It’s been five years since WCOM went live at 103.5 LP FM. We began with a leaky roof and didn’t know how long we’d last. Folks who like to keep one station on the radio from Carrboro to Raleigh have had their frustrations. Get more than 10 miles from our tower and you are probably going to hear mainstream rock covering our signal. With this kind of local reach, some of you may be wondering why in the world 70 different volunteer DJs regularly pick up the mic and broadcast. The answer is simple: community empowerment, freedom of speech and a lot of fun!
When we heard that we would have to leave our first home on Greensboro Street – yes, behind the teller’s window of the old bank – we felt a sense of panic. Would the community support us? Would we be able to find another spot? Was anybody listening?
The answer has been a resounding YES. Over the web and over the radio, WCOM is part of Carrboro and Chapel Hill culture. It’s not just the 70 crazy DJs and volunteers; it’s the musicians, writers, health advisors, scientific researchers, green builders and teens who want us here. It’s the people at the Weaver Street summer concerts who see our broadcast table and those who hear the remote broadcasts from Shakori Hills who enjoy the power of a good old-fashioned radio broadcast.
That’s why every one of us at WCOM, and everyone who listens over the airwaves and over the Internet, and all our sponsors and “less than a latte†club contributors, are calling for a celebration as WCOM goes live again from a new home at 208 E. Main St., next to Cat’s Cradle, just behind Seagrove Pottery. Look for us at the lawn when the lawn concerts start this week. If you want to volunteer or start a show or just see how a radio DJ gets it out on the air, come by. Because WCOM is community radio – and that’s important!
TOFU DAVE BELLIN
WCOM DJ
Carrboro