Judge Tosses Lawsuit Against WOOK Founder

February 14, 2017 - D.C. Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro dismissed with prejudice a lawsuit brought against William L. Tucker, Jr. by a D.C.-based nonprofit and one time fiscal sponsor to his LPFM project.  The lawsuit, filed by Sincere Seven, sought to block Tucker, 54, from identifying himself as having any involvement with the radio station venture, directing its operations, and managing its assets-- including the call sign letters 'WOOK'. 

Tucker launched the project in 2013 to establish a low-power radio network for showcasing D.C. art and culture, then secured Sincere Seven as its fiscal sponsor in order to qualify for a LPFM permit from the Federal Communications Commission.  After winning a construction permit for 103.1 FM, the relationship between Tucker and the sponsor began to deteriorate with the latter's attempts to seize control of the project intensifying as time moved forward.  Sincere Seven's fiduciary misconduct against Tucker and the project continued into the following year, with its effort to oust Tucker in January 2015 and failure to respond to several FCC inquiries.  Citing questions raised by D.C.-based media conglomerate Radio One over the omission of Sincere Seven's director, Perry Redd, as a party to the application, and Redd's criminal record, the FCC rescinded WOOK's construction permit for 103.1 FM in November 2015, and dismissed the application in May of 2016.     

With the suit now dismissed and the construction permit for 103.1 FM since rescinded, Tucker is making final preparations for launching WOOK's low-power AM station this March from studios on Buzzard's Point.  He has also reorganized his nonprofit organization to promote community broadcasting and the production of hyperlocal media content. 

Public Affairs, Talk/Variety Programs Announced For WOOK-LP 103.1 Lineup

WOOK-LP radio is adding two talk shows to its programming schedule, Socially Speaking and Breath of My Ancestors. Sincere Seven Executive Director and 2012 D.C. Statehood Green Party candidate for D.C. Council At Large Perry Redd produces Socially Speaking, a Progressive news and current events program, currently podcast live from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays.  Redd, a D.C. native, songwriter, and longtime social activist, is also a nationally-syndicated columnist whose op-eds can be found online at BlackCommentator.com.  

D.C. author, motivational speaker, poet, and activist Ty Gray-El will host Breath of My Ancestors, a weekly 1-hour program showcasing spoken word artists of metropolitan Washington and beyond.  An internationally recognized storyteller, Gray-El is focused on resurrecting radio theater with Breath of My Ancestors as a way to

Look for WOOK to offer encore editions of Socially Speaking podcasts on demand beginning late March/early April 2014.  Breath of My Ancestors is scheduled for Mondays at 8 p.m. starting with WOOK-LP 103.1's anticipated Summer 2014 launch on the FM dial.  Join Perry and Ty in establishing WOOK as a platform for D.C.-based art and culture as a member or sponsor.  Ask about opportunities for hosting your own WOOK radio program.