Watch / Listen!
Chapters
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:00:30] Founding Radio Free Montclair.
[00:04:17] Road trip from UK to Mongolia.
[00:09:04] Community radio content creation.
[00:10:07] Eclectic community of content creators.
[00:15:25] Indispensable part of media landscape.
[00:16:22] Local news and community engagement.
[00:22:07] Diversity of New Jersey’s culture.
[00:23:15] Local restaurant recommendations.
Get to know the OG’s – the founding fathers of Radio Free Montclair – John Sullivan, James Cotter, and Scott Gurian. Theirs is a labor of love, building a radio station fueled by the diverse passions of a community. Together, they are not just broadcasting but also weaving the very fabric of Montclair into their shows.
Curious about how to keep something as dynamic as community radio running? We tackle the logistical hurdles like securing funding and licenses, all while ensuring the station remains a sanctuary for local voices. With an eclectic mix of contributors ranging from bird watchers to DJs, Radio Free Montclair will let you know what people are talking about and what makes this town unique.
Episode New Jersey shoutouts go to:
Summary
Lost in Jersey with Radio Free Montclair
Introduction
The episode begins with a warm welcome to the Radio Free Montclair team, highlighting their role as the original founders of the station. The host expresses excitement about having them on the show and prompts each member to introduce themselves and share their journey to New Jersey.
Meet the Team
John Sullivan
John shares that he was born and raised in central New Jersey and moved to Montclair about a decade ago. He describes his passion for community involvement and how his love for the town inspired the creation of Radio Free Montclair. John emphasizes the importance of using technology to connect the community through radio.
James Cotter
James introduces himself as someone who spent the first six weeks of his life in Hartford, Connecticut, which he humorously regrets. He has lived in Montclair for over 35 years and has a background in community radio. James expresses his excitement about the collaboration with Lost in Jersey and the local community.
Scott Gurian
Scott shares his background, mentioning that he grew up in Bloomfield and has lived in various places, including Boston and Washington, D.C. He is a journalist with experience in public radio and has created his own podcast, “Far From Home,” which documents his travels. Scott highlights the importance of local content and community engagement in radio.
The Birth of Radio Free Montclair
The discussion shifts to the inception of Radio Free Montclair. John explains that the station started as a community project, and they were initially unsure about its potential. However, they quickly found success and began to expand their programming.
Content Creation and Programming
The team discusses how they source content for the station. They emphasize that they welcome a wide variety of shows, from music to community discussions. The eclectic nature of their programming reflects the diverse interests of Montclair residents.
Accessibility and Future Plans
The conversation touches on how listeners can access Radio Free Montclair, primarily through their website. The team is also working on developing an app for easier access. They express a desire to become an indispensable part of Montclair’s media landscape and are exploring the possibility of establishing a physical location for the station.
Funding and Nonprofit Status
The team discusses the challenges of funding the station, noting that it started as a volunteer effort. They have begun formal fundraising and are working on obtaining the necessary licenses to operate legally. The process of becoming a nonprofit is described as complex but essential for their growth.
Community Engagement and Local Issues
James highlights the importance of local news and community discussions, noting that his show has gained popularity for addressing relevant issues in Montclair. The team expresses a commitment to fostering productive conversations and providing a platform for diverse voices.
Love for New Jersey
As the episode wraps up, the team shares what they love about New Jersey, emphasizing the state’s diversity and the convenience of access to various cultures and cuisines. They reflect on how these aspects contribute to the unique character of Montclair and the surrounding areas.
Thank you to Radio Free Montclair for joining us. And Donate to you local radio stations and community news agencies. We need local!
