WBCR-LP 97.7FM, Great Barrington Community Radio

WBCR Annual Meeting Minutes Sept. 14, 2008

Berkshire Community Radio Alliance
Minutes of the 2008 Annual Meeting
September 14, 2008 Quaker Meeting House ֖ Great Barrington, MA

Jan Seward, President of the Board of Directors, welcomed the group to the Annual Meeting.  She shared highlights of the year and thanked the Friends Meeting House for their gracious hospitality for the second year in a row.

  Submission for full power license
Օ  Won Davey award
  Increased programming base
Օ  Capital campaign has raised almost $30,000
  First business supporter campaign (about 25 new business supporters from community)
Օ  Recipients of a 3-year operation grant from Massachusetts Cultural Council
  Moved to new studio on Rosseter Sreet

Jan recognized several members for their contributions:  Board members (Phil Tierney, Nick Ring, Ben Shalles, Frank Tolopko, Judy Eddy and Paul Rapp). Also a few exemplary people (Phil Tierney for answering phone calls; for all he did for the move and his work resulted in a $10,000 donation). Also members Jim, Tim, Mike, Annie Shaw, Dan, (for work on music library); Karen and Larry Chernicoff for their graphics/publicity; Day Captains; Paul Rapp for his vision & enthusiasm/capital campaign; Ben for his work on the new studio (and his Board term expires today).  Jan announced that she will be stepping down as Board member and Chair.

Reports from Officers:
Frank Ֆ Board Secretary and 911 Report Show Role of Secretary is communication within the Board and to the membership and he is working with that goal in mind.

Reports from Committees

PROGRAMMING:  Ananda and (Deborah, Nick, Ben, Lucy and Dan); currently revising schedule for October ֖ January term; about 71 programs airing and looking to add 18 to fall schedule; generally lose a few shows each round in training process; about 62 programs (79 hours) are local and 9 are locally sponsored syndicated shows (about 10 hours weeky); about 90 programmers (some active; some fill in).  This is down from last year (88 and 100 hours of programming each week).  Recruiting from word of mouth and advertising has resulted in many more applications.  We need a strong PR committee to do that and Larry Chernicoff֒s work was especially helpful.  Youth programming continues to grow substantially. Continuing to work with Railroad Street Youth Project and looking to do more new non-English shows.

Past year policy changes:  Volunteer hours have shifted to reapplication schedule to be more in synch; also applications/reapplications can be submitted on website.  A major goal was to improve training and many programmers have stepped forward to help with this.  Group has expanded including orientation to new studio and Ananda thanked those who helped. Part of WBCR mission is to help get people on air and provide information about studio without being overwhelming.  They now have a quiz which is part of training to make sure people know policies and find out where to learn more.  The Committee reviewed and clarified anonymity policy; Revamped PSA blog to allow programmers to share information about what is going on the various shows; help programmers increase quality of own show production and carried out self-evaluation in the spring (and received positive feedback on that).  The goal is to be supportive.

Day-captains:  Ananda commended the day captains for the past year (Deborah, Paul, Todd, Ananda, Ben, Nick, Scott)  and announced the new Day Captain line up.  Contact information will be sent out. The Programming Committee will take more responsibility for oversight of day captains, communications and support.

New Directions: The programming committee plans to conduct a major policy review dealing with programmers missing shows.  They will distribute the draft policy for review before a decision is made.  Ananda read the draft policy.  The Committee is concerned about the relationship with listeners when there is disruption of regular schedule. 

She thanked those who helped with training and also programmer data-base (Mary Ellen Barrett (for all her help with paperwork/filing); Rich and team for programming schedule and Jeremy (for last term).

She noted that assistance is needed for posting programming minutes and other documents to the website.

This years goals include reviewing and consolidating policies; conducting an educational workshop on self-promotion/commercial speech policies. About 9-10 programmers will participate.  The Committee plans to produce a guide in November for programmer policies. They also noted that many programmer agreements are missing and they want to get that current. 

Technical manual:  Ben has a thorough but limited manual; other people at different times have posted things on the wiki which is accessible. 

Q: What would be the schedule capacity for programmers?  Ananda responded that there is open time from midnight to 6am and blocks of time every day which is currently covered by automation.  She also noted that a handful or programmers are doing bi-weekly shows.

Ananda reminded programmers to log volunteer hours if they havenҒt done so.

FACILITIES COMMITTEE:  Ben:  WBCR began construction in Granary space last fall and the move has been the work of the committee and the MOVE HAPPENED!  Station is not complete and committee will be working on finishing construction and maintaining physical organization.  There now is space for station to pursue its mission ֖ conference room; hang-out; reception area; cubbies; studio 2; physical library for music.  Priority is Studio 2 (should be up in next few weeks); then reception area; BoardsӔ to post messages and information.  Also, need to finish the hallway leading up to rest of building; then the conference room which will handle most meeting needs. Eventually kitchen will be completed.  He is committed to finishing station as funds allow. Ben thanked everyone for patience, understanding, good humor, help especially Steve (architect), Phil, Nick, Asa, Ananda ֖ for their support!  Signage is needed and will eventually be installed.

