Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Robby Grant, Executive Director, and Jay B, Program Manager and Co-Founder of the nonprofit freeform radio station, WYXR, who both discuss the community radio station’s history and impact since launching in partnership with the University of Memphis, the Daily Memphian, and Crosstown Concourse. Located in Crosstown Concourse, WYXR focuses on representing Memphis’ diverse music genres through an 80% music and 20% talk format, with programming that enables local community members to share their voices and stories. The station actively supports local musicians through various initiatives and events, emphasizing their commitment to sharing underrepresented music and providing platforms for artists who may not have wide exposure.
Summary
WYXR: Memphis Community Radio –Â Robby Grant, Executive Director, and Jay B, Program Manager and Co-Founder of WYXR, discuss the station’s history and impact. WYXR, a nonprofit freeform radio station at 91.7 FM, was launched in partnership with the University of Memphis, the Daily Memphian, and Crosstown Concourse. The station aims to represent Memphis’ diverse music genres and community, with an 80% music and 20% talk format. Despite launching during the pandemic, WYXR provided a vital social outlet for listeners and volunteers, offering a sense of connection through radio and online platforms.
WYXR: Crosstown Concourse Radio Station –Â WYXR is located in Crosstown Concourse, a 1.5 million square foot building. The station occupies a small but visible space in the central atrium with a big window, where DJs can be seen by passersby. WYXR has infrastructure that allows them to send their stereo signal 7 miles east to their transmitter on the roof. They also have an office upstairs and share a hallway with other music-related individuals and businesses, creating a creative and exciting environment.
Community Radio Empowerment Initiative –Â As program manager at WYXR, Jay B talks about his role and how it involves facilitating and empowering local community members to share diverse voices and stories through radio programming. Rather than directly curating content, the station focuses on enabling local personalities and interest groups to use their voices and influence, drawing from their unique perspectives and expertise. This approach allows the station to reflect the diverse nature of Memphis and provide a platform for underrepresented voices in the community.
Supporting Memphis Musicians Initiative –Â Robby and Jay B discuss the station’s role in supporting local Memphis musicians, highlighting both emerging and legacy artists. They describe various initiatives, including live performances, the Stereo Sessions seminar, and the Dowd Awards, which honor Black musicians who contribute to both the music industry and the community. They emphasize the station’s focus on sharing underrepresented music and providing platforms for artists who may not have had wide exposure.
Raised by Sound Fest Highlights –Â Robby and Jay B discuss their upcoming events, highlighting the Raised by Sound Fest on December 6th, which includes free music performances, community tables, and a fundraiser featuring Kurt Vile and Stephen Malkmus. They also mention an after-party with Cloudland Canyon and Kid Millions, featuring visuals and collaborations with Larry Hurd, a renowned house musician who has contributed significantly to the electronic dance music scene.
Supporting Memphis Radio Storytelling –Â Robby and Jay B discuss the importance of radio as a storytelling medium in Memphis, highlighting the community’s vibrant culture and artists. They encourage listeners to support their efforts by listening to the station, donating, attending events, and staying informed through their website, newsletter, social media, and app. They emphasize their commitment to serving the community and provided ways for people to engage with their content and support their work.
Visit https://wyxr.org to learn more, listen, and get involved with WYXR.
