WPHX is operated by a small staff in a modest studio behind the Firehouse Cultural Center. From left: Preston Poe, Jeff Knauff and Sandy Council. Lisa Stark photo.
They had a tower, a tiny studio and a Big Idea. The fact that they had no money was definitely an obstacle, but one they could overcome with enough luck and willpower.
And overcome they did. Now WPHX at 101.9 FM is broadcasting daily from the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin, thanks to the efforts of members of the Firehouse Cultural Center, the Ruskin Development Foundation and the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay South Shore Council.
“It’s definitely been a labor of love,” said Sandy Council, WPHX advisory board chairwoman, describing the birth of the radio station under what seemed to be insurmountable odds. “It took some dedicated people and a lot of luck to get this project up and running.”
Now WPHX is reaching out to the community for innovative ideas and music to structure their new programming.
“We really want to get the word out that we want local shows and would love to have people come forward,” Council said. “Even if they’ve never been on the radio before, we can help them develop and refine their ideas.”
Currently, the station broadcasts primarily classic rock from the ’70s and ’80s from chief operator and engineer Jeff Knauff’s private collection. But they are looking to expand their repertoire to include music from experienced musicians and shows focused on local history, arts, and culture.
“We want to develop programming that will involve local musicians,” Knauff said. “We can have them talk about their music, their influences and their experiences, in an up-close and personal way.” Knauff, a life-long musician himself, hopes to feature artists from all genres — rock, country, classical, folk, blues. “There is a lot of talent in the community that can be tapped into,” he said.
WPHX also plans to “spread its wings” with the addition of Programming Manager Preston Poe from St. Petersburg, who holds a MFA in digital production and electronic media from USF.
“I’ve always been interested in storytelling through art and music.” said Poe. “We’re looking for folks who can enlighten and enrich our listeners with their own unique perspective.”
Poe is a multimedia artist who displays his work all over the country using a combination of “environment and sound.”
“What we need now are people who have skills and want to learn something new,” said Poe, explaining that in addition to songwriters and musicians, WPHX is seeking volunteers with skills in editing, public relations and fundraising.
“This was a huge undertaking,” admits Jeff Knauff, who drew on his experience in audio recording to help develop WPHX. The station has subsequently joined Pacifica Radio, which offers syndicated radio programs that provide a wide variety of programming options.
“We should have a variety of shows ready to go in the upcoming months,” said Knauff, who has already started broadcasting concerts at the Firehouse Culture Center, including one last week by Victoria Ginty and the Ladyhawke Band. Although he describes himself as semiretired, Knauff is still actively writing and recording music at his Gibsonton studio (The Parsonage) with fellow songwriter Eddie James, with whom he shares current releases available on iTunes.
“Funding and staffing is all-important in a project like this,” said Sandy Council. She noted that since the station is nonprofit, it will depend on the community to keep it broadcasting. “Our staff is all volunteer, but we still have operating costs and have to keep the lights on.”
Council credits the Ruskin Community Development Foundation and the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay South Shore Council for getting the project off the ground with the award of a $30,000 grant to fund their start-up. The trio has come up with an application process to allow musicians, songwriters, artists and educators to present their projects. They are also reaching out to the area’s public high schools and the large Hispanic population for ideas.
“It’s really exciting to hear from people. This is a community radio station. It belongs to everyone in South County,” said Council.
For more information about WPHX radio, visit its website at www.wphx1019.org or follow it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wphx1019.
