TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – A local radio station has provided a platform for the community for the last few years. But without more support, it may soon be radio silence for WAKT 106.1 FM. Community is the keyword when it comes to the station.
It offers all kinds of opportunities for people to share their music, their ideas and their expertise. That could all come to an end by the end of the year.
WAKT is a low-power, nonprofit, community radio station, funded by private donations and grants. The message behind it is simple.
“Our goal is to amplify local, diverse voices that you won’t hear anywhere else on radio,” Nathan Staples, the director of development at the station, said.
Staples has been with the station since last year.
“We have so many types of shows on the air, from self-care to wrestling, local waterways to plenty of local music. Each person who hosts a show cares deeply about what they’re talking about,” Staples said.
The station’s home base and transmission tower are in the parking lot of the SeaGate Food Bank, with a reach of about five miles in any direction.
“Whenever you tune in, you never know exactly what you’ll get, but there is so much variety. And the thing is, it is all right here. Anything you’re hearing is specifically meant for this community,” Staples said.
All the hosts are volunteers. Staples is one of only two employees; each works less than 10 hours a week.
“We’ve been doing as much as we can with the little bit of money we have over the years. To keep the doors open, we need the support of the community,” Staples said.
Without more community support, the station will be off the air.
“Losing the station would be a huge blow to the community,” Staples said.
Staples said it’s important to know that you don’t have to give a lot to make a difference. In fact, he says there are things you can do that won’t cost you a penny.
“You can listen to the station, you can tell people about us on social media. There are a number of ways to help that won’t cost you a dime,” Staples said.
Staples said that while the focus of the station is Toledo, it’s an important part of the American landscape that we can’t afford to lose.
“I am passionate about the station and I think once it’s gone, it is not coming back. We’re not looking for a lot, we’re looking for everybody to do a little bit,” Staples said.
Staples said leaders will likely decide the fate of the community station in a matter of months. Staples comes by his love of radio honestly. His dad was local radio royalty, Dennis Staples of Kelly and Staples.
There are a lot of ways you can get involved with helping WAKT stay on the air. To learn more about the station, click here.
If you would like to donate to WAKT, click here.
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