Since its inception in 2005,
WRIR-LP 97.3FM has been committed to platforming underrepresented voices in the City of Richmond and around the world.

Heading towards the big 2-0, we know that it’s time to face the future and make big, gutsy moves.

WRIR has called 1621 W Broad Street their home from it’s beginning, coming up from the basement as a true underground radio station, and eventually moving to the space above the Camel.
This building has served us well over the years, but to better meet the needs of volunteers and community members, we are embarking on a bold effort to transform how Richmonder’s interact with their local radio station.

OUR GOAL: To build an accessible-to-all community radio station for the people, by the people!

HOW? TOGETHER!

The Road to the New WRIR
Starts Here

Whether you’ve been a supporter since Day 1 or you’ve just discovered us, you can hear from our 30 Talk programs (half of which are local) and 80+ locally hosted music shows covering every genre imaginable, that WRIR is dedicated to boosting the signal of underrepresented voices in news, views, arts and culture in Richmond, VA all day, every day. 97.3FM has been a key part of the Richmond community for almost 20 years, offering a space for creatives to share new ideas, content, and music with local and global listeners. Besides broadcasting diverse shows by local hosts and DJs, WRIR conducts training workshops for radio skills and organizes events with community partners and live music performances both in-studio and out in the wild.

Take the Journey with Us

Virginia Center for Public Press, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit parent organization of WRIR-LP, is excited for the opportunity to take a fresh approach on volunteering and community service, developing and learning new ways to better support our participants and neighbors as the radio station heads into two decades of broadcasting in Richmond. But before we can celebrate our achievements, we must build, together!

In 2022, while the world was just beginning to deal with our new pandemic era reality, we decided that to be a truly free and independent media source, we must own our own home. That home must also be accessible to all, regardless of physical ability, and a trustworthy place for everyone who supports our mission to gather and share their own unique experiences with one another.

That home is 1806 E Main Street in the heart of the historically and culturally significant neighborhood of Shockoe Bottom.

How are we getting there?

TOGETHER! WRIR is launching a bold and fun capital campaign with accessible goals for all levels and types of giving, so that everyone can experience the joy of building a home for the next generation of indie radio torch bearers, preserving free speech in your own backyard.

This $2,000,000 campaign — Yes. You read that correctly. TWO MILLION DOLLARS!

We know. Crazy! In this economy?

Hear us out.

That $2M will make it possible for WRIR to fully renovate the new space in Shockoe Bottom:

  • Installation of an elevator, amongst other accessibility features, for easy access to community spaces

  • Replacement of aging and non-repairable equipment, like all new field recorders

    for budding journalists and CDJs so DJs can start the party anywhere.

    Oh, and new digital broadcast desks. No big deal.

  • Installation of individually controlled HVAC systems and modern acoustic treatments

    in each studio for comfort and sound control

  • Launch of a branding campaign, complete with a shiny new website! Check out WRIR’s current site and you’ll agree, it’s time for a refresh!

  • New programming and educational initiatives aimed at training folks from all walks of life in the art and science of radio and the joys of free speech

  • Strengthening community partnerships through collaborative events and special projects showcasing local talent

  • Moving sensitive essential electronics, safely and professionally

Really, why though?

Why are we undertaking such a risky project for such a little nonprofit?

Because now is the time. WRIR-LP 97.3FM is Richmond’s independent radio station, built by Richmonders, for Richmonders, whether you are from here or come here. Increasing access to trustworthy free speech platforms for everyone, especially vulnerable communities, is how we fight back. Knowledge, as they say, is power. Expanding opportunities for education and engagement with Richmonders where they live and where WE live is a no-brainer.
WRIR volunteers are scrappy. Mission is everything. We walk it like we talk it. To be the community radio station that this city deserves, we must start fresh, and we must do it TOGETHER! Our team believes in ourselves and we believe in YOU!

Click on the “This could be YOU!” mic to get this show on the road, or rather, the AIR!