For Fiscal Year 2021, WBAI had a surplus for the first time in many years. So now is the time to take charge of WBAI's Tower Rent to 4 Times Square and try to make a significant dent in that debt. Our Tower Rent is about $17,000.00 per month whereas the other 4 sister stations pay a minimal amount. Instead of stressing ourselves every month trying to pay that bill, WBAI Management has decided to launch a campaign during this time of giving to raise $100,000.00 in order to pay this bill upfront for the coming year, then we can put this worry behind us in 2022. Best of all, Pacifica National is collaborating with us and the Interim Executive Director is working with us in negotiating any contract or project and has empowered us to take the lead.

If you recall, WBAI's Management had reached out to and started negotiating with 4TS prior to us moving in. We were getting great concessions when the Pacifica National Office took over and negotiated a contract just like they had done with the Empire State Building contract. That contract, by the way, obligated WBAI to pay a 10% yearly increase so that eventually the tower rent went from $45,000.00 per month in July 2012 to $65,000.00 by February 2018. Similarly, when the Pacifica Foundation decided to move WBAI to 120 Wall Street in 1998, the office rent went from $5,000.00 per month to $55,000.00 per month by 2013. Both contracts were negotiated and decided by the Pacifica National Office without consultation with WBAI.

This time around, again, Pacifica National is collaborating with us and has empowered us to take the lead. As you may already know, the Pacifica Foundation is also in better financial shape. The foundation finally filed its financials on time and will be eligible for CPB Funding next year. So let's do our best to get past this last period of a difficult time. Details about how to accomplish this will be forthcoming. Remember, WBAI has survived from 2012 to the present due to the loyalty, dedication, and hard work of Staff and Producers. Let's keep this recovery going!