History
As a result of a long series of regulatory snafus and lack of interest in solving problems on part of commissioners, it was virtually impossible to obtain a non-commercial license from the 1980s until 2000. In 1986, the FCC only granted commercial licenses. For that, one needs thousands of dollars. Micropower radio as it is known today was not an option. That all changed with the formation of the John Hay Homes Tenants Rights Association (TRA) in Springfield, Illinois. They are a group that voiced the concerns of low income tenants. Although they successfully campaigned for several issues in Springfield, they found that the TRA was often inaccurately represented in the media. In order to better disseminate the news to its own constituency, the group hit upon the idea of starting a community radio station.
| Despite numerous threats from local and federal authorities, M'banna continues to defy FCC mandates and flagrantly broadcasts Human Rights Radio 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
Broadcasting with a one watt transmitter, the station's signal could ideally reach everyone in the John Hay housing project (and only in the John Hay housing project). Because of the highly segregated housing situation in Springfield, 80% of African Americans in the city could hear the signal on their radios. This is community radio in the truest sense. Even though the signal was not that strong, it reached just the people for whom it was intended. One place they can be heard on the internet is, radio.about.com/library/mp3feature/blmp3mbanna3.htm? terms.
Organization
M'banna Kantako has provided the space for WTRA, now Human Rights Radio, since its inception in 1986. The station has since separated ties with the Tenants Rights Association. Many see him as the founder of the modern Low Power FM movement. Despite numerous threats from local and federal authorities, M'banna continues to defy FCC mandates and flagrantly broadcasts Human Rights Radio 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He still broadcasts from his home to this day. Despite numerous demands from the FCC for him to cease, he proudly claims that he will never seek legal recognition from the government. M'banna maintains the station with the help of his community and his family, but the station is essentially autonomous. M'banna and his family essentially control every aspect of the station, although locals occasionally make appearances at the station. M'banna is considered the father of microradio, but he gets ample help from his wife, Dia and their two children.
Employing no real structure or hierarchy, this station is not comprised of boards, outreach and fundraising. Human Rights Radio makes its decisions without advisory councils and officially structured feedback. The community produces all of the media. Since no fundraising or publicity arm exists, M'banna and the other participants can devote all their energy to the station's production. With low-tech facilities, the station does not require a full time engineer. WTRA mainly relies on donated labor from other pirates/lpfm for the station's technical upkeep. Any number of people could keep this station running. The upkeep is minimal and mainly related to on air production.
Wrap Up
There is no staff. One person drives the station. They depend on the community for input and programming. There are no consistent funding sources. The station depends on donation from outside. There is no underwriting. It is a low tech station, so it's not too difficult to upkeep. This model is ideal for someone who wants to run a one-person operation or cannot stomach working with others.
