Radio Proposal
(as amended)
Proposal: Occupy Boston Radio (OBR), a working group, proposes that Occupy Boston provide $2549.70 in funding to OBR. This will cover our most essential operating costs (rent and our radio stream), and allow us “breathing room” to seek further funding for other operating costs, and to continue working on a plan for long-term financial stability. Background Occupy Boston Radio (OBR) is striving to produce quality programming related to Occupy Boston, the Occupy Movement, and related topics of interest and importance to the 99%. We seek to include all voices by adhering to the following principles:
- having open access to our schedule for new shows;
- hosting shows that invite interviewees and guests; and
- operating the station with direct democratic principles.
OBR has been broadcasting online since late 2011. We have broadcast approximately 14 regular weekly shows for all or part of that time, plus a number of specials. We also syndicate the progressive news show Democracy Now! and the environmental issues show Radio Ecoshock.
We have been an outlet for Occupy Boston news to the public and other Occupies for over a year. This has included broadcasting a calendar of events, as well as specific requests from other Working Groups and event organizers to spread the word.
We maintain a station blog, and several individual show blogs, and many of our shows are archived online and available as podcasts or for download. A major goal of OBR for the coming year is to increase the number of shows available in these modes, or syndicated on other Occupy movement or allied stations and sites (such as occupymediapodcast.com and occupynewsradio.org).
The following table constitutes our funding request for February 2013:
| Item | Monthly Cost | 6 Month Total |
| Rent | S400.00 | $2400.00 |
| Streaming Server | 49.95 | 299.70 |
| Total | $2625.00 |
It should be noted that these are OBR’s basic costs, money needed to keep our station on the air. We have additional costs, such as paying for enhanced blog features that allow us to provide archived programming on line. We also have incidental costs from time to time. Our operations could be enhanced if we upgraded to a better streaming server (costing about twice as much), added a phone line, and purchased some equipment upgrades. OBR has raised money for such things by means of fundraising events and community and online outreach. The money we received through our previous GA proposal (March 2012) represented less than 1/3 of our total budget, last year. We intend to continue and expand such independent fundraising efforts. When Occupy Boston’s fiscal sponsor arrangement goes through, we intend to seek foundation and large donor support, as well.
Thanks to the corporate consolidation of the mainstream media. Internet-based outlets for unencumbered news and information are emerging across communities near and far. Small independent stations and networks give the voiceless and the disenfranchised a mic to the world. In supporting the efforts of Occupy Boston Radio you strengthen the fight for free media. Thank you for your consideration. Occupy Boston Radio OBR.FM networks give the voiceless and the disenfranchised a mic to the world. In supporting the efforts of Occupy Boston Radio you strengthen the fight for free media. Thank you for your consideration.
Occupy Boston Radio OBR.FM
Brought by OBR. Passed by consensus.
Legal Assistance for NYC Trial
Request for bus fare and subway rides for OB member’s travel to her NYC trial for S17 arrest charges, and also for two witnesses (OB Members).
- Bus: $30 * 3 people = $90 (round trip)
- subway: 4 rides for 3 people at $2/ride = $24
- Expense for recheduling = $20
Total: $134.
Brought by Linda. Passed in the consent bucket
Strikedebt Student Debt Event
Funding for a strikedebt organizing event.
- $400 for rent (hopefully refunded)
- $200 for T-shirts
- $200 for leaflets and art supplies
- $100 for guest speaker transit
$900 total.
Brought by the Strikedebt WG. Passed in the consent bucket.
Food Not Bombs
Proposal to give remaining unused food funds to food not bombs.
In lack of use of the food fund in which there has not been a request for months, it is proposed that the remaining $500 be given to Food Not Bombs to continue the original mission of the food tent, which was to feed those that either want or need food. Although the food money is autonomous from the general fund, we could not come to a unanimous decision on how to go forward. The vote came out 5 to 2. In consideration for the process, we agreed to bring before GA.
Brought by the food working group. Passed in the consent bucket.
NLG Donation
Propose to donate the remaining legal funds (approximately $5611) to the NLG.
Brought by John Ford. Passed by consensus.
GA minutes: http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/GA_Minutes_Tue_Feb_05_2013