Ballard organization hosts fundraiser to create new community radio station

Fulcrum Community Communications is hosting a fundraiser at Toast Ballard (5615 24th Ave NW) this Saturday, November 23 from 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The grass-roots organization is applying for a low-power FM radio license to create a commercial-free, educational radio station that will serve Northwest Seattle.

Fulcrum Community Communications is comprised of a group of volunteer radio enthusiasts who want to bring a voice to our neighborhood and the Northwest Seattle area through community radio. The folks are currently in the process of applying for a frequency from the FCC and need your help to get the radio station up and running.

“Our station’s mission is to educate our community about the rich cultural heritage and the new and emerging cultural opportunities within the northwest Seattle neighborhoods we’ll directly serve,” writes Fulcrum on their website. They are currently partering with numerous local non-profits, neighborhood associations, schools and youth organizations, and businesses in order “to develop programming that reflects, supports, and serves as a “fulcrum”, or crossroads for our community.”

In terms of what Fulcrum are looking to do in our community they write on their website that they envision:

• A low-power FM radio station for the Ballard, Fremont, Greenwood, Phinney and north Queen Anne/Magnolia communities, broadcasting with 100 watts or less and streaming online.
• A non-profit community radio station with mostly local programming, some non-English programming, some talk, some news, and an eclectic blend of local, live performance, youth, and traditional music.
• Providing a platform for youth and under-served to learn and practice journalism and broadcasting skills.
• Interfacing with other community journalism efforts, like myballard.com and covering local events such as high school sports and neighborhood festivals.
• A forum for local educational, environmental, social, business, and political concerns and discussion.

The Fulcrum team have been working hard since September to put together the foundations of the organization to get the radio station up and running. They even have a tentative broadcast schedule on their website for perusal. Many locals have volunteered their time so far and there are many opportunities for more community members to get involved in the project.

The fundraiser this weekend is one way that the local community can support the project. The event is set to feature some great local talent including Jori Chisholm and Friends, Comedysportz, Na Hilhila Boys and The Spoken Word Troupe just to name a few.

All are welcome to the all-ages event and a $5 entry donation is encouraged.

Head down to Toast Ballard and support this fantastic community project because, as Fulcrum puts it on their website, “a community radio station can’t run without support from the community.”