“Sanctuary for Independent Media officially launches radio station”

Date published: 02/09/2017
Publication: Troy Record

By [email protected],, @troyrecord on Twitter
POSTED: 02/09/17, 1:13 PM EST | UPDATED: ON 02/09/2017
TROY, N.Y. >> After a more than a year of test broadcasts, The Sanctuary for Independent Media has officially launched a new listener-supported, non-commercial radio station.
WOOC (105.3 FM) is transmitting from studios at the group’s home, with a broadcast signal that covers Troy and Albany and an online stream at www.mediasanctuary.org. The station offers alternative news and public affairs programming in partnership with the Pacifica Radio network from 6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays and at other times offering a cultural format featuring 50 years of music from the African Diaspora, focusing on reggae and African pop.
“At the sanctuary and WOOC, our mission is to use art and participatory action to promote social and environmental justice and freedom of creative expression,” said Steve Pierce, executive director of the sanctuary, in a news release.
The station’s launch will be celebrated with a benefit concert at The Egg Performing Arts Center in Albany’s Empire State Plaza at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, featuring Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars and legendary South African anti-apartheid singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela. Tickets to the all-ages show are $29.50 and are available at The Egg box office, by phone at 473-1845 or online at www.theegg.org.