Since its inception in 2005, WRIR-LP 97.3FM has been committed to platforming underrepresented voices in the City of Richmond and around the world.
We celebrated 20 years on the air on January 1, 2025. We've served our community well in that time, but we know we must improve and grow. It’s time to face the future and make big, gutsy moves.
WRIR has called 1621 W Broad Street their home from it’s beginning, coming up from the basement as a true underground radio station, and eventually moving to the space above the Camel. This building has served us well over the years, but to better meet the needs of volunteers and community members, we are embarking on a bold effort to transform how Richmonder’s interact with their local radio station.
OUR GOAL: To build an accessible-to-all community radio station for the people, by the people and launch an endowment to help fund new programming, increase volunteer satisfaction and expand the ways we serve our community!
HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO THIS? TOGETHER!
The Road to the New WRIR Starts Here!
Whether you’ve been a supporter since Day 1 or you’ve just discovered us, you can hear from our 30+ Talk programs (half of which are local) and 80+ locally hosted music shows covering every genre imaginable, that WRIR is dedicated to boosting the signal of underrepresented voices in news, views, arts and culture in Richmond, VA all day, every day. 97.3FM has been a key part of the Richmond community for 20 years, offering a space for creatives to share new ideas, content and music with local and global listeners. Besides broadcasting diverse shows by local hosts and DJs, WRIR conducts training workshops for radio skills and organizes events with community partners and live music performances both in-studio and out in the wild.
Take the Journey with Us
Virginia Center for Public Press, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit parent organization of WRIR-LP, is excited for the opportunity to take a fresh approach on volunteering and community service, developing and learning new ways to better support our participants and neighbors as the radio station celebrates two decades of broadcasting in Richmond. But before we can pat ourselves on the back, we must build -- together!
In 2022, while the world was just beginning to deal with our new pandemic era reality, we decided that to be a truly free and independent media source, we must own our own home. That home must also be accessible to all, regardless of physical ability, and a trustworthy place for everyone who supports our mission to gather and share their own unique experiences with one another.
That home is 1806 E Main Street in the heart of the historically and culturally significant neighborhood of Shockoe Bottom.
How are we getting there?
WITH YOUR HELP! WRIR is launching a bold and fun capital campaign with accessible goals for all levels and types of giving, so that everyone can experience the joy of building a home for the next generation of indie radio torch bearers, preserving free speech in your own backyard.
We launched a $2,000,000 campaign — Yes. You read that correctly. TWO MILLION DOLLARS!
We know. Crazy! In this economy?
Hear us out.
That $2M will make it possible for WRIR to fully renovate the new space in Shockoe Bottom:
-Installation of an elevator, amongst other accessibility features, for easy access to community spaces.
-Replacement of aging and non-repairable equipment, like all new field recorders
for budding journalists and CDJs so DJs can start the party anywhere. Oh, and new digital broadcast desks. No big deal.
-Installation of individually controlled HVAC systems and modern acoustic treatments
in each studio for comfort and sound control.
-Launch of a branding campaign, complete with a shiny new website! Check out WRIR’s current site and you’ll agree, it’s time for a refresh!
-New programming and educational initiatives aimed at training folks from all walks of life in the art and science of radio and the joys of free speech.
-Strengthening community partnerships through collaborative events and special projects showcasing local talent.
-Moving sensitive essential electronics, safely and professionally.
Really, why though? Why are we undertaking such a risky project for such a little nonprofit?
Because now is the time. WRIR-LP 97.3FM is Richmond’s independent radio station, built by Richmonders, for Richmonders, whether you are from here or come here. Increasing access to trustworthy free speech platforms for everyone, especially vulnerable communities, is how we fight back against those who would suppress us. Knowledge, as they say, is power. Expanding opportunities for education and engagement with Richmonders where they live, work and play is a no-brainer. WRIR volunteers are scrappy. Mission is everything. We walk it like we talk it. To be THE community radio station that this city deserves, we must start fresh, and we must do it TOGETHER! Our team believes in ourselves and we believe in YOU!
VCPP/WRIR has been renting in the building at 1621 W Broad Street, upstairs from our friends at The Camel for nearly two decades. Over time, our volunteer family of 150+ Richmonders has outgrown it, both physically and philosophically. While our Broad Street home has served us well, it does not serve everyone in an equitable manner. Did you know that 12% of Virginians have a mobility disability? Richmond’s population reflects that number.
WRIR’s current space has many challenges including steep, narrow stairs, poor flow between spaces and aging equipment, which hinder us from sharing important local stories from underserved communities. To fulfill our mission as your community radio station, we need an accessible building, owned by Richmond residents, with a more user friendly floor plan and technology.
This is why VCPP purchased 1806 E Main Street in historic Shockoe Bottom, where big things are happening every day. We want to be where there’s a need for change and action behind that need. We are asking you to contribute a little (or, frankly, A LOT) more than your usual biannual fund drive gifts to help us create a home that celebrates all the unique aspects of Richmond and to ensure that space flourishes for those that come after us.
What is the need?
Building – With the desire to be welcoming to all, WRIR is moving into a new building to allow for an ADA-accessible space. $900,935 for the complete buildout of WRIR’s new home to include an elevator, security upgrades, parking, 2 fully accessible bathrooms, live video capability, outside speakers to broadcast to the public, a community space, a live performance room for local bands, an acoustically sound talk studio, and so much more!
$430,000 to fund the mortgage
$105,000+ to purchase the empty lot next to the building
Equipment – Upgraded equipment will not only improve the quality of WRIR’s sound and programming, but will also provide a better quality experience for volunteers and guests.
$50,000 to move the station into new building
$25,000 for furnishings and extras
$36,500 for new equipment (CDJs, turntables, iMacs, software, mic arms, headphones, etc)
Marketing – WRIR would love to enhance its current marketing with a new brand and updated website.
$10,000 for a website buildout
$10,000 in capital campaign and rebranded promotional materials
$5,000 for graphic design / social media updates
$5,000 to promote WRIR events, programming
Events and Collaborations – this is how we keep the community engaged with us. We will be able to strengthen our volunteer base and nonprofit partnerships.
$25,000 quarterly educational workshops
$25,000 quarterly community events
$25,000 anniversary, fund drive and volunteer appreciation celebrations
Operations – WRIR runs efficiently, but on a shoestring, with an operating budget of $90k/year. With additional funds, the station would have much more flexibility and freedom for day-to-day operations and skilled training for volunteers.
$150,000 for a year’s worth of operating expenses
$150,000 just in case. We’d rather be safe than sorry should disaster strike!
