Plans for a listener-supported, free-form broadcast radio outlet featuring progressive content produced in the Washington, D.C. region were put on display in Shaw/Mid-City during Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday before a group of local investors, media & music pros, and community activists.
react radio's William Tucker, Jr. and Kymone Freeman outlined the network's business plan, including its mission, marketing strategy, and capital requirements, then followed with a Q&A session and open call for programmers/radio hosts.
So much positive energy flowed from those in attendance that the event lasted well beyond its scheduled 3 hours. Two items that generated the biggest reaction were a soundstage/studio/public venue based in Anacostia, and a possible offering of shares in the venture directly to the public. The soundstage idea merges a 'black box' performance space with an on-air studio as inspired by CBS Television City in Hollywood and, in an ironic twist, Radio One's old WOL 1450 AM studio at 4th and H Streets in Northeast D.C. Opening
react's studios to the public is seen as key to fulfilling a broadcaster's obligation to their community; a value abandoned long ago by many radio station owners and networks.
As the meetup drew to a close, the venture made significant progress toward its campaign's first stage goal of $50,000 before Spring 2011. Efforts are now focused on setting up the temporary remote studio in anticipation of starting broadcasts on WPWC 1480 AM in the next few weeks.
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