Lower Cape Communications’ station WOMR is celebrating 39 years on-air. The Provincetown, MA community radio station celebration is low key this year because COVID concerns.
WOMR’s first on-air broadcast was on March 21, 1982. In the five years leading up to that broadcast, the station applied for a license, raised money to purchase necessary equipment, and fought a “petition to deny” opposing the license application filed with the FCC.
“It was a long and difficult process,” acknowledges John Braden, WOMR executive director. “But these people were committed and determined, and we’re all grateful to them for being the pioneers of community radio on Cape Cod.”
Braden is looking forward to 2022, when the station will be able to throw itself a memorable and in-person birthday party. WOMR is looking to produce a series of events to celebrate its 40 years on the air, including an open house allowing donors and listeners to view the new equipment purchased after an 18-month capital campaign.
“While we were very much looking forward to showing off our beautiful new studios, it’s simply going to have to wait another year until the pandemic is behind us,” said Braden.
“We’re excited about celebrating this important milestone, which is a testament to the community’s support of the station,” said board President Bruce Bierhans. “And we’re looking forward to 40 more years bringing the community what it needs—news, music, and spoken-word programs without commercial input. We have fantastic volunteers, amazing underwriters, and a community that is continuously growing. The future looks great from where I’m standing!”
