Lawrence “Sparky” Bobo
My belief is for my Community to network, whether it is with businesses, individuals, Community leaders, or at the market. Successful people communicate with each other. My career includes work in Florida Coastal Zone Planning, Economic Development, Non-profit management, and sales of intangible and tangible products and services. For 10 years I helped form & manage two Non-profit organizations in Miami and later served on the Board of a Non-profit Healthcare Association.
My awareness of CBRA/WKDW/KDWRadio.com came from networking at the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce. A Chamber Member said, “Do you know North Port has a radio station? In fact, I am thinking about having a Program soon...” I asked “Where is the station, who runs it and what is there phone number?” My involvement was compelling & here we are!
WKDW/KDWRadio have no paid positions; we are an organization of volunteers. We are fortunate to have our Station Manager, R. J. Malloy who has with some faithful friends, and with much dedication and love, birthed this Community Radio Station. Time and efforts for programming, development, marketing and public relations are done by people who just love what they’re doing. Programs are very eclectic, just like the North Port Area. Program Hosts play the kind of music they love, music not found on the mass media stations. Or they create talk shows focused on our North Port Area of Sarasota & Charlotte Counties. WKDW/KDWRadio.com is listened to worldwide on the web at www.kdwradio.org & we get comments globally. Our Signal on 97.5 FM air extends fifty miles from the station. Local radio is an important and rare because, as you know, these days most radio stations have absentee corporate owners and no knowledge of or concern for our local community.
Our Board of Directors, besides the normal board governance and oversight, makes sure we continue true to our mission, which is expressed on our website:
“… Community radio is about building and supporting the well-being and positive growth of our area. It’s about communicating ideas, concerns, differences of opinion, health and financial issues, and the art and music of the community.”
In other words, we try to foster community. We hold and host Community events, lectures, discussions, interview shows and live music events to inform, entertain and bring people together so we may all get to know one another, solve problems and learn from each other. We give airtime to many local Non-profits, helping them to reach a wider audience. As we grow, we will offer free training in the techniques of broadcasting and reporting.
As Chairman, I believe WKDW Radio/KDWRadio.com is a treasure for North Port residents. We are a listener-supported radio station. Accept this open invitation for you to visit our station donate, volunteer and help us make the North Port area a Real Radio Communicating Community!