New Orleans radio station working to stay alive post federal cuts

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Public broadcasters are seeking new avenues to sustain their stations following cuts to NPR and PBS.

“It wasn’t the news that we wanted, but when we found out, we just had to redouble our efforts and figure out. Okay, what are we going to do to make up this $400,000 in funding? And that’s really what our focus is,” said General Manager Beth Arroyo Utterback.

When you first visit WWOZ, the first thing you see is a notice about Congress slashing federal funding.

The public radio station has been a part of New Orleans’ history for over 45 years, yet Utterback emphasizes that it touches more than just the city.

“Not only from every single state, but also New Zealand, Japan, England, Canada, Australia, Germany, Guam the list goes on,” Utterback said.

Recently, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced it is shutting down operations after Congress voted to cut $1.1 billion in funding, which provides support to NPR and PBS.

Since the news broke, Utterback says listeners known as “Guardian Angels of the Groove” have stepped up with donations to help the station survive.

Filled with emotion, she says it shows how important public radio is to so many people across the world.

“We are like the keepers in the archive of New Orleans music and culture, history and the future for future musicians as well, not only for the New Orleans community, but all around the world,” said Utterback.

She adds that WWOZ is a launching pad for countless artists who got their start on the airwaves.

“So many people got their start being heard on WWOZ. The first Trombone Shorty record got played on WWOZ. The very first Tank and the Bangas record got played on WWOZ. River Eckerd, who is going to be a huge star,” said Utterback.

As they work to close a $400,000 funding gap, WWOZ has a clear message for its supporters.

“We’re going to keep the guardian angels of the groove program going. Wwoz isn’t going anywhere. And we’re not only going to continue to guard the groove, but we’re going to grow the groove. And, you know, we’re going to just keep doing what we do and we’re going to keep on keeping on,” said Utterback.

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