Distinction Will Bring $65,000 in Federal Funding To WRFA Annually

            Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) joined WRFA (Radio for the Arts) station manager Dennis Drew, local students, friends of the arts, and community leaders to announce that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is expanding its Community Service Grant (CSG) Program to include WFRA – 107.9FM.  Inclusion in the program will bring an estimated $65,000 to the station annually beginning in 2009.  

            “When I first visited WRFA I was impressed by the community collaboration that has produced a one-of-a-kind broadcast experience right here in Jamestown,” said Congressman Higgins.  “With the announcement of this distinction and the associated grant comes a great opportunity to expand on WRFA’s unique and dynamic programming.”

            “WRFA is proud to be one of only 10 new radio stations nationwide to be included in this program,” said Mr. Drew.  “We recognize our responsibility to serve the public with integrity and respect.   We will use this grant to improve every facet of the radio station.  This is a once in a life time opportunity.”

            WRFA, owned by the Arts Council for Chautauqua County, went on the air in 2004.  WRFA’s programming schedule is a mix of national, regional and local content.  The station has a close working relationship with Jamestown schools and offers internship opportunities to students through its Hispanic Youth Radio Program.

            “We are proud to have one of the only Arts Council sponsored low power radio stations in the country,” said Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi.  “The station provides many educational and cultural opportunities, which help support the local community.  In turn, this helps add to the quality of life, which is a key component to helping the city revitalize itself.  I would like to thank Congressman Higgins for his help in securing money that will provide sustaining funds to WRFA.”

            The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967. The mission of CPB is to facilitate the development of, and ensure universal access to, non-commercial high-quality programming and telecommunications services.  The CSG program is the largest CPB grant program for local public television and radio stations, accounting for $280 million, or 71 percent, of the $393 million provided by Congress to the Corporation for Fiscal Year 2008.  Stations can use these grants for operational expenses, the production or acquisition of local and national programming or to strengthen community outreach activities.