By By Talia Lissauer,The Berkshire Eagle
Copyright berkshireeagle
GREAT BARRINGTON — With big storefront windows and the sounds of local DJs drifting onto Main Street from its newly renovated headquarters, WBCR-LP is celebrating two decades on the air.
The all-volunteer, commercial-free radio station first went on the air in 2005 and has survived on memberships and donations instead of sponsors and advertisements. WBCR-LP, which broadcasts on 97.7 FM, is known for its diverse programs and for teaching the public to broadcast their own shows and run the equipment simultaneously.
“We’ve done it for 20 years, and we want to do it for a lot more,” Graham Dean, vice president of the board of directors, said. “I think what we have here is really valuable because so much of this type of entertainment is corporate and we’re anything but that.”
The station moved to the 320 Main St. location in early 2020 and was temporarily in a space upstairs as the building was being renovated. The renovated space features big storefront windows, hardwood floors and room for a live band.
Dean said he has big hopes for how the currently “blank canvas” space will look once the studio is fully set up. To start, he wants a big curtain to separate the not-as-flashy equipment and to help deaden the sound.
Being on Main Street means that during a live show, programmers can see people passing by — some of whom stop to listen a bit when the outdoor speakers are on, or they just smile and wave.
“It’s that interaction with the community that means a lot,” Dean said. “By being here, we’re at the heart of the community, which I think is something that I value and that’s important.”
The station does not have a particular format but tends to have a lot of music, with various shows catering to different tastes. During Dean’s show he plays folk music from CDs. Another program is a business show that encourages listener call-ins, and a third plays only vinyl.
The point, Dean said, is that any community member can pitch a show and, if approved, experienced programmers will teach them everything they need to know to put on a good show.
Staying on the air for 20 years is all thanks to the community, Dean said, because they are the ones who step up to help fund the studio and new equipment, and also the ones who tune in. Community members recently stepped up when they raised about $10,000 for a new soundboard.
“I’m very proud that we have been able to be an active part of the community for that long,” Dean said. “I actually think it’s an achievement that we’ve been here for that long.”
If you go …
What: Berkshire Radio Community Alliance will host an open house with live music, refreshments and opportunities to meet the DJs.
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday
Where: 320 Main St., Great Barrington
To listen: Tune in at 97.7 FM or www.berkshireradio.org.
