The Prog-Rock Diner & Public Access WEBR

Before there was internet radio a Public Access radio station was born. In Fairfax County, VA there was Public Access TV in 1991, but some television producers who were also into radio decided to start up a free form radio station to help promote local musicians.  With very little funding and donated equipment and no call letters for some time this station struggled to keep going.  There was little support from the cable company or the parent company that provided the television access.  However, through dedication and lots of volunteer work the radio station now has a voice, not only on cable but on the internet as well.  WEBR now has a real digital radio board and a real 'studio' as well as a production studio.  All of the radio shows are different formats depending on what the radio producer wants to do.  Most of the show are done 'live' real time in the studio.  You can call in if you like during a show, just like a 'regular' radio station.

When I started with the radio station in May of 1991, we were also cablecast through your radio receiver. No call letters, just 94.5 Fairfax Radio.  With the digital world taking prominence, that went away and the station chose 'call' letters of WCXS (for cable access).  Then the internet technology became available and we became WEBR (web radio) and were one of the first radio stations to utilize the internet capability.  Of course, internet radio didn't take long to blossom! When the RIAA kicked in with the internet radio laws, WEBR went off the net as the fees were prohibitive (the parent company does pay a blanket royalty fee as it is) for a Public Access, non-profit station.  Fortunately the law improved slightly and WEBR received more funding to take care of the RIAA requirements and we've been once again enjoying internet access. 

You'll find WEBR at www.fcac.org/webr .  Check the schedules for the many different programs available.  The Prog-Rock Diner, which is my show, is progressive music from my own collection.  Usually live in the studio on Mondays from 5-7pm EST.  You'll hear just about everthing under the prog umbrella from symphonic to avant.  I also have a myspace at www.myspace.com/progrocklady

I'm happy to see this On-Air Radio site as the more outlets we have to get the music/news/whatever out there the better! 

Deb S.