What is Forward Radio?

Forward Radio (WFMP) is a non-commercial community radio station that showcases innovative programming, plays local music, and broadcasts programming produced by our listeners.  WFMP works to support the voices of groups and individuals in our community routinely ignored by the mainstream media, as well as a diversity of arts and culture programming.  Our station will be built by and for the people who live and work in the city, people who love the city of Louisville, and people who love the idea of community-produced radio wherever they may be listening.  Our main studio is located in at 809 South Fourth Street, but we  also have mobile studios located throughout the city, broadcasting live from festivals and events.

With the community's support, Forward Radio will launch our broadcast service 106.5 FM in Spring of 2016.  We expect WFMP to become an outlet for local non-profits, faith organizations, musicians, community activists and educators to share their thoughts and ideas across our city and around the world. But we need your support to build it.

Louisville Community Radio

WFMP will serve as a platform for education and outreach.  WFMP will be an invaluable tool for neighborhoods to amplify their voices and connect with other areas of the city, thus having an impact on economic development, public safety, creative expression, and information sharing.  We will work with many of the non-profits in Louisville to present their ideas and agendas.  We will engage with local students, giving them opportunities learn about, share, and create programming. We collaborate

Part of WFMP’s mission will be to produce and nurture live talk and documentary programming with a wide range of partners and programmers.  We also plan on developing storytelling shows, comedy programs, activist and creator spotlights, social justice programming, and political commentary on local issues.  One of our flagship shows, 2 Angry Buds, has been has been providing much needed witty political commentary since March 2013.

What is Low Power FM(LPFM)

In late 2013, the Federal Communications Commission opened the application process for hundreds of low-power FM radio frequencies across the United States.  This offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shift our media landscape on both local and national levels.  With minimal operating costs and neighborhood-produced and oriented broadcast ranges, LPFMs can quickly become local cultural hubs on multiple platforms, provide hands-on media training for the community, and help reinforce the fact that the airwaves are owned by the American people and designed to serve the public good.

With the backing of our sponsoring organization, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Louisville Chapter, Forward Radio filed an application with the FCC in November 2013 and was granted a construction permit on October 16, 2014.  Since then, we have been building WFMP, a community radio station at 106.5 FM that Louisvillians will be proud to call their own! 

As soon as we received notice from the FCC, we began fundraising in earnest.  To date, we have raised $7,000, but will need to raise another $8,000 to purchase a new transmitter and EAS encoder, as well as other hardware, software, and office supplies.  We also need to raise funds to pay the rent for our antenna location, which will be atop the Heyburn Building in downtown Louisville.  As one of the tallest buildings in this area, this should help us achieve the greatest listening range at our low wattage.  The majority of our costs will be incurred only one time and up front.  Once our station is on the air, we expect the ongoing business costs to be supported by the community through underwriting, memberships and various fundraising events.

Educational Opportunities Offered by WFMP

Community members will learn how to be a radio show host and create their own unique programs on a variety of topics.  Community members will be able to learn all about the equipment that makes a radio station buzz.  Whether it’s a music show, a talk show, a sports show, or commentary, the station will offer opportunities for those who want to become part of the action. We also collaborate to facilitate education out in Louisville's neighborhoods.

Risks and Challenges

Building a new radio station from the ground up, relying solely on volunteers and the community, is no easy task.  We have already been granted our construction permit from the FCC to broadcast on the FM dial, but now we need your help to put together a radio station and get on the air!

As already mentioned, we have already raised enough funds to purchase some very necessary studio equipment.  We have also received donations of used equipment from friends in the radio business who want to see our project succeed!  We plan to use funds from this Indiegogo campaign to purchase an antenna, transmitter, and EAS decoder that we simply can’t create for ourselves out of donated parts. 

WFMP must go on the air by April 16, 2016, or the FCC will take our permit/license and hand it over to some corporate media vulture who is waiting patiently for that moment.  Instead of letting that happen, we hope you will make a donation today to help us get our station on the air.  And, of course, your donation will be completely tax deductible when tax time rolls around in April 2016! 

Who Are We?

WFMP/FORward Radio is a media project of the Fellowship of Reconciliation-Louisville Chapter.  FOR-USA is a non-profit group founded after World War I and dedicated to peace and justice issues.  FORward Radio will also be dedicated to peace, social justice, activism, and all associated issues, while maintaining programming that the local community creates for us and wants to hear.

Upon request, donors above the $250 level can request and receive a letter from LFOR stipulating that they have made a tax-deductible donation to the organization.