July 28 2004
A new Voice of Bainbridge (by Tina Lieu)
It all started with frustration, searching for a decent radio program on Sunday night while washing the dishes. Besides the lack of talk programs, Philippe Boucher wanted to hear more programs about Bainbridge, the environment and political issues not covered by mainstream media.
"But how do you serve a community like Bainbridge Island?" said Boucher, a Winslow resident.
"The logic is we should have our own radio (station)."
The result is the Voice of Bainbridge website, www.bainbridgeisland.org.
Without even a broadcasting frequency to his name, Boucher has created community radio for Bainbridge Island. He has recorded interviews with island personalities, tales by local storytellers and programs about the environment and local art.
Audiofiles in the MP3 file format are posted to the website, hosted by webmaster Dave Henry of Bainbridge Island Community Network, and can be heard using freely downloadable software like RealPlayer or Windows Media Player.
Boucher always liked the radio medium as a "nice companion".
"It's an intimate medium, sensitive. It's true," Boucher said, referring to emotions that come in the human voice. "I think it's more powerful in terms of immediacy. It grabs you, especially if you hear a voice different from what you hear normally."
But, "the radio audience is leaving because the experience is not good," Boucher said, referring to the numerous ad spots that clutter commercial programming.
With the minimal investment of $140 for a digital tape recorder the size of a mint tin, Boucher records his programs and posts the sound files online.
"It's very democratic. Anyone can record," Boucher said. "Many more can talk than write, so it gives the possibility for many people to express themselves." Broadcasting is new to Boucher, who was a tobacco control advocate for years in his native France. Initially self-conscious hearing himself on tape, Boucher was reassured by his daughter Abigail that his voice was fine. But more than technical perfection, Boucher focuses on program content. "I'd rather have an eight-minute interview with an artist cut off (accidentally) than nothing," he said.
Although the site has been up for just a month, he started recording six months ago.
Programs include conversations with City Council members Christine Rolfes and Bill Knobloch, a talk by Dana and Bart Berg about biking in Europe, and Washington State climatologist Philip Mote on the early melting of snow pack and the impact on climate and water resources.
More recently, Boucher recorded 90 seconds of "wind chimes in a sunny morning" and an interview with Debbi lester, publisher of Art Access.
Boucher says he took inspiration from the volunteer-run internet radio station Voice of Vashon, which went online when it failed to get a frequency from the FCC. For now, his programming is all volunteer, but his eyes shine talking about the potential.
He has yet to start looking for funding, but is thinking about a combination of grants, viewer donations and ads on the website.
"The alternative to FM is internet-based," Boucher said. "With this (recorder) it's easy. Plenty of people can do things that are pretty good. I see a big future for community-based radio."
Listen to Voice of Bainbridge online at www.bainbridgeisland.org.
Those interested in making community radio programs can contact him at [email protected].