Cleaning:  Phil asked for help in cleaning (before, during or after show) and time could be logged as volunteer.  Ben wants to organize other tasks that can hopefully be handled by a single person (equipment, other things).  Music library (physical and digital) is part of Facilities Committee.  Jeannie is in charge currently with Dan White (music director). He hopes to organize music and cds so that the really neat stuff can be more accessible to others (maybe in Studio A).

TECH:  Nick Ring Last yearҒs priorities were to apply for full power and move the station.  The Committee submitted a budget outline to the Board (but spent none of the funds) because the move needed the organizations capital.  Other tech projects were put on hold during the year.  Money was spent on move infrastructure (not computers or mics).  There were no huge maintenance expenses this year.  The Committee was looking at aging equipment from last year (computers) and will be looking at purchases as feasible.  There are on-going issues w/ technology:  The telephone has been more finicky after move and working to improve stability; networking to rectify things that go wrong (1 computer is sidelined Җ digital library).  In the future they will work on networking infrastructure so that the computers and equipment are linked.  The station will need to purchase equipment for Studio 2 as well as computers. The Committee will focus on expanded capabilities of conference room.

Acknowledgements:  Christie (website!) and Asa; Asa and Ben on walking through all the requirements.

Q: What about Skype?  Skype is available on PC1 in Studio A.  Ananda reported that her experience in phone quality isnt good (phone to skype) Җ but skype to skype is good.

Trainers welcome.

Full Power:  Last year at the annual meeting the station was encouraged to move forward with an application for a full power license.  They contracted with a radio engineer for technical aspects of application and application was filed last October. Nick reported that 3 other organizations filed for same frequency in same area.  Now there is a process to award license.  FCC has preference points system and he believes that WBCR will be successful.  If so WBCR will receive a construction permit.  A decision may be made fairly soon.  If so, WBCR will have 3 years to get on the air.  There is lots to do technically and organizationally to make this work.  WBCR would have a different frequency and need a new antenna; Need to move transmitter to new location from Fairview and need to revise studio to transmitter link; Need new equipment; Filed for PTFP grant and would apply for that again (with accompanying guidelines/timing, etc.).  The station would go above 100 watts (filed for 550 watts) and transmission location at higher elevation increasing range which would go to NY state which would change audience makeup.  The call letters would change and rebranding would be needed.  Also the station cannot keep the low-power license and would have to make plans to transfer the license or let it go.
Q: Who were other organizations?  WFCR; Home Improvement Ministries and another small ministry in the area.

Documentation:  Training sessions go better with documentation.  There are some documents on hand.  Please let Nick know if you can help goal is to make documentation accessible.

FUNDRAISING: Judy Eddie ֖ She reported that WBCR lost $17,246 this year.  The station has about $2,000 and owes about $8,000.  Income for the year (annual meeting to annual meeting):  Revenues of $24,585 for capital campaign; $33,385 for fund drive; $2,850 listener support; grants $1,250 in grants; $1,111 in CD sales; event sponsorship - $600 + $568. 

Total revenue: $67,750
Expenses: $43,000 in construction plus $8,000 owed (materials costs were higher)
Rent: $18K (had to pay double rent for awhile)
Spent: $85K

Budget:  The budget will need to be set.  Committee heads will respond to email with their needs (workplan and costs).  Then their requests/needs will go through a Board process for review and approval.  Fiscal year is calendar year. 

Q: what are on-going costs of new space?  Old space was about $2K per month. The new costs are not quite established by significantly higher.

Need to look at grants (can only raise so much in community).

MEMBERSHIP:  Luci Leonard.  The Committee convened the first membership gathering in May and thanked Asa and Isu for their help.  The Committee plans to have another event at end of year.  The Membership Committee needs more members. The Committee meets on the third Thursday for 2 hours at the new studio.  A goal is to have office hours at the Studio. 
There will be an upcoming membership drive to acquire new members and retain old ones (live at the studio or tabling at the community).  This will start up in November:
Volunteers are needed for office hours and tabling.

She is exploring diversity training ֖ for programmers as well as to bring people together (and make this available in 2009).

Volunteer hours.  A new form will be available (what you did; when) for reapplications.  The goal is to make this better organized and are looking for a Volunteer Coordinator to help with this task. 

The Committee is looking for space for end of year gathering (potluck).
Ananda thanked Lucy and reminded the members that Lucy needs support.  Lucy noted that South Berkshires has a strong retirement community that may be able to be tapped for time & skills (teaching, etc.)

PR AND MARKETING: 

FUNDRAISING:  Paul Rapp shared that the station took a hit about a year agoӔ when several large donors stopped giving due to objections to a show.  The Programming Committee reviewed the show and determined that it wasnt so offensive and WBCR was committed to airing the show.  He reported that after the successful October fundraiser an anonymous listener donated $5K and then contributed another $10K.  This offset the loss of the 2 other contributors.  The station was unable to do a fundraiser last May but held a a fundraiser in June that went well and was fun (fell short of the budgeted $20K).  Now the station is a bit ғin the hole and awaiting the Mass Cultural Council grant information.  Paul is revising the MCC application for bank foundations in the area and is optimistic about funding.  The fall on-air fund drive will be held the 2nd week in October.  WBCR needs a full-time fundraising committee.  Please let Paul know if you are interested.  Costs have almost doubled with move!  Also need a PR department!  Some people donԒt know of WBCR.

Jeannie:  eventually live on-air broadcasts fundraising and parties

PR AND MARKETING:  Jan Seward stated that this Committee is not currently functioning.  This year the Board had 2 vacancies and this year it will have 3 vacancies.  The Board has been operating from a strong vision perspective ֖ not just populating the Board but with strategic plan in place can make good decisions about who should be invited to increase depth, breadth and talent. She wants to see on-going Board development and strategic planning.  This Board has been more of a working board and strategic thinking has taken a back seat this year.

The Members shared their appreciation for Jan and Bens service!

BOARD ELECTIONS:
Dave Barrett introduced himself.  He became familiar of station when he came back to area and hosted Saxophone power hour.  He loves the station and is a big supporter. His12-13 year old daughter started doing a show (Funky Cheeseshack) which he feels is a great opportunity.  He brings years of non-profit experience to the Board including fundraising, strategic planning and board development. 

Dave Barrett was elected to the Board of Directors. . 

PACIFICA:

Jan explained the voting process.  After the Annual meeting (discussion and vote), the Board Secretary will wait for the mailed absentee ballots. The votes will be tabulated only after receipt of the absentees ballots.  Over the weekend of Friday 9/19, the votes will be tabulated and the membership will be informed of the result at the beginning of the following week.  Decision will be made based on vote of membership.

The annual cost for affiliation is $240.

Nick Ring shared that this was intended to happen a long time ago Җ but didnt and now is being put forward to the membership for decision.

Pro Җ (Nick and Ananda) Programming Committee supports this for 2 reasons (Financial and increased capacity to serve members and programmers.)  She outlined the reasons seeking approval to join Pacifica
  Cost-effective to pay for Democracy Now (DN) and Free Speech Radio News (FSRN)
o   Currently pay for DN ($280/year)
o   FSRN: The station doesnՒt currently pay and broadcasts the show a day later (couldnt air show, in good conscience on the same day)
o   Crises at FSRN (they get funding from Pacifica which is being cut back) Җ collective of people around the world producing local news which becomes the edited newscast.  Not comfortable airing a day late and also feels that this isnt as ethical as the station should be, ғpirating something that shouldnt be piratedҔ. FSRN is a sister in mission. If we want to meet listeners needs, is this a good way to do it?  Can we consider affiliation in that sense.
  Can share programming nationally (a minor benefit not a primary purpose). The reality is that the stationՒs priority and philosophy of programming committee is to air locally produced shows.
o   Any programming of another affiliate station can be incorporated into a local program and what we do can be uploaded to other Pacifica members and WBCR would be recognized as a source
o   Also live coverage of congressional hearings and other events
֕  Provides access to legal services would help on the issues of free speech and community radio; also access to archives for programmers
֕  Good tool for programming committee to meet mission that reflect global community and other underrepresented voices in the world community
  How does that affect our independence and identity?  Ananda concluded that it is less us becoming part of Pacifica, but more becoming a member of an organization with services.  It doesnՒt preclude joining other organizations with other services. 
    She suggested if people are worried about doing this, could we consider doing this for 1 year and then evaluating?
Օ  Autonomy: Nick doesnt think this would affect our autonomy.  There are no governing documents or other governance that would be changed; no reporting required; not required to air anything; all decisions remain local Җ not subjecting to any outside authority.  If there is a perceptual issue, we can decide whether or not we share this.  There is no requirement to promote or not promote that affiliation.  He responded to the concern that it would cause people to be hesitant about putting forward programming not in keeping with Pacificas mission and noted that WBCR has never turned away any programming for ideology Җ and he doesnt see that changing in anyway.

CON (Chris and Asa (who helped draft statement) Җ
  This is a substantial identify issue and we wouldnՒt be discussing this at a membership meeting if it werent a significant issue.
ҕ  This makes WBCR less independent; it is an affiliation not subscription for services.  Pacifica is clear about this ֖ WBCR would be an ally of Pacifica.
  They are global organization and this would make us less local
Օ  Impact our neutrality (Pacifica has clear point of view).  They are overtly LIKE MINDED IN SHARING VALUESӔ.  They have a have point of view and certain values and an expectation that we share those values
  We would lose our neutrality.  He shared the example of a program that had significant complaints but WBCR maintained content neutrality even at financial sacrifice Ֆ and that has been guarded very closely
  Currently no desire to change programming Ֆ but this lowers bar and it would be easy for a different programming committee to fill empty slots with this content (paid for and affiliate)  easier to take on additional content (may be good or bad)
֕  Who we are where we have been

Q:  Can you provide examples of how stations have lost identity because of affiliation? (Chris wasn֒t sure)
Q:  Is War News Radio part of it?  No probably being pirated right now.
Q:  Is programming automatically available?  Who will choose?  Creator would decide
Q: what is arrangement with DN?  Alice:  It was 1 year free and then WBCR pays directly to DN; with the agreement it would pay to Pacifica
Q: What is cost of FSRN if purchased?  Nick ֖ formed in 2000 and distribute through Pacifica and subscribe through Pacifica
Q: What are the values?  Alice: Truth about what is going onӔ; When WBCR was jumpstarted it happened with Amy Goodman and her fundraiser and existence of WBCR is due to part to airing of other political news. She doesn֒t like the idea that we are pirating programs that we should be paying for;
Q: Jeannie Programming ֖ what would be effect (content neutrality)?
Ananda: station policy is that there has to be someone local who sponsors a show and makes that request and reapplication.  Any show syndicated or non-syndicated ֖ needs continued involvement.  This would not change.  Programming committee would not fill out schedule as they are not allowed to.  One time programming is slightly different and the programming committee can do that occasionally. 
Content neutrality: The programming Committee evaluates applications based on 11 different aspects of mission (helps when people are competing for same time slot)  but does not act as an editorial board (not determining interests of listeners or accuracy of content)
Stephanie: Good arguments for both ֖ especially preserving local identity seems precious (maybe anonymous person did that because we are unique); however if we go to global format, people could hear from around the world.  The Pacfica website is wildly not neutral.
Q:  Is Chris opposed to trying it and agreeing not to air any other programs from them except the ones we already have?  Would you be opposed to that? 
Chris responded that he is presenting a point of view not negotiating among members. He believes this lowers the bar significantly we should decide!

Unidentified member:  This is a charged issue ֖ not sure he agrees that we should pay for programs even DN. Would prefer to have high school kids go on-line and give news.  If Pacifica is funding creation of content, can he choose to give it to Pacifica instead of giving to WBCR?
Nick:  Most stations that put up content (affiliated) ֖ this is free to other stations.  Some of those stations pay staff.  For example, FSRN pays $180 per report so if you produce a report you would be paid $180.

The ethics and legality of broadcasting material from FSRN was discussed. It is available for free on website the day after.  We take it from their website and that is common.

Frank: We pay for DN because people want it and that was basis for their support. We are sensitive to listening public and membership (e.g. when we changed schedule for DN there was an uproar and WBCR responded).  Within 6 months to 1 year if not working out, the Board would be responsive to that!

Dan:  We could put this back on the agenda for next year

Ananda said that she didn֒t join the organization as a programmer.  She feels that this is an important part of the mission - getting people to produce media, and as an organization we do that part well.  The mission is not only getting people on the air but also serve community

Steve: What is neutral?  Not shying away from controversy ֖ neutral shouldnt be used against someone trying to ғtell the truth. 

Jeremy:  This affiliation offers specific tangible benefits to WBCR.  The arguments of those opposed are vague and ideological in his view.  ԓpeople want to protect their baby:.  There is a difference between local and provincial; independent and insular.  He believes it is positive to allow programming to reach others;

Unidentified member: How would autonomy be affected?  People know what Pacific represents (this is a specific political point of view)

Per Chris, Jeremys comments are accurate; his perspective is ideological and he does not want to affiliate with any large media organization.

Unidentified member: What could be the impact on the on local programming?

Chris: Could this become a larger footprint in schedule?  Hard to find other points of view?  Would a conservative viewpoint want to participate? Issues of affiliations tend to map and you donҒt always know where.

Alice:  Mission of WBCR is diversity if someone wants to sponsor a show this would address diversity and, in turn, and maybe someone from that community would come forward and produce own show.  We wouldn֒t put syndicated show over local voices.  Lots of diversity.

Unidentified member: It is a non-exclusive agreement

Jan thanks everyone sharing their opinions. Voting proceeded by secret ballot

Motion to adjourn ֖ (Alan/2nd Jeanie) VOTED unanimously.

→ Posted by wtolopf on 01/04/2009 at 01:26 PM. Filed under "minutes".