WBAI 99.5 FM Announces Dynamic New Programming for Fall 2024

WBAI 99.5 FM, New York's prominent progressive radio station, is excited to unveil a slate of new programming premiering this fall, and some returning favorites. As part of its continued commitment to providing diverse, independent, and thought-provoking content, WBAI’s lineup will include a mix of talk shows, music programming, and activist-driven content from some of the most respected voices in media.

Listeners can tune in to shows such as Earth Riot Radio, a provocative show blending activism and performance with environmental justice. Music lovers will also enjoy Groovelines, a house music show hosted by an energetic crew of DJs, and Caribbean Voices and Beyond, celebrating Caribbean culture and its global influence. Naturalistic Support will explore human behavior and relationships, while The Abolitionist Show will delve into the lies and false histories that perpetuate oppression, aiming to bring social and emotional liberation to listeners. The Sweet Spot will bring you two hours of commercial free dance music to energize and uplift you. And, Leonard Lopate at Large returns – now on Sundays – with conversations that span politics, science, food, and culture.

“The launch of these new shows signals a renewed dedication to our mission of delivering content that inspires action, challenges the status quo, and serves our diverse and expanding community of listeners. The programs are the premium,” said Bob Hennelly, Interim Station Manager at WBAI. “We are proud of the voices and perspectives these programs will bring to our airwaves.”

Added Interim Program Director Keziah Glow, “At WBAI, we have always sought to amplify underrepresented voices and perspectives. This fall’s lineup reflects that commitment, offering a wide range of content – from deep dives into social justice and personal development to electrifying music that reflects New York's vibrant culture.”

All programs air on WBAI 99.5 FM in New York City and are available for streaming worldwide at WBAI.org. WBAI is part of the Pacifica Foundation, a non-profit organization that pioneered listener-sponsored community radio and has been a beacon for non-commercial, free media since its founding in 1946.

Listeners are encouraged to participate in much of the programming by calling WBAI's listener call-in number at (212) 209-2877. To support the station, donations can be made by visiting www.give2wbai.org or by becoming a BAI Buddy at www.buddy.wbai.org.

New Fall Programming Lineup

Wednesdays (2 PM - 3 PM ET) - Debuts September 18th

Naturalistic Support

Hosted by Arnell Dowret, this peer-support program is based on evidence and reason, exploring human behavior through the lens of cause and effect. Focused on personal growth and relationship building, the show delves into topics like anger, betrayal, grief, and forgiveness.

Saturdays (12 PM - 1 PM ET) – Debuts September 14th

Earth Riot Radio

Hosted by Reverend Billy, Savitri D and the Stop Shopping Choir take on the climate crisis with their unique blend of music, activism, and performance. Each show serves as a rallying cry for environmental justice, tackling corporate greed and the climate apocalypse.

Saturdays (1 PM - 2 PM ET) – Debuts on September 21st

Caribbean Voices and Beyond

Hosted by Charles Isaac Fergusson, this lively mix of Caribbean music, personalities, and culture offers interviews with influential figures and discussions of events impacting the Caribbean community, with a special focus on the expatriate community in the U.S.

Saturdays (10 PM to 12 AM) – Returning (at a new time) September 21st

The Sweet Spot

Hosted by DJ's Kyle McNeill, aka The Big Unc, and Baby K, The Sweet Spot is your musical medicine, a soulful salve of 120 minutes of energizing dance music to nurture your body, mind and spirit. Community is everything so expect an occasional visit from a guest DJ or musician as well as a listing of local NYC/NJ-based club events and fun games and contests.

Sundays (12 AM – 1 AM ET) - Debuts September 21st

Groovelines

Hosted by Tina Dixon (DJ BlackIcon1), DJ Lil Tiger, & ND HOUSEPARTY , this house music show brings the beats that will move your body and soul, spotlighting DJs from around the globe and keeping listeners up-to-date on the latest events and releases in the house music scene.

Sundays (12 PM - 1 PM ET) – Returned on September 8th

Leonard Lopate at Large

Peabody Award-winning broadcaster Leonard Lopate returns to WBAI, engaging with thought leaders across various fields. From science and politics to food and music, Lopate’s conversations are always deep, engaging, and informative.

Sundays (6 PM - 7 PM ET) – Debuts on September 15th

The Abolitionist Show

This program, hosted by Frenchie Davis, is dedicated to uncovering the lies and false histories that perpetuate oppression. Frenchie Davis leads a mission to help listeners get free from repression and shame, offering social and emotional liberation through dialogue and storytelling.

For more information about the shows and hosts, visit www.wbai.org.

About WBAI/Pacifica Foundation

WBAI 99.5 FM New York is a listener-supported, non-commercial radio station broadcasting out of New York City. With a commitment to providing diverse, independent, and progressive programming, WBAI serves as a vital platform for voices often marginalized by mainstream media. For more information, visit www.wbai.org.

WBAI is part of the Pacifica Foundation, a non-profit organization that pioneered listener-sponsored community radio, and continues to be a beacon for noncommercial, free media since our founding in 1946. The Pacifica Foundation is a network of five community-supported FM radio stations located throughout the United States: WBAI in New York City, WPFW in Washington DC, KPFT in Houston, KPFK in Los Angeles, and KPFA in Berkeley. The Pacifica Foundation also supports a global network of over 250 stations through the Pacifica Affiliate Network and is home to the Pacifica Radio Archives, one of the world’s most extensive historical sound archives. For more information, visit www.pacifica.org.

In 2024, WBAI took the leadership role in producing the Pacifica Radio Network's We Decide: America at the Crossroads 2024 which included nightly live coverage of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

That project, as well as Pacifica's ongoing public affairs coverage is supported by labor unions representing over two million workers including: the American Federation of Government Employees, the Transport Workers Union of America, 32 BJ SEIU, NYSNA, HPAE, CWA-NJ, 1199 SEIU, United Steelworkers Nurses Local 4-200, The Doctors Council SEIU, AFSCME DC 37 Local 3621 FDNY EMS Officers, the Uniform Firefighters Association, Teamsters Local 210, SEIU Local 246, the US Postal Police Association, The Environmental Police Benevolent Association.