Just one month shy of its 7th anniversary of broadcasting, America's only daily show for the gay/lesbian/bisexual and transgender community signed off the airwaves.
Friday, April 27 marked the end of a program that has spanned almost 3,500 hours of broadcasting and garnered awards from city, regional and national organizations. LesBiGay Radio served listeners in metro every afternoon on WSBC AM1240 and WCFJ AM1470.
Beginning with a suburban two-hour radio show airing Sundays in 1994, the organization evolved into events, community organization and health education. "Our vision was always to provide bridges for people who need bridges," said Alan Amberg, founder. "In 1994, a gay radio show was radical. In the days post-Internet, post-Ellen; we're in a different place."
Amberg notes that other efforts of the Rogers Park-based not-for-profit will continue. Research and community linkage programs are funded, as well as community/social events. "We've understood that to continue serving our hidden, non-commercial listeners, we'd have to become a donor/grant driven broadcaster. We had board and staff plans well underway to change that paradigm. However, the economic downturn slowed all other forms of revenue and we were not able to implement the needed changes to manifest this paradigm shift."
"The staff and the Board agree that radio for our community must not die. Should sufficient funders step forward, we will heartily consider all options to return to the air. Meanwhile, a slimmed down staff, and operation will continue to make a difference in people's lives," said Cynthia Marquard, Vice Chair and head of the finance committee.
The final show included a tribute to the staff, board and contributors. Callers from all over the metropolitan area shared their experiences of years listening to the show.
"In the last two months alone, over 10,000 visitors have been to our website at lesbigayradio.com," said Amberg.