NYC's WBAI 99.5 Launches Program to Support Creative Coalition Spotlight Initiative

Today, WBAI 99.5, New York City's pre-eminent radio station supporting the arts, announced a partnership with The Creative Coalition's Spotlight Initiative program. The Spotlight Initiative integrates public and private support for selected independent films.

Beginning in June, WBAI will broadcast segments on Spotlight Initiative films hosted by Lelani Clark with special featured guest The Creative Coalition's CEO Robin Bronk. The segments will feature interviews with filmmakers, actors, and other influencers in the independent film community. Additionally, WBAI will provide support for Spotlight Initiative premieres, screenings and other film events.

"WBAI's history is steeped in supporting the creative arts. We are delighted to support The Creative Coalition's Spotlight Initiative to bring the power and presence of our audience - savvy influencers, tastemakers, and community and business leaders -- to support the craft of independent filmmaking," said WBai General Manager Berthold Reimers.

The Spotlight Initiative segment will launch on WBAI's monthly broadcast, "Reelworld" airing every first Wednesday of the month at 2:00 pm. A special broadcast will air on June 29. The Spotlight Initiative segments also will be streamed on stream.wbai.org.

"The Spotlight Initiative segment is what WBAI is all about. We pride ourselves on bringing quality arts and entertainment programs that are socially relevant to our listeners. This partnership will also connect us to a newer, more diverse and younger audience" said WBAI Program Director Tony Bates.

Initiative: The Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org) is the premiere nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance, primarily public education, the First Amendment, and arts advocacy. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization's President.

For more than 50 years, WBAI has been the legendary leader in listener-sponsored radio, serving the New York tri-state area. Part of the Pacifica Radio Network, the mission of WBAI is to produce radio content that would foster understanding amongst nations and individuals, encourage creativity, and promote innovative, uncensored distribution of news. WBAI hosts over 200 unique programs 24/7 broadcasting to an international listener base.