a show on local history and a high school student can share their favorite new music.
We can’t build this without you. As a community radio station, WBWK relies on the support of its people. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every idea helps bring us closer to getting on the air and creating the truly local radio station that Brunswick deserves.
Let’s stop waiting for the state to tell us our stories. Let’s create our own. Join us in unleashing The Kraken and giving our community its own powerful voice.
