WBAI 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.
CPB 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.
Employment
Click the button to the left to explore employment opportunities at WBAI-FM and The Pacifica Foundation.
EEO Reports
2024 WBAI EEO File Report
FCC Reports
WBAI FCC Online Public File
Pacifica designated agent to receive notice of claimed infringements
For DMCA Infringment Claims, contact:
Otis Maclay
3729 Cahuenga Blvd West
Studio City, CA 91604
DMCATakedown@pacifica.org
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
WBAI 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.
Click here to become a member.
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 Bylaws
This link 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.
Disclosures
WBAI is committed to transparency in every aspect of funding our organization.
Accepting financial support does not mean we endorse donors or their products, services or opinions.
We accept gifts, grants and sponsorships from individuals, organizations and foundations to help with our general operations, coverage of specific topics and special projects. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates as a public trust, we do not pay certain taxes. We may receive funds from standard government programs offered to nonprofits or similar businesses.
Our news judgments are made independently – not based on or influenced by donors or any revenue source. We do not give supporters the rights to assign, review or edit content.
We make public all revenue sources and donors who give $5,000 or more per year. As a news nonprofit, we avoid accepting charitable donations from anonymous sources, government entities, political parties, elected officials or candidates seeking public office. We will not accept donations from sources who, deemed by our board of directors, present a conflict of interest with our work or compromise our independence.
WBAI.org Privacy Policy
Clck here to view our website privacy policy.