Local radio station holds fundraiser
6/24/2016, 10:21 a.m.
Preston Brown is hoping that listeners will help him raise $25,000 for improvements to the WCLM-AM 1450 station he has owned since 1996.
Mr. Brown said the station, which features a combination of talk shows and music, needs to replace its antenna and other equipment to expand the broadcast area, now limited to portions of Richmond.
The 62-year-old businessman said he no longer can foot the bill after 20 years of station ownership.
“I’ve carried the station for years,” he said, noting it has never made money because it has not attracted enough advertising dollars.
He said he would keep the struggling station on the air if he cannot raise the money, but “it will remain limited.”
To help raise money, Mr. Brown is hosting a support program for the station 3 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at New Bridge Baptist Church, 5807 Nine Mile Road.
The program will include speeches from fans of the station, candidates for public office and musical performances from Big G, J-Unity, Sons of Praise, the Crusading Trumpeteers and the Golden Jubilees.
The program, which is to air on WCLM, is open to the public without charge, but a donation plate will be passed, Mr. Brown said.
Mr. Brown said he also set up a page for contributions at the fundraising site www.gofundme.com/wclmradio.
Details: www.wclmradioonline.com or (804) 231-7685.
