Piece Description

This piece is not intended for other stations to air, but is here as a template for stations wanting to try something similar. Check out the introductory piece and the promos for one approach to this Sister Station concept. Those who listen much to WCAI and WNAN know that we believe a shared story can help build community and foster neighborliness, even across the ocean, among islands. But how about across the planet, from Coastal Massachusetts to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia? Can we extend our neighborliness that far? We wonder. And we're going to try. Partly because we believe such exchanges might have a soothing effect in a frightened world, and also because it seems like fun. Bill Siemering, one of the founders of National Public Radio, has created Developing Radio Partners, to work with community radio stations in developing nations. Atlantic Public Media is working with Bill to pilot a Sister Station Project between WCAI-WNAN and Gobi Wave, 103.6FM in the Mongolian town of Dalanganzad in the Gobi Desert. Gobi Wave serves about 13,000 people. They also have a speaker mounted above their door which broadcasts to the dirt street in front of their red brick building. Electricity is intermittent and supplies often travel by camel. Their budget is about $8,000 per year. WCAI-WNAN will periodically exchange audio and email with our colleagues in Mongolia and we'll broadcast what's going on over there. Our listeners, in turn, can help us with what we send over. E-mail cainan@wgbh.org or call our listener line and ask questions, tell us what you want them to know, tell a story, sing a song. Or have your children call. The number is 508-548-9600 x 103. Other radio stations interested in trying such a project should get in touch with us. -Jay Allison