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After several weeks we have managed to raise $100,000 of our $250,000 goal to stay on the air. We are very grateful for the $6,500 sustaining contribution from 32 BJ SEIU, the nation's largest building service workers union, and $2,500 from NJ HPAE, New Jersey's largest nurses union.
Another donor has stepped up and given $12,500 toward our rent at 388 Atlantic Ave. Yet our midtown tower transmitter back rent is over $110,000. Last year, thanks to a bequest, we were able to pay off an even larger multi-month balance.
We've seen an uptick in WBAI Buddies, our monthly sustaining support program where listeners pledge a fixed monthly amount, which provides about $25,000 a month in recurring revenue. To survive, we need three times that number, and for current Buddies to consider raising their monthly contribution.
WBAI and Pacifica have earned the support of unions representing close to three million households reflecting close to $300,000 in support, but with a payroll of roughly $50,000 a month, and the monthly tower rent of over $16,000, we still need your support.
We have stepped up our commitment to public affairs doing things like bringing you gavel-to-gavel coverage of the New York City Council debate on the City of Yes plan to update the city's zoning regulations. When our listeners decide to take to the streets we make sure we are there to document them making history.
When members of our community are taken away and shipped far away over immigration issues, we follow the case and show up in court to hold the system accountable.
Over the last 72 hours, WBAI's paid staff and volunteer producers executed two very ambitious productions to lift up the April 5th national Hands Off protest of the Trump/Musk junta.
As our News Director Rebecca Myles wrote over the weekend, WBAI produced four hours of LIVE rolling coverage of protests in NYC, DC, and several other locations on April 5th.
Over the weekend and into Monday, the We Decide: America at the Crossroads team worked with Lisa Loving, Ursula Ruedenberg, and Stephanie Schubert with the Pacifica affiliates to produce two hours of LIVE radio that included reports from 20 affiliates on how their communities mobilized April 5th.
You may not be able to attend court hearings or turn out for every protest, but with your donation you can help sustain and amplify those who do.
Greater challenges lie ahead. Please consider helping us meet them.
Bob Hennelly
Interim GM
WBAI
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