WBTV-LP accepts programmer applications on a rolling basis, but only trains new programmers and refreshes our schedule twice a year (January and June).
Email Rachel, Station Coordinator to learn more.
WBTV-LP PROGRAMMER APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE READ THIS FIRST (yes, really).
Our WBTV-LP Programming Vision
WBTV-LP aims to air programs that contain a diversity of people, styles, and opinions, examine local issues, and/or educate listeners. We embrace new radio makers’ value and growth, and seek out the voices that make radio entertaining, engaging and interesting. You can be yourself and part of something great at WBTV-LP.
Becoming a WBTV-LP Programmer:
The WBTV-LP Programming Committee objectively chooses programming applications/show content based on:
- how the applicant’s show fits the WBTV-LP programming vision,
- how the programmer and show might add to our commitment to diversity (in social identity and programming),
- and how the applicant is involvement in the station.
Applicants should note:
- You don’t need to have any radio experience to apply.
- We are committed to teaching everyone how to take a radio show idea and make it great!
- If your application is accepted, WBTV-LP requires that you become a contributing member in time and/or an annual fee. We are still working on these details, but we are committed to keeping programming membership cost sensitive, while also ensuring that our community run station has the volunteer hours and funding it needs to succeed.
- If you want to do a music show, awesome! But note that as a brand new station we have no music library for you to draw from. We will have high speed internet by which you can access online streaming services to play on the air. We also do not have any limitations on what music can be played. Top 40? Have at it. Obscure throat singer A cappella groups? Go for it.
- Note: For our first schedule, live shows will need to be between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Sunday-Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays (VCAM’s open hours, the location of our studio). Please factor this in when factoring in your preferred live time slot. If you want to pre-record your show, there is more flexibility with air time.
- Finally, know that we greatly value the time and effort as you will make to create rad radio!
How the WBTV-LP Application Works:
Accepted Show Proposals will embrace the four core values supported by WBTV-LP (listed below). Programs may touch on all four values or have strong characteristics of certain values. We utilize a simple scoring system to be sure programming supports our vision and mission as a station. Again, we emphasis that prior to applying volunteer time contributing to the greater good of the station also helps to your chances of getting a show and desired time slot.
WBTV-LP’s Core Values: Consider how your show will align. How does your show align?
Community Engagement: This core value encourages our shows to be about local, relevant topics, made by local people, or engage directly with the locals through interviews, call ins, etc. Examples of shows could be:
- An audio drama show featuring people from Burlington is great. It would be even better if the stories centered around Vermont. Burlington has many tales to tell.
- A music show could play local music, announce local events, and accept call-ins about the music.
Diversity of Voices: This core value encourages diverse people, styles, and opinions in our radio for the community. Our programming should reflect the people that live here and listeners should gain much from our creative efforts. Examples of shows could be:
- A local politics show that turns the mic to a wide cross section of our community (especially those who are heard less) would be of value to our listeners. It would also be great to feature this in languages other than English.
- A show that takes dialogue from movies, newscasts, and other sources (in lengths that are in accord with Fair Use standards) and mashes them up into their own original audio stories would be interesting and unique.
Teaching & Learning: This core value encourages shows to teach the listener something new. We hope our audience can gain some new insights and a better understanding of their community. Examples of shows could be:
- A talk show might break down the local NPA meetings into accessible chunks for people who haven’t been keeping track of the issues.
- A music show might take time between tracks to talk about the artist’s influences, or delve into musical history.
Free Speech: This core value is respected at WBTV-LP while observing all FCC and station policies concerning obscenity and hate speech.
Growing Your Radio Skills at WBTV-LP
All programmers are encouraged to take advantage of the many learning opportunities at the station. Our listeners benefit from all the time we as programmers devote to production value. This effort is recognized when the Programming Committee chooses content for the schedule.
In short, we want you to create a thoughtful show idea before you start your application. And above all else, be yourself and keep making great radio!
Want these application instructions in a PDF? Grab it here.
After reading all that, still have questions? Email Rachel, Station Coordinator.