WRFI Board Meeting 7-15-25

By Peter Bakija | August 13, 2025

WRFI Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Tuesday July 15, 2025 

In attendance:

Peter Bakija

Talaya Centeno

Amie Herman

Mike Cook

Joe Romano

Corinne Shanahan

Ben Coakley

Current membership:

Talaya Centeno

Amie Herman

Mike Cook

Robin Elliott

Peter Bakija

Joe Romano

Corinne Shanahan

John Young

Joseph Haefeli

Ben Coakley

Minutes taken from transcript by Otter.ai.

6:03: Call to Order.

Board Reflection: Peter visits WMPG in Portland, Maine.

  • WMPG Community Radio in Portland Maine shares similarity in structure and staffing, great programming. 
  • Put out a great documentary that we could use as inspiration for our volunteers about what our radio station could be like.

Open Country Debrief

  •  77 tickets purchased / about $525, $300 in underwriting raised
  • Next time: collect emails so we can send thank you's; highlight our mission more in our messaging
  • The group discusses the importance of understanding financial categories and setting realistic targets for fundraising.
  • We should reach out to Anella from WMPG for insights on development strategies and underwriting.

(no other committee updates)

Tech Updates

Hungerford Hill

  • Ben updated the group on various technical issues, including the Irish Hill transmitter problem and the backup transmitter failure.
  • The group discusses the impact of power outages and equipment failures on the station's operations.
  • Discussed the need for repairs and potential costs associated with fixing the transmitter.
  • Discussed Hungerford Hill lease negotiations, potential revival of WIO and new tower site in Watkins Glen

The board enters executive session.

The board exits executive session.

ED Report.

  • Errors and Omissions Insurance
    • In review; confirmed the insurance covers anti-semitic incidents and similar issues
  • Sound liner
    • Discussion of possible sale, and possibility of new grant request to Legacy Foundation
  • Studio space rental
    • For broadcasters and podcasters, including recently with Terry Gross. Potential revenue stream
  • New programming
    • “Made of Clay” returns
    • Upcoming September funddrive
  • Tech issues
    • Ongoing AC issues

Board Recruitment, Officers, Terms.

-Robin: Term ends 11/8/24 (?)

Robin has been reached out to; needs a response.

-Peter: Term ends 7/12/25

Move to amend the bylaws to update Peter's board membership for another three years.

Motion carries, 6 votes, unanimously.

-Corinne: Term ends 8/9/25

Will be discussed at next meeting

Consent Agenda

  • No meeting minutes to approve this meeting; will be moved to next month.

Meeting adjourned at 7:31 pm.

Posted in ICR Board, ICR Board Meeting Minutes