A Case for Community Radio:
WWOZ, New Orleans

With its mission to celebrate the cultural diversity of New Orleans, WWOZ is an example of a station whose role is integral to the community it serves.

Over 40 dedicated volunteers create programs expressing their well-informed passion for blues, zydeco, gospel, Irish, Brazilian, Cajun, African, Latin American, Caribbean, bluegrass, brass band, reggae and other various musical styles which derive from the confluence of African, Latin, European and American cultures in this unique port city.

As such, it is impossible to imagine that the station’s program service could be duplicated anywhere else, which may be the ultimate measure of its localism.

More than just a reflection of the community, WWOZ is deeply involved in the culture: Preserving the traditions of New Orleans, while supporting its rich and complex living heritage through the active promotion of current musical activities.

WWOZ still honors the tradition of local radio stations providing exposure to local musicians. Every other hour, the station airs a comprehensive musical event calendar. WWOZ averages three-to-four interviews with musicians daily, and airs four-to-six live musical events per month from remote performance venues, including parks, museums, churches, festival sites and many of the city’s famous music clubs.

During the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, ‘OZ broadcasts live performances from any of six stages, and then heads to the clubs from sunset to sunrise for additional live music pickups.

Past production projects have included special programs on Earl King, Irma Thomas, James Booker and two Mardi Gras packages, one hosted by Dr. John, the other awarded a Golden Reel for its portrayal of the city’s musical lifestyle. Presently under production is a 13-part series, "Night Train to New Orleans," tracking the history of New Orleans rhythm and blues through first-hand accounts of independent record producers.

WWOZ has created high-school, street academy, music and college class outreach activities to provide the next generation with an appreciation of the city’s heritage. It has also helped improve their technical skills and professional contacts – both essential to cultural continuity and renewal.

An innovative minimal-cost health care clinic for New Orleans musicians could not succeed without WWOZ, according to the program’s administrators.

Far beyond its mission, this community-licensed station is an essential component of the Crescent City's cultural eco-system. To quote pianist Eddie Bo: "WWOZ is the only station in New Orleans that takes care of its own."

– David Freedman
Station Manager, WWOZ  New Orleans
AUDIENCE 98 Associate

 

Audience Research Analysis
Copyright © ARA and CPB.  All rights reserved.
Revised: September 01, 2000 12:38 PM.