About WBAI - 99.5 FM In New York City

PacificaWBAI is listener-supported radio. As a member of the Pacifica chain of radio stations, it provides a vast array of original programming to listeners in the Metropolitan New York City region and worldwide on this site.

As a 501-3C not-for-profit organization, any donations to WBAI are tax deductible.

 

 

CABCPB Information Click either button to the left for detailed information on the governing and advisory boards of both Pacifica and WBAI, lists of all current members, station licensing and contact information.

 

Local Station Board


 

 

 

Employment

employment

Click the button to the left to explore employment opportunities at WBAI-FM and The Pacifica Foundation.

 

EEO Reports

2020 WBAI EEO File Report

 

FCC Reports

WBAI FCC Online Public File

 

Pacifica designated agent to receive notice of claimed infringements

For Infringment Claims, contact:

Otis Maclay
PO Box 234
Bertram, TX 78605

[email protected]
Put 'TAKEDOWN' in Subject Line of Email
We cannot process your request without contact information

 

History

The Pacifica Foundation was launched by pacifist Lew Hill in 1949 with the first ever listener-funded radio station - KPFA, Berkeley. The Pacifica Mission called for radio that would:

"foster understanding amongst nations and individuals, encourage creativity, and promote innovative, uncensored distribution of news."

WBAI began as WABF in 1941 and moved to 99.5 FM in 1948. The station took a respite from broadcasting in 1953, and came back on the air as part of World Broadcast Associates, Inc (WBAI) in 1955. On January 10, 1960, WBAI joined Pacifica when philanthropist Louis Schweitzer gave the station to the network. Pacifica now has 5 radio stations (the other four are in Berkeley, Los Angeles, Houston, and Washington, DC) and more than 50 affiliate stations across the U.S.

 

Programming

Headed by General Manager Berthold Reimers, the station continues that tradition by offering world-class radio in the following broad categories:

  • News
  • Public Affairs
  • Music
  • Arts
  • Health
  • Science + Ecology

"From a programming standpoint, WBAI is definitely not easy-listening. We all know what this means. We are charged with the responsibility to provide radio that informs, educates and entertains New York with a critical approach to politics, art, music, literature, health, and culture. We are not radio that is just on in the background. We require a commitment from our listeners; we actively challenge you, but we engage you. You are part of the process, the most important part of the broadcasting equation. "

WBAI provides a truly unique voice to New York City and its environs - and now, live online.

 

Membership

A station dedicated to and sponsored by its listeners, WBAI also offers exceptional participation in its governance, policies and directions through its Local Station Board and its Community Advisory board.

Any listener who donates $25 or more becomes a member of WBAI, eligible to vote in the Local Station Board elections. Members of the Local Station Board are also represented on the Pacifica Foundation Board.

 

Financials

The Pacifica Foundation is community-supported radio. As part of our requirements for certain grants and our commitment to transparency to our listeners and members, we post our financial information, from time-to-time for public viewing. The content of the items below change with each new audited financial statement and each new budget.

Check out the latest financial reports:

Pacifica Foundation - Income Statement For the Ten Months Ending July 31, 2016 (With FY2015 Figures) (PDF)
Pacifica Foundation Audited Financials FY 2010 and 2011 (PDF)
Pacifica Foundation Audited Financials FY 2015 (PDF)
Pacifica Foundation Audited Financials FY 2016 and 2017 (PDF)
Budget FY 2013 As Approved By NFC (PDF)

 

Pacifica Bylaws

PacificaThis document (PDF) contains the bylaws under which the Pacifica Foundation, the parent of WBAI, operates.

 

 

CAB Requirements

This document (PDF) explains the Communications ACT requirements for recipients of CPB funding. This includes LSB and CAB open meeting requirements, financial information which must be made available to the public, the role of community advisory boards, EEO regulations and reporting requirements and donor list and political activities.

 

WBAI.org Privacy Policy

Clck here to view our website privacy policy.