History
| WORT is a functioning, professional community station with radical roots. They attempt to nurture those ties while growing with the surrounding community. |
Founded under the auspices of community radio licensing in 1975. WORT, out of Madison, Wisconsin, has broadcast for over 25 years. WORT originally envisioned a loosely structured station where anyone could have a show, and there would be no staff or specific positions. Since then, WORT has evolved into a structured station yet one that still strives for diverse programming reflective of the local community of southwest Wisconsin. Like WISU, there is a lot of detail in how the station should be run, but they are not trying to emulate a commercial radio format. After 25 years the station is still listener sponsored and supported by listeners in the Madison area, as well as underwriters. However, WORT specifies that the station will not accept contributions from any organization or business that engages in unfair discriminatory practices. They can be heard on the internet at www.netphoria.com/wort/. Their email address is
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Organization
WORT could not operate without a lot of participation. Over 200 volunteers and staff oversee the operations of WORT. This includes five full time staff, four part time staff, people who sit on the Board of Directors, and other positions staffed by volunteers. The Board of Directors are elected at the annual meeting for three year positions by members. The Board is involved in budget matters, hiring and firing of paid staff, and station policy implementation. The Board also oversees other WORT committees. The Board is overseen by a Community Advisory Board, comprised of people who listen to WORT but are not involved in day to day operations of the station. This way, the CAB can advise the station from an outsider's perspective. Thus, WORT operates under a system of specific checks and balance. It is not exactly a hierarchy since the Board of Directors are overseen by the listeners themselves. Listeners themselves cannot vote in any elections, which is the privilege of staff, volunteers and Board members.
Unlike Human Rights Radio, WORT is licensed by the FCC and complies with federal radio guidelines. WORT boasts a variety of eclectic programs, but also expects its volunteers to adhere to the FCC mandates on obscenity and indecency. They are not renegade broadcasters like M'banna and company in Illinois. Although, they are committed to offering broad and diverse programs, like radical talk shows and underground, independent music shows. In short, WORT is a functioning, professional community station with radical roots. They attempt to nurture those ties while growing with the surrounding community. Committees are set up to take care of fundraising and WORT does regular outreach to the community requesting pledges. Volunteers are encouraged to make donations although they are not required to do so.
At WORT, volunteers host shows that reflect the diversity of the community. Programming is scheduled in blocks so that shows with more similarities are grouped together. This is a principal adapted from commercial programming, based on the idea that listeners like predictability. In this way, WORT structures their programming and slots. They do not limit what sorts of shows can go on the air, only when.
Address:
WORT 88.9 FM
118 S. Bedford St.
Madison, WI 53703
PHONE: 608-256-2001
Wrap Up
A station wishing to model itself after WORT would need a large operating budget, large stable number of volunteers, and community support. WORT today employs a level of stability and efficiency for which a new station might strive. This sort of structure takes time to evolve. WORT started as an organization that wanted to be consensus driven, with no staff or titles. Today they employ a hefty amount of structure, but manage to maintain their wild ambitions for down home community radio.
