We have a historic opportunity to put the voices of Frogtown, the most racially diverse neighborhood in St. Paul, on the air. But we need your help.
WFNU Frogtown Community Radio is the product of almost four years of organizing (with support from many MAG-Net members!) around the idea that community-owned media can be a powerful tool to unite and empower the Frogtown community. In December of 2014, Frogtown Neighborhood Association and Center for Hmong Arts and Talent were jointly granted a permit from the FCC to build a community low power FM (LPFM) radio station and broadcast on 94.1 FM. We have until June 2016 to begin broadcasting.
We launched a month-long crowdfunding campaign in the beginning of November to raise money for our antenna equipment costs. With an outpouring of support from the community, we were able to meet and exceed our goal of $7,000 in just three weeks. With 9 days left in our fundraising campaign, we are now are trying to raise a total of $9,000. Additional funds raised will all go to the construction of our antenna and on-air studio.
Over the last week, we have been reminded of the importance of community media centers in the Twin Cities. Following the shooting of Jamar Clark by Minneapolis police, we have seen racism and misinformation disseminated by the mainstream media. Now is the time for community members to come together to reclaim the narrative of our own neighbors.
Community radio matters to the Frogtown community because it unites us as one. It shows that we, as a station, truly care and can build everlasting relationships and have a strong foundation and connect with everyone–not only through our music, but through our voices, as well. Also, by making sure the community has a voice, it can help lift up the people and make them want to make a difference to better the world around them.
By donating during our crowdfunding campaign, you are investing in putting the voices of this diverse neighborhood on the air. One of the reasons that community radio is so powerful is that it is driven by the time, energy, ideas, and contributions of many people. This is why we are asking the Frogtown community and the greater media justice community to help us raise our antenna.
For more information about Frogtown Community Radio, please visit www.wfnu.org. For information about contributing to our campaign, please visit www.tinyurl.com/frogtownradio. Every dollar helps amplify the voices of our community. ”
