First, I hope that all of you are safe and well. I wanted to say a few words about how Radio Free Brooklyn is dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.
Last week, when NYC went on an indefinite “pause,” I knew this was either going to be an inspirational community moment for Radio Free Brooklyn — or our worst nightmare. To be blunt, it’s been both.
“Social distancing'’ is pretty much the opposite of what we normally do at RFB. Our studios are shared spaces, with over 60 hosts broadcasting live from a single 100-sq. ft. room every week, and dozens of others pre-recording and podcasting from our second studio down the block. We all meet every month to drink beer, eat pizza, share ideas and feedback, and meet new people from our community. All this human interaction keeps us creative, and our shows innovative and fresh.
And then everything just... stopped. But our hosts wouldn’t.
In order to keep everyone safe, both within RFB and the community at large, we closed both of our locations until further notice as of last Friday. Almost immediately after we did, though, I was inspired by the enthusiastic determination of everyone in our community to NOT let this get in the way of bringing their voices to the world. Although the official plan was to air mainly rebroadcasts, many hosts set up makeshift recording setups in their tiny NYC apartments so they could continue doing what they do — studios or no studios. Most pre-recorded their weekly shows and one host broadcast live from his apartment — this week others will follow suit. We are still bringing you new, original programming 24/7, and I have never been prouder.
RFB host Dave Colonna's home studio setup
Now the nightmare part
One of RFB’s primary revenue sources is our podcast recording service, which helps us make ends meet. With the studios closed, this revenue source has now evaporated. And with everyone's lives now turned upside down, our Drive to Five campaign has also stalled — with just two months to go we have only 40% of our goal achieved. Then there's our 5-year birthday fundraising event which was scheduled for May, but will likely have to be pushed to the fall. I know everyone is worried about money right now, but if you can afford a small monthly or one-time donation, we’ve got some great t-shirts and other cool gifts that we’d send you to say thanks for helping. Just sayin’ :) But whatever happens, I’m determined that RFB will make it through this somehow.
Support Local Business
Equally, if not more important than giving to us: PLEASE support your local small businesses, wherever you live. They, and all who work for them are hurting right now. Here in Brooklyn, small businesses are the lifeblood of the community and are integral to making our borough such a wonderful, unique place to live. So whether it's ordering takeout to keep your local restaurant afloat, or even just giving them a nice Yelp review, we can't ignore them now. If we do, they may not be there when this is all over.
We'll keep you posted as things develop. Be well everyone.
Radio Free Brooklyn · 100 Bogart Street · Brooklyn, NY 11206 · USA
