Download Join WPPM, PhillyCAM`s Community Radio Station

Join WPPM, PhillyCAM's Community Radio Station
In July 2016, WPPM (People Powered Media) went on the air! WPPM is a 90 watt non-commercial,
educational low power FM radio station broadcasting in Philadelphia and Camden, NJ. Our five mile
coverage area reaches center city, north Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, Camden, Pennsauken,
and Cherry Hill. WPPM is also streaming online and available to persons who want to listen but
reside outside our coverage area. WPPM-LP is a community radio station powered by PhillyCAM's
members, board, and staff all working together to broadcast locally produced community content.
Guiding Principles
WPPM – LP FM is a member supported participatory community station rehumanizing radio with local
voices and original programming. We support content that celebrates, respects, and reflects the
rich cultural makeup of the Philadelphia/South Jersey area and provides a platform for diverse
community perspectives. PhillyCAM Radio provides a medium for underserved communities and
music not heard on mainstream media. We value content that is educational, respectful, inclusive,
and innovative.
How can I get involved in PhillyCAM Radio?
We are looking for radio producers, hosts, DJs, community journalists, documentarians, techies,
builders, board operators, editors, cable makers, music librarians and more!
Become a member & Attend Orientation
First, you should sign up to be a member. After you become a PhillyCAM member, people in
interested in radio should attend radio station orientation to learn more about the project and plug
into the radio station activities.
Sign up for a class
If you would like to learn radio skills sign up to take a radio production class. We offer a 6 week
Audio Production class for $75 that covers the basics of audio recording, field production, editing,
and podcasting.
Submit Content
If you already have radio production skills and you are a PhillyCAM member, you are eligible to
submit content to our radio station as a special. Specials are reviewed by the Station Manager and
can be aired at various times throughout the programming schedule.
Host a Live Radio Show
If you are interested in hosting a live radio program, you should first meet with the station manager
to go over your idea. Then you can submit a program application to WPPM. The programming
committee reviews all applications and approves shows. If your program is approved, you must then
complete a 6 week Radio Studio Training, shadow a current programmer's radio show, and pass a
practical competency test as well as a written test on FCC rules for FM broadcasting. Once you
have completed these steps, you will then be assigned a time slot for a live radio program.
Join a Committee
PhillyCAM Community Radio has 4 member driven committees (Tech, Outreach/Events, Fundraising,
and Production) that each meet monthly to discuss radio station business. All programmers with a
live radio show must join at least 1 committee.
Can I play commercial music?
Yes, you may play commercial music as long as the content does not violate our Guiding Principles
for programming content.
Can I put my show on other stations/platforms?
Yes, your show is owned by you and you can distribute it to other networks and stations. PhillyCAM
does not own the rights to your show, but by submitting your content to our station you are granting
WPPM the right to air your show on our radio station, internet radio stream, and website.
I already produce a podcast. Can I submit this content for airing on WPPM?
Yes, you may submit podcasts as specials to the station manager. If you would like a regular time
slot on WPPM, you must follow the steps outlined above for hosting a live radio program.
Can I use content that has expletives/profanity?
No. We currently are not accepting content with explicit language.
Can I air commercials or get sponsorship for my show?
PhillyCAM holds a non-commercial, education license for WPPM which means we are not allowed to
air any commercials. As a non-commercial station we are allowed to engage in underwriting,
however, all underwriting must support PhillyCAM and not individual members or shows. All
underwriting must be approved by the Executive Director.
What kinds of equipment is in the studio?
We have an audio board with inputs for microphones, CD players, cassettes, turn tables, computers,
smart phones, digital media players, and a land line telephone.
Will I be able to record my show and share on podcasting platforms?
Yes, programmers will be able to record their shows in the studio and are encouraged to share their
shows on online platforms. Keep in mind, if you are using copyrighted music content, you are only
covered under PhillyCAM's licensing agreements to air your program on the FM radio and on our
streaming audio site. If you put your content on a podcasting site or personal website and you have
copyrighted content, will have to secure a separate licensing agreement or risk fines by the major
licensing companies.
Can I air local music on my show?
Yes, however, if the artist is not covered under a licensing agreement with one of the three big
licensing companies (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC), the you will have to get permission from the artist prior
to airing on your radio program.
I have a TV show on PhillyCAM's cable channels. Can I put the content on the radio station?
Yes. However, you are not guaranteed a spot on WPPM just because you have a TV program on
PhillyCAM. You must also follow the same process above by completing a program application and
get it approved by the programming committee. Possibilities include extracting the audio from your
TV show and converting to a wav or mp3 file. However, the content cannot dependent on visual
elements in order to work well on the radio station. You are encouraged to record an intro for the
show to inform the listeners that your program was originally aired for television.
I don't have any background in radio. Can I still participate in the radio station?
Yes, we have training opportunities for people new to radio. We encourage you to sign up first for
the audio production class before you submit an application for a radio program. All programmers
must undergo a radio studio training which will teach them how to operate the equipment in the
studio prior to going on the air